Additional Resources in Chicago

Other fine organizations supporting the Chicago Production Community

MCA-I Website

Learn more about the National Media Communications Association International by visiting the Website for the Chicago Chapter's parent organization, MCA-I.

AMC (Association for Multimedia Communications)

President Harvey Tillis reports that AMC started in 1990 "pretty much as a Macromedia Director users group" and evolved from there. Today the group is extremely diverse, reflecting the changing demands of the market. AMC's mission is to help their 250 members "create value with knowledge management."

One of the most unique aspects of this group is that they do not hold general meetings; instead, members can choose to attend any combination of four different SIG meetings each month. The SIGs include Content, Director, E-Learning and Web. Nor do they publish a traditional printed newsletter, opting to communicate via Web and Email.

AMC hosts an annual Interactive Communications/Interactive Design competition. Non- members pay a fee to attend meetings.

CSN (Chicago Screenwriters Network)

Founded in early 1995 by Ed Bernero and Christiana Miller, CSN is a relatively informal aggregation in which "Attendance = Membership." All you have to do is show up on the first Sunday of each month (generally) at 6 p.m. at the Lincoln Restaurant, 4008 N. Lincoln. A $3 donation covers admin costs, and the restaurant's $5 cover charge goes toward your meal.

Recent guest speakers have included Harold Ramis, Linda Seger, Maise Poi and Eric Poticha. There are about 50 members locally, and a West Coast branch is in development. CSN sponsors a "script feedback program" in which copies of your script are read by members who provide feedback the following month.

CAF (Chicago Advertising Federation)

Founded in 1905, CAF is the oldest organization for Chicago area advertising professionals. Members are corporations - every employee of a corporate member is entitled to member benefits. They hold a remarkable quantity and variety of monthly events including luncheons, seminars, career days, outreach programs and diversions like bowling and volleyball. Check out their very appealing website to see what's going on. CAF sponsors the annual Windy Awards.

WIDC (Women in the Director's Chair)

Besides hosting a wealth of screenings and events all year, WIDC sponsors the largest and longest running women's film and video festival in the country. They focus on hot-button issues like feminism, the challenges faced by young girls, political activism, multiculturalism and social change.

CHIFCPUG (Chicago Final Cut Pro Users Group)

The Chicago Final Cut Pro User's Group is one of the largest FCP user's groups in the country. Boasting an impressive roster of Chicago professional editors and amateur editors alike, this chapter hosts monthly meetings that focus on learning new tricks, keeping up on changes with the software (and related tools) as well as showcasing members work.

Screen Magazine

Screen Enterprises publishes Screen Magazine, a 25-year old trade publication covering the Midwest advertising, television, film and video production community. In addition to Screen Magazine, Screen Enterprises publishes the SCREEN Production Bible, an annual directory of Midwest production service providers. In 2003, Screen Magazine began the Star Awards, an annual event honoring the best of the Midwest production community.

Reel Chicago

It wasn't long after leaving Screen that Ruth got back into the business and started Reel Chicago. Reel Chicago provides much of the same coverage as Screen Magazine, but is more focused on the Chicago community.