Looking For Work In Chicago? Try These Places

Contrary to popular belief, you can make it in Chicago! 

The job market is fine; job seekers are looking for work in all the wrong places.

If you want to find quick employment, try the following options.

CONVENTION & TRADE SHOW STAFFING

Staffing agencies that specialize with conventions and trade shows are the best bets for people looking to secure relatively easy work and solid pay within 3 weeks of sending resumes.
(Some exceptions may apply.) 

Summer is very slow but the fall, spring, and winter are great times to find consistent work. 

Chicago's minimum wage is 10.00/hr for 2015 and will increase in increments until 2019 when it will be 13.00/hr.

* Convention Connection (Website)

Kate Zeitvogel, Director of Sales & Staffing
- Technology, Education, Retail focused shows
(Occasional medical shows)
- Wardrobe: White shirt, Black jacket and pants
Locations: Hyatt, Swissotel, Sheraton, McCormick Place

*Action Figures-Chicago (Website)

Lori Jaffe, Manager
- Medical and Government focused shows
- Wardrobe: Blue shirt, Black jacket and pants 
Locations: McCormick Place

*ShiftGig (Website)
Eddie Lou, CEO 
- Bartenders, servers, brand ambassadors 
Locations: Various 


EXTRAS CASTING

Chicago's TV and film industry is getting stronger every year. Extras can find work quickly without little hassle.
The only items to remember are: 1) Be ON TIME; 2) Bring 3 changes of clothes; 3) Bring 2 forms of ID; and 4) Be patient

Anthony White Casting
*Independent films and TV shows
("Southside With You", "The Blexicans") 

Joan Philo Casting
("Chicago Med"/ "Chicago Fire")


Tail Sticks Casting
("Chicago PD) 

(Google these places or find them on Facebook) 

Extras casting pays about 80 dollars for 8 hours with time and a half. You can get a pay bump for wardrobe fittings, vehicle uses (25 dollars) and a higher pay grade if you are a stand-in. (Stand-ins are test dummies to help light the scene for actors with similar physical features). 

Stand-ins get about 140 a day. But you have to pray that you look like the actor who needs one. It's like playing the lottery.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Native Chicagoans can try Uber as well. I have a few friends who are making big bucks from Uber. 

Just steer clear of places like ATN (Across The Nation) Promotions. They offer high paying jobs but take almost 2 months to pay for certain gigs. 

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Chicago Features Its Best at the 5th Anime Midwest

For its 5th year in the Chicagoland area, Anime Midwest focused on the more musical and dance side this year. On top of the great panels, awesome voice acting guests, and cosplay events, Anime Midwest continues to evolve and make itself more unique every year.

[Click on any of the following pics to see the videos]

Some of the things already that set Anime Midwest apart from most conventions include:
The Date Auction [where a portion of the proceeds go to the St. Jude's Children's Hospital]
The ConSweet (where attendees and guests can get an unlimited amount of free ramen, rice, soda pop, and now oatmeal throughout the weekend)
The recently added Fleur Maid Cafe (recently added last year and has been a regular at the AnimeCon.org conventions)


This year's focus shifted towards more music and dance this year.
Two Chicago bands were featured at this year's Anime Midwest including V is for Villains and Kid Yuki and the Otakus. Other Key music guests included Steam Powered Giraffe, The Pillowcases,  and Frenchy and The Punk just to name a few.

Dance was featured during the opening ceremonies and that was only a sample of what was to come. There were a lot of dance performances by the Fleur Maid Cafe throughout the convention to help advertise the limited time slots left available to experience the maid cafe. The Raves and Formal Ball were still key featured events at the convention as well.
The one special addition was the Nippon Academy Media hosted K-Pop Battle that took place Anime Midwest. With the huge K-Pop craze growing it was fitting to have a dance battle with some of the best talent in the area with the audience being the judges.

Only time will tell what to expect from Anime Midwest and what is to come in the following years, including their December sister convention Con+Alt+Delete. For more information, go to www.conaltdelete.com.

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Remembering James P. Raspberry | A Family Man

Today, we buried another person from my paternal bloodline: retired Chicago police officer James P. Raspberry. He was known as "Uncle Jimmy" due to our age difference and his sibling-like relationship with my father, AB Raspberry-- his first cousin.

Uncle Jimmy died on June 6 from congestive heart failure. However, his life story is what intrigues people who never met him-- including Maureen O'Donnell from the Chicago Sun-Times. (Click the link above for her amazing obituary) 

Ms. O'Donnell was the perfect person to tell his story because she has a gift for analyzing the right details of someone's life after they have passed. One detail that caught her ear in phone interviews was Uncle Jimmy's stature. He was 6-foot-4 without shoes; with his police cap, he appeared much taller.

For me, the greatest thing about him was that we shared the same birthday: July 23.

He and his wife, Aunt Joan (pictured right), were married for over 57 years. During that time, their greatest accomplishment was being loving parents to their daughter Joni Jayne. 

According to others, his work with troubled youth on Chicago's West Side was what made him so great.

In his own family, he helped my siblings, cousins, and I experience the finer things in life. He believed in sharing what he had with others; he believed in family. 

Today, we kept that going. We shared love with one another and shared memories of how great he was. This Father's Day is going to be a bittersweet one because we won't be able to honor him physically. But we can rest assured that his spirit lives on and he will forever be in our memories.

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Chicago Couple Celebrates TWO Milestones: 40th Wedding Anniversary & Daughter's Birthday

For the past 40 years, they have been known as "Mr. & Mrs. Larry". (To me, they are "Uncle James" and "Aunt Janie").
Today is their official wedding anniversary and the birthday of their youngest daughter, Jacqueline-- featured with them in the picture below.

 

Last Saturday, the Larry crew held an official celebration at a beautiful banquet hall. It's what they called a "Very Larry" occasion. With stirring tributes and great music, it was a great event-- featuring photography from my younger brother "Promodave Cameraman". (Look him up on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram). 

Congratulations and blessings to all of them!     

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Anime Central Celebrates Its Senior Year!

This year, Anime Central reached a milestone as it hit its 18th year. Anime Central continues to evolve and grow with now a focus on education and cultural involvement. More panels geared towards educating everyone on the culture and pop culture of the nations of the east including Japan.

Many other surprises this year included the special "ACen Senior Prom formal", a tribute to the late great Monty Oum, and a surprise appearance of most of the key cast voice actors for the new Sailor Moon Crystal.

Click below to see the full video coverage.

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Spike Lee "Claps Back" At Chiraq Critics

Spike Lee wants to "do the right thing" in Chicago. But his upcoming film project, "Chiraq", has attracted all of the wrong attention before one single frame has been filmed. 

This morning, he held a press conference at St. Sabina Church to address his critics. "Wait 'til the movie comes out," Lee advised the naysayers. According to multiple outlets, the premise of the film is based on Lysistrata-- a Greek tale about women withholding sex to keep their men from fighting.

(Lee fails to give credit to the 2003 B-movie, "A Miami Tail" --starring rapper Trina-- which featured the same concept.)

The Economic Impact of "Chiraq"

At today's conference, Lee reported that "Chiraq" has a $15 million budget. In addition to that, the film is expected to bring $40 million to Chicago in various ways.  The film, distributed and produced by Amazon Studios, will be filmed in Englewood-- a neighborhood ranked as one of the nation's most violent.

While the Illinois Film Office has a welcoming approach to big productions, there are some who want to halt Lee's desire for a $3 million tax break. Last week, Chicago alderman Will Burns (4th Ward) submitted a resolution to have the Illinois Film Office reject Lee's possible request.  

What Will A Tax Credit Do?
  
The Illinois Film Production Tax Credit, signed in December 2008, "consists of 30% of Illinois production spending" and applicants must provide a diversity plan which represents the State. 

If granted the credit, Lee's production could receive additional credits if employees come from an impoverished area. Given that the film is set in Englewood, paid extras and general staff from Chicago's South Side could contribute to a quid pro quo arrangement. (In other words, there will be a mutual exchange.) 

Yet, some critics claim that unions benefit from the Illinois Film Production Tax Credit because it applies to Illinois labor only. Being that Illinois is a not "right-to-work" state, unions play a major role in hiring practices.  (Right-to-work allows workers to escape unionism.) 

For Lee's team, time is running out. The application must be received within 24 hours of principal photography.

Hopefully, Lee's investment will pay off for the citizens of "Chiraq" and not just pad the pockets of his production company-- 40 Acres And A Mule-- and Amazon Studios.  

Lee with Bonita Foster, who lost her daughter Porshe to violence in November 2012.

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Chance The Rapper's Dad: Rahm Emanuel's Next Chief Of Staff?

The Bennett family of Chicago is working hard to build their own "Empire"-- without any prison drama or dark secrets from 17 years ago. 

Chancelor Bennett (better known as "Chance The Rapper") is seen above in the center of the photo with his brother, Taylor, and their father Ken. The Bennett brothers are making waves in hip hop music while their father is becoming a powerful force in Chicago politics. As an integrated effort, Chance and Taylor's music helps their dad's boss-- Mayor Rahm Emanuel-- reach young voters; in turn, Mr. Bennett's roles as First Deputy Chief of Staff and Director of Public Engagement allow him to further his sons' careers by exposing them to new cultural settings.

Now, Mr. Bennett is expected to move up further himself after news that Mayor Emanuel's current chief of staff is leaving. For the past year, Mr. Bennett has worked to build relationships with community leaders in Chicago to help the Mayor's Office be more accessible to the people.

To the contrary, some of Mr. Bennett's critics might feel that he is self-serving as the highest-paid African-American in the Mayor's Office. In addition to their criticisms, his son Taylor has been in trouble with the law; Chance has been accused of being misogynistic and homophobic.

One thing is for sure: the Bennett family continues to look ahead and experience bigger and better things.

An official announcement on the Mayor's new chief of staff is forthcoming.  

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Watch A Foreigner Speak Polish (After 1 Month Of Practice)

I'm back on my Polish lessons!

There's one video on YouTube that has inspired me to continue my pursuit to learn the Polish language. In the video, two friends in Vietnam (one from America; the other from Poland) show off their Polish "chops". And I must say that it is quite impressive.



In just 3 weeks, Chicago's Polish Constitution Day Parade will be held downtown and I want to attend and say a few sentences.

I'll keep you posted on my progress!

Do widzenia! (Do vee-zen-ya) 

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Rahm Wins--But What About Chuy's Supporters?

There can only be one winner in politics. 

Last night, Mayor Rahm Emanuel beat Cook County Commissioner Jesus "Chuy" Garcia to win a second term in office as Chicago's top boss. And I was right there to enjoy the festivities as he gave his victory speech at the Stephen F. Bailey Auditorium of Chicago Journeymen Plumbers' Local Union 130, U.A. (Whew! That was a mouthful!)

Just like no one likes a sore loser, I can assume that people who gloat are equally as annoying. The purpose of this election should have been to show the diversity of Chicago-- even in the difference of our political opinions. While I'm happy that Rahm won, I am concerned about those who supported Chuy. 

Chuy's supporters deserve a voice. They made a lot of good points about how this city has ignored the "least of these" and made the needs of wealthy individuals a sole priority. That's what troubles me even in a time of celebration.

I want all elected officials of Chicago to remember the hard-working people who keep the city going strong. In order to reach that goal, I have to throw my name in the hat and find ways to connect and compromise for a better future.

You might be reading this with a doubtful attitude but I see things differently. I believe that we can improve things for the poor and disenfranchised if we stay focused, optimistic, and united. 
 

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Why Lifehacker Rocks! (My Journey To Professional Coding)

All journeys begin with one step. 

Today, I began a special journey to the land of professional coding. After searching for "the basics of coding" on YouTube, I found Lifehacker. [Lifehacker provides "tips, tricks, and downloads for getting anything done."]

As a newcomer, I wanted a fast and understandable tutorial to give me the basics. The following video was very helpful in helping me to achieve that objective. 





Why I Want To Code

*Enhance My Skill Set
As an entrepreneur, I want to be able to design apps, set up servers, and find ways to attract larger audiences. In addition to that, I want to use my skills to teach others how to be entrepreneurs and create jobs for people in disadvantaged communities. 

 *Keep My Mind Fresh
I'm 30 years old and the old joke goes that the mind is the first thing to go. I don't want that to happen to me. Coding can help me learn new things and apply them to various situations for a better life. 


*I Want To Make Money
Self-fulfillment is nice and all, but I ultimately want become a billionaire through coding. (I might as well set the bar so high that I'll "have to settle" for a couple million in the bank.)



Stay tuned for more updates as I become a better coder!  

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Getting Inspired By Men's Health Next Top Trainer

As I approach my 31st birthday, I still hope to achieve an amazing physique. While my sweet tooth has been my Achilles' heel, I have made a few strides to cut back as much as possible. (It's hard, though.) 

What motivates me most is the presence of more men over 35 who have maintained youthful and muscular bodies. If they have manage to keep six pack abs, massive shoulders, and bulging biceps/triceps-- I have no excuse but to put down the sweets, make a salad, and increase my reps. 

One of my inspirations is John Hall. He's one of my acquaintances who is an contestant in the Men's Health Next Top Trainer competition. At 50 years old, he has maintained a great physique and doesn't let his age hold him back. 

While looking at some of John's competitors' pages, I found another example of fitness inspiration. Billy Boston and his wife have started their own business and hope to become the "No. 1 Fit Couple."

  

If I want to get in shape like them, the time is now!

I'll update you on my progress.  

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August Wilson's 'Two Trains Running' : A Story Worth Telling Again

I have a theater buddy; she happens to be my mother, Sylvia. (At 64 years young, that's "Ms. Sylvia" to you.) 

When my siblings and I were younger, my parents never had a chance to go on a lot of dates because they were so busy looking after us. Now that we're grown ( ages 25 to 44), we find ways to help them make up for lost time. For me, the best way to honor Mom is to take in some amazing plays at Goodman Theatre.

On Monday, August Wilson's "Two Trains Running" opened for the second time in two decades. The story, set in 1969, hit home for Mom because that is when she graduated high school. That year featured the debut of the Jackson 5 and the Moon Landing. But historians tend to overlook the smaller events of that year. This is why Wilson's storytelling is still necessary some 10 years after his death. 

In "Two Trains Running," Wilson takes a "little story" about a diner in Pittsburgh and gives it a major role in theater history. The spectacular writing gives a voice to everyday people through the gifts of an ensemble cast, brilliantly directed by Chuck Smith. 

As an August Wilson aficionado, I always assume what to expect. But a great director knows how to bring out the key Wilson play elements of quick one-liners and poignant monologues to create an amazing experience. The cast members were all phenomenal-- including Nambi E. Kelley as Risa. They all kept the "train of suspense" running throughout the production.

What my mother and I loved the most was Wilson's pursuit for the "ugly truth" to set us free. During the uncomfortable moments of the play (use of the N-word), we saw how awkward moments opened the door for a greater discussion. 

"Two Trains Running" is part of a citywide celebration of August Wilson's life-- a life that continues to bring new life to theatergoers. When Wilson's soul stepped off this train of life, he left behind something valuable: a legacy of writings which will continue to "move" audiences for decades to come.


BREAKING NEWS: "Two Trains Running" has been extended until April 19! Hurry to Chicago and check out an amazing play. (Click here to find out more.)
(Rating: 4 stars out 4) 

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5 Reasons To Move To Chicago (Minus The Corny Cliches)

For all 30 years of my life, I have lived right here in Chicago.

As much as I want to leave, I haven't found the courage (or finances) to do it yet. 

Simply put, I'm tired of living in Chicago. I want to go somewhere less populated with better weather and less competition for jobs. 

By contrast, I have seen a lot of posts sharing reasons why people should move here. Unfortunately, these posts always feature generalized statements and corny cliches about the city. Chicago is more than just a place to see tall buildings and eat great pizza!

If you really want to live in "The Windy City", check out this list:

1. Chicago is easy to navigate

Most of Chicago's streets run North/South or East/West-- with the exception of streets like South Chicago, Odgen, Milwaukee, and Elston (which run "on an angle").

When I visited New York, I got confused as to why 51st and 3rd Avenue had addresses like 850 51st Street. 

We keep it simple in Chicago! 

2. Chicago makes you tough!

If your parents were like June and Ward Cleaver, you are going to be in for a "rude" awakening. (Figuratively and literally!)

Most Chicagoans won't bother you but there are a few who will test you. You have to stand up for yourself or pay the consequences. 

3. On the South Side, Chicago's "subway" gives transparent views!

The CTA trains give beautiful views of the city's skyline (heading north) and typically unseen views of the city's neighborhoods (heading south). Usually, a subway covers up the beauty of a city. In Chicago, you get to see Sox Park at 35th Street (on the Red Line) or witness live "sales demonstrations" on the train from some of the best panhandlers in the country.

4. Chicago gives you more chances to be on TV!

Whether it's the evening news or a prime time drama, you have plenty of chances to make the background!

In addition to that, people can come to our ABC affiliate's street level studio and see their favorite anchors on the other side of the glass. (Yeah, it does have a prison-like feel). But they will occasionally point the camera at the street and allow onlookers to wave for a few seconds. (Just like Good Morning America). 

5. Chicago is a love/hate kind of place.

As much as you want to leave, you always tend to miss it when you go to other cities.

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The 5 Year Journey For One of Chicago's Anime Cons

(click on the logo above to see the full video story)

Kollision Con, Chicago's Anime/Comic Book/Cosplay focused conventions celebrated its 5th Anniversary. One of Chicago's premier cons, whether you would like to start off relaxed for your first ever Con, or would like to add another convention to your list for the year, Kollision Con brings a sense of excitement to the Chicagoland Area to start off the year.

Kollision Con President, Chris Oliva, took the time to chat with us about Kollision Con's history and their goals.

Along with a focus on Anime, Kollision highly focused on Comic Books and nearby local artists to partake in the festivities. This year, Kollision Con stepped up their focus on their Cosplay competition by awarding cash prizes, while emphasizing a high level of cosplay design for everyone, whether competitive or casual.

Musical Guests this year included two key performances for the Japanese punk rock band Uzuhi, and the hip hop rock performances by The Adventures of Duane and Brando.

For those wanting to get into the Voice Acting Industry, Paul St. Peter held 2 key master classes on voice acting which involved volunteers to perform in front of con goers.

This year looks to be a big year for conventions in the Chicagoland area, and Kollision Con is the first to make its mark. Hope to see you all at the next Kollision Con!

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A New Video Shows Chicago From Above--With Beautiful Results!

Over the past 5 years, Chicago has become a major player in the TV & Film industry with hit shows and movies being filmed here. 

Now, Chicago is the star of its own movie.

Soaring Badger Productions has produced a video with a "Bird's Eye View"-- showing Chicago in a way that it has rarely been seen until now. 

Check it out below. 

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ONE BLOCK Episode 3 Recap: "Not On My Watch"

Walter Lockhart (played by Kenneth Caldwell) is Chicago's ultimate surrogate father.

In the latest episode of ONE BLOCK, he spends time with his neighbors Shanita (Kai Shanese) and Troy (J. Edison)-- both of whom are real-life siblings. Shanita invites her friend, Oscar-- who has been mentoring Troy-- to meet Walter in a hilarious dinner table scenario.

Check out Episode 3, "Not On My Watch", below and prepare for a major twist in Episode 4-- coming next week! 



ONE BLOCK - Not On My Watch (Episode 3) from Zack Raz on Vimeo.

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Candidate Glenda Franklin Spreads Love Across Chicago

Chicago political candidate Glenda Franklin refuses to forget her humble beginnings on the city's South Side. While her campaign for 17th Ward Alderman quickly moves forward, Ms. Franklin still finds time to show love to those who could be her future constituents.

Yesterday, Ms. Franklin came out to Operation Hope to help serve 2,300 meals to the needy-- a joint effort with her pastor Father Michael Pfleger of St. Sabina Church, BJ's Market, and WVON-AM.

However, Ms. Franklin has done more than just serve her own ward. Last Sunday, she came to the spot where 15-year-old Demario Bailey lost his life and offered prayers and support for his family.  For her, the zip code or political boundaries of the crime did not matter. Throughout her entire campaign, she has gone wherever there was need.

"This has to stop! This has to stop! In the name of Jesus, this has to stop," Ms. Franklin prayed before a small crowd of mourners. 

With the primary election just 2 months away, Ms. Franklin continues to reach out to her community so that they can create #ANewNormal.   

For more information about her campaign, visit her Facebook page. 

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Behind The Scenes | Why ONE BLOCK Matters

The Zack's TV original series, ONE BLOCK, is more than just a video project; the show is part of my mission to create the kind of programming that I want to see.

Before I started, I observed that most "urban" or African-American webseries focused on crime or relationships. Instead of complaining, I decided to create a different niche for storytellers. Given that I'm single and law abiding, I wanted to be the voice for working class people who live exciting but overlooked lives.

I produce the show with a Canon T3i Rebel DSLR camera, a lavalier mic, and basic editing software. I write my script on Celtx and I started an IMDB page to provide credits for my casts. Overall, I wear all of the hats and pay out of pocket with money from temp jobs. 

No begging on Kickstarter or IndieGoGo. I just use what I have.

The episodes are not perfect. One of the lavalier mics has a piece missing which causes an annoying clicking sound. Plus, my editing software doesn't allow me to re-color the footage in post-production. But I keep moving. 

ONE BLOCK matters because it is truly an original concept. Studio execs don't care about the unique relationships that neighbors in block clubs have with one another. That's why I wanted to do this project.

I have a talented and amazing cast-- with new guest stars signing up as we speak.

There are no complaints here; only kudos to some amazing people that you see above.  

UPDATE - January 14, 2015:
ONE BLOCK is on hiatus while we plan for a full-fledged production. Until then, you can enjoy Episodes 1-3 right here.





ONE BLOCK - Not On My Watch (Episode 3) from Zack Raz on Vimeo.

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A Tribute To "Mama Brenda" (Editorial)

Mama Brenda Matthews was a speaker who didn't need a microphone. She had a loud, resonant style of presentation which made her words echo days after you heard them. 
When she passed last Thursday at the age of 53, Mama Brenda's friends and family became her echo and continue to keep her memory alive through tributes.

When I first heard Mama Brenda in 2009, I was captivated. I had never heard a poet deliver words in such a passionate manner. She spoke with a sense of urgency but exuded a familiar charisma with the audience. You didn't feel uncomfortable calling her "Mama" because she treated her listeners as if they were family. 

Mama Brenda didn't believe in watering down the truth. She spoke the truth without boundaries and lifted her voice so loud that you could not ignore her.

I will miss her physical presence but I'm glad that she shared a gift that will always live on.

I send prayers and condolences to her friends, family, fans, and supporters. 



*                          *                               * 
Funeral arrangements have been announced:
Friday, November 28, 2014
Visitation 
4:00 to 7:00 p.m. 
Calahan Funeral Home

7030 S. Halsted St, Chicago, IL
1-773-723-4400

Celebration
7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Evangel World Outreach Center
4538 West Fullerton, Chicago, IL
1-773-252-5727

Saturday, November 29, 2014
Wake/Funeral
10:00 a.m. / 11:00 a.m.
Evangel World Outreach Center
4538 West Fullerton, Chicago, IL
1-773-252-5727

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ONE BLOCK Prepares For Official Production

Last Saturday, the Zack's TV original series "ONE BLOCK" entered the pre-production phase by filming a screen test with the cast.

Written, directed, and produced by Zack Raz, "ONE BLOCK" chronicles the misadventures of a popular couple-- Walter and Dottie Lockhart-- who finds themselves mediating neighborly disputes while trying to resolve those of their own. 

Ken Caldwell and Aubie Rain make their acting debuts as the Lockharts; rapper Ace B8gie ("Kamal") and model Aubri Ruiz ("Tina") continue moving forward in the industry. 

The first official episode will be shot during the weekend of December 5-7 but specific releases have not been determined yet. 

Check out a special screen test here.

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