The music featured during the intro and credits of this episode is a song called “Free Now” from local Chicago band Marcella.

44 years of socially relevant documentary films

Kartemquin produces a wide range of films about subjects ranging from stem cell research to genetic testing to typography to gangs and society.  Here are some highlights from our interview:

Kartemquin was founded by three University of Chicago students who were interested in cinematic social inquiry.  They thought if you could reflect society back onto itself, you could create social change.

Their most famous film is Hoop Dreams.

Creating a documentary film can often be a lonely process, so Kartemquin specializes in creating a collaborative environment.

Kartemquin films typically run the festival circuit, followed by a national broadcast (sometimes international) and then a DVD and/or digital release.

There’s not much money right now in digital distribution, especially for documentaries, so everybody is trying to figure out what the new income model will be.

Kartemquin is currently working on a new documentary called “The Interrupters” about a group of ex-gang members who are part of a group called CeaseFire whose mission is to break up violence in Chicago.

Documentary filmmakers never know where the story is going to go.  They have a basic idea in mind at the beginning, but the story evolves as the film is made.

When films are ready to be distributed, reviews in major publications are still important.  But filmmakers are increasingly looking to reach the communities of people they think the film relates to most.

The ins and outs of e-learning

NogginLabs builds e-learning software applications for that the learner takes at a computer. Here are some highlights from our chat about e-learning and being creative:

NogginLabs has always had a very strong focus on hiring creative writers, rather than technical writers. This allows them to create well rounded, realistic characters and storylines within their e-learning software.

When NogginLabs first started as a business, co-owners Traci and Brian kept their client base diverse to ensure a steady income stream.

What started as a way to protect the company has turned into a critical part of what makes the company and it’s employees creative and well rounded.

The folks at NogginLabs are great at creating real life based training that is unique compared to the other products in the e-learning space today.

Everybody at NogginLabs is encouraged to be creative, leading to a more inspiring and creative workplace. Most have their own creative endeavours outside work, like improv and writing.

Employees at NogginLabs are encouraged to “make it cool”.

The little things are very important. Sound effects and background music aren’t necessarily required for e-learning products but they add greatly to the overall user experience.

The full live interview
This episode was also broadcast live on Beyond The Pedway LIVE! Check out the entire unedited interview below:

But what he found was a great story of family working together to make a living and build a future for themselves. Not only was he inspired by the land but the Nolans as well.

One of the best things about this fund raising effort you get more than just a name on the credits you get cheese! Come on what more can you ask for?

Listen to the podcast right here!

Or Subscribe to Midwest Media Now! On iTunes

Seriously watch the trailer and try and tell me the Midwest isn’t beautiful!

A small sample from a feature length documentary about the Nolan’s family-run dairy farm in Ohio and their venture into cheese making. This project is currently under production and needs your support please visit http://tinyurl.com/grasstocheese

THINGS THAT CAME UP
Milk Products Media
Laurel Valley Creamery
KickStarter
The Farmers Wife
Seven Signs
HVX 200
P2 Cards
Final Cut
Vimeo
Small Chicago
Jaman

HELP MAKE THIS HAPPEN!

You can be a part of this by helping with the fund raising efforts. Donate or share this widget on your site.

Fifth House Ensemble is currently producing a show in Chicago called “Black Violet“, which is an “unprecendented experience in music, art and narrative”, featuring a graphic novel set to classical music.

If you can’t see the video, please click here. The music featured during the intro and credits of this episode is a song called “The Sweetest Talk” from local Chicago musician IJ Quinn.

I’ve never seen a more poignant film than this that represents everything that is going on in New Media today.  The idea of a “little radio show” much like a podcast is today launching personalities, to radio and TV personalities having influence over the thoughts of the general public and even big brands wanting a piece of the action because they want to attach their names to a rising star in hopes of selling more product.

Listen to the podcast right here! Subscribe to Midwest Media Now! On iTunes

Warning, there are some spoilers to the movie as we talk about some key scenes but we didn’t give away the ending or anything like that. All I can say is I encourage everyone to watch this movie even after all this time this movie is more relevant now than ever before.

We’re giving away 3 copies of “A Face in the Crowd” to a random commenter or tweeter that retweets this episode. Please use the following line so we can find your entry easy or just leave a comment on the post. If you’re not already following Midwest Media Now on Twitter that’s okay but you’re missing out!

@midwestmedianow pick me! pick me! I want to see “A Face In The Crowd” #faceinthecrowd

This show was off the cuff with our Wednesday morning media group that at Starbucks in Schaumburg.  Drop by or Skype in if you ever want to be a part of nerdy discussions.  When I brought it up in the group I was surprised to hear at at least one other had seen the movie.

On the show:
Tony Gasbarro web
Sean McMenemy web - twitter
Celina Acquaro web
Bill Fortune web

Find out more about “A Face In The Crowd”

Theresa started the site after moving to Chicago herself and not knowing where any restaurants or bars or theaters or anything was. The Local Tourist began as a business directory and eventually evolved into a destination site for Chicagoans looking to find what was going on in town, as well as people visiting Chicago looking for the best things to do.

Theresa and I also chat about what it takes to start your own business and what skills are most important when doing so.

If you can’t see the video, please click here. The music featured during the intro and credits of this episode is a song called “TSR” from local Chicago band Echo Son.

This episode was a Beyond The Pedway LIVE episode, so the full unedited interview is embedded below.