GUEST COLUMN: Essential Tips for Writing a Script or Screenplay

by Susan Melony

Writing a screenplay or script is an essential part of making a film, and it’s the foundation that’s going to determine the quality of what you’re able to produce. There aren’t secrete formulas or structures to follow, no matter what you might have been taught up to this point. The only real formula you need to remember, which isn’t really a formula at all, is to keep it simple. The following are some basic, fundamental tips to create a script or screenplay that can be turned into something that plays out beautifully on the screen or stage.

2021, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIALDon ShanahanOctober 26, 2021Comment

GUEST COLUMN: Why Romantic Comedies Are The Best Option to Make a Funny Weekend

by Kelly Richardson

There are plenty of memes on the internet about weekends being short and not so fun since there's never enough time to do as many things as we want. It's understandable if you feel bad about having only two resting days after spending about five days at work. Some people are even freelancers, so they don't get to spend weekends without working. This lack of long weekends can cause strains in your relationship, especially with Ukrainian brides and other newly-weds that crave attention.

2021, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIALDon ShanahanOctober 16, 2021Comment

GUEST EDITORIAL: Interesting Facts About Freddie Mercury "Bohemian Rhapsody" Doesn’t Reveal

By Monykanchna Kunvuth

Former lead vocalist of Queen, Freddie Mercury led one fabulous life. If you think the Academy Award winning film Bohemian Rhapsody depicts Mercury’s life in a colorful light, you’re in for a wilder ride if you’re interested in knowing more about the man. Lesley-Ann Jones, Author of Mercury: An Intimate Biography of Freddie Mercury, covers the most compelling aspects of Mercury’s life. She interviewed members of Queen, Mercury’s lovers, family members, and many more. She even visited places of significance to the lead vocalist such as London, Zanzibar, and India. Here are some interesting facts that are never revealed in the Academy Award winning movie.

2021, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIALDon ShanahanOctober 15, 2021Comment

How Boosting your ELO in League of Legends can Save a lot of Time and Nerves

Playing League of Legends only for entertainment is not a challenge and even relaxing, but if you are one of those players who want to boost their ELO on their accounts, then you should be prepared for a big challenge. Boosting your ELO is never easy, especially if you are not fully familiar with League of Legends. However, there are some tips that you can use to boost your ELO much more easily. These tips can save you a lot of time and nerves. Also, there are many things while boosting your ELO that you should not do. Avoiding these can also save you a lot of time and nerves. We have listed the most important factors that you should do while boosting your ELO and how they can save a lot of time and nerves for you.

2021, Column, Editorial, SPECIALDon ShanahanOctober 12, 2021Comment

Award Winning Casino Related Films that you Need to Watch

Casino gambling is regarded as a fun and social activity; if you would want to participate and strive to win the jackpot reward, there are a wide range of online gaming options available, click here for some examples, all mentioned gaming casinos offer good odds, promotions, offers as well a good welcome package to help you get started on the right foot. Nevertheless, let’s take a look at the films that you need to watch:

2021, Column, EditorialDon ShanahanOctober 12, 2021Comment

GUEST COLUMN: CBD Documentary "Grass Is Greener": Know All About It

by Emma Wilson

According to the federal government, even as marijuana gets legal in most states, it remains a Schedule-I drug, whether for medical or recreational purposes. So, how did that happen? In his new documentary Grass Is Greener, legendary rapper Fab 5 Freddy examines how cannabis has influenced the Black music scene from the dawn of jazz to the present day, as well as the government's rationale for taking possession of it illegally.

2021, Column, Documentary, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, StreamingDon ShanahanOctober 12, 2021Comment

GUEST COLUMN: 3 Reasons Why Actors Choose To Go to College

by Lewis Robinson

The importance of education cannot be overstated. Today, more and more high school graduates are doubting the value of a college education. It might surprise them to know just how many famous performers have taken the time and made the effort to complete their college degrees even after they have become stars. Hollywood is full of superstars who value their framed degrees as much as they value their Oscars, Emmys and Grammys. The reasons why they choose to complete their studies even after fame are moving and they reveal the value of a good education.

2021, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIALDon ShanahanOctober 11, 2021Comment

FESTIVAL COVERAGE: Special programs and events of the 57th Chicago International Film Festival

From dramas and thrillers to documentaries and comedies, the 57th Chicago International Film Festival presents an outstanding diversity of offerings. As in other years, their competitive categories and programs include Cinemas of the Americas, International Comedy, Women in Cinema, OutLook, After Dark, the 25th anniversary of the Black Perspectives focus, and the City & State program highlighting films made in Chicago and throughout Illinois.

2021, Chicago Film Festival, Column, Film Festival, SPECIALDon ShanahanOctober 11, 2021Comment

FESTIVAL COVERAGE: Previewing the headliners of the 57th Chicago International Film Festival

The prestigious 57th Chicago International Film Festival will run from October 13-24. Spinning out of a virtual 2020 year of limited online screenings, drive-in accommodations, and a limited slate, this year’s festival roars back to expand across the city. After many years centered at the AMC River East homebase location, the 57th CIFF is branching out across the Windy City. Film events will also be hosted by The Gene Siskel Film Center, the historic Music Box Theatre, the returning drive-in ChiTown Movies in Pilsen, and neighborhood pop-up screenings at Bronzeville’s historic Parkway Ballroom. This proud festival finally has the full coverage across the city it has long deserved.

2021, Column, Film Festival, SPECIALDon ShanahanOctober 10, 2021Comment

GUEST COLUMN: Movies That Say Something About Business Savvy

by Lewis Robinson

Movies are made primarily for entertainment purposes, but they can be so much more. They can be educational, inspirational, and cautionary. Some of the most compelling movies ever made deal with business, either directly or tangentially. You can watch them to either increase your own business acumen from them or learn from them what not to do.

2021, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIAL, Home MediaDon ShanahanOctober 10, 2021Comment

GUEST COLUMN: 5 Movies That Will Leave You Thinking About Climate Change

by Kevin Gardner

The topic of climate change has worked its way into all types of artistic expression; however, within more recent decades, it has almost become an entire genre in Hollywood cinematography. You can find a bevy of documentaries about relatively any element of climate change, but given the topic's relevance, you've probably noticed it creeping into the plots of everything from science fiction to heartwarming family films. Here are five major films, fiction and nonfiction, that will leave you thinking about climate change.

2021, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIALDon ShanahanOctober 7, 2021Comment

GUEST COLUMN: 6 Killer Fashion Advice Tips From "The Devil Wears Prada"

by Kevin Gardner

When asked to think of a contemporary movie that centers around the world of fashion, The Devil Wears Prada should pop into your mind. This iconic film is just that good. It’s funny. It’s stylish. It has a star-studded cast. It’s more than 15 years old, and it’s still serving up fashion advice to today’s audiences that anyone can abide by and look their best, no matter the current trends. It can do no wrong. A few pieces of advice from The Devil Wears Prada stand out above the rest, however. Let’s take a look at the timeless styling tips you can apply to your own approach to fashion.

2021, Column, Editorial, GUEST EDITORIALDon ShanahanOctober 7, 2021Comment