Director of Photography Danny Crook (Coasting, Two Days in February) will be performing at Tonic Room in Chicago next Monday (01/18)!  Crook is not only a cinematographer, but also a “thrillagician on a mission, no wishin’, just a precision vision.”  That’s right.  You heard the man.

Come out of the cold next Monday to come see some talented acts including Danny Crook, performing some stand-up as well as some magic.  Tonic Room is located at 2447 North Halsted Street in Chicago, Illinois.  The acts will begin at approximately 9:00 PM.  Liven up your Monday evening by coming out for a few drinks, some magic and laughs!

Come on out to Goose Island in Wrigleyville tonight (01/14/10) to see Dennis Florine perform live at 9:00 PM!  Florine says that this will be the last show he’s going to be performing in Chicago for a few months.  He’s currently composing for the new musical, “Gingerbread,” which opens March 11th at the Gorilla Tango Theater.  Playing right after Florine will be Kosher Curried Salami and Primeridian.  Gonna be a wild night you’re not going to want to miss!

In some other news, Florine’s first music video, For the Sinews in Your Footsteps premiered across the internet early this morning.  CNGM is also featuring the Sidenote Pictures‘ produced video on our site!  Check out the video by clicking here!

Erica Lynn Schmeck (producer of Two Days in February and Darren & Abbey) was voted in by the Board of Directors to take over the position of CNGM Artistic Director this past Sunday.  Formerly held by Michael P. Noens (director of Coasting), Schmeck will be defining the artistic vision of CNGM Pictures in 2010 by selecting and workshopping new projects.

Noens stepped down as Artistic Director Sunday and was voted in as the company’s Executive Director.  Several more staff positions are expected to be forming this year to help the company grow and produce films of the highest quality possible in the Chicagoland area.

CNGM’s latest short film project, Out Secured has officially entered into post production and is now in the hands of editor Tony Schiavone.  The film’s director, Erica Lynn Schmeck will be working with Schiavone to get the cut ready for picture lock.  No specific release date has been set, but the timeline producers are looking at is to have it completed by this May, in time for submissions to Fall 2010 festivals.

The short comedy features Nick Cardiff, Martha Hearn, Conor Burke and Kaley McCormack.  More photos and other media to come very soon!