I'm currently a motion and video producer at VSA Partners. I continue to independently produce with Earthcircle Films and other filmmakers throughout Chicago which can be read in more detail in my blog.
Moving from a small town in Michigan, Kathryn came to Chicago to further her studies in film at the Illinois Institute of Art. Since then, Kathryn has produced multiple short films that have played at festivals including the Chicago International Film Festival, the BFI London Film Festival, and the Rhode Island Film Festival.
Trailers
The Assassination of Chicago’s Mayor – dir. by David Schmudde
A newspaper peddler named Patrick Prendergast has delusions of greatness. Evidently slighted by the mayor, this self-anointed messenger prepares for a glorious rise from ignored lobbyist to influential icon. Prendgerast sees himself as a martyr, serving God with a noble purpose. The reality is far different.
The Assassination of Chicago’s Mayor is a historical account of late 19th century Chicago full of rhetoric that feels eerily contemporary. Prendergast follows his brand of ideological righteousness to its hateful end, an end where justice and revenge are one in the same.
The Assassination is now completed and will begin its festival tour Spring of 2012.
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Jack and Justin – “Hard Copy” – dir. by Jack Bishop and Justin Nijm
A Teaser for the first episode of “The Cautionary Tales of Jack & Justin”.
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“Pocus” has also been completed and will begin its festival run in 2012.
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Currently in Post Production
“Fall in Love” (spec commercial)
“Tom Carter” (short film)
“Jack and Justin” (webisode)
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For Fun
Schmudde and I were lucky enough to have the opportunity to be involved with the Blackhawks “Hit the Ice” 2011-12 season video. You’ll find our talents to great use at :12 when Schmudde opens a cab door for me as a Blackhawks player zooms by! ; )
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Happy Holidays! See you in 2012!
Kathryn
Well, quite a bit to update, so here’s the latest!:
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Earthcircle Films: Trailers, Director’s Reel and More coming October 2011!
For now, check out director David Schmudde’s blogs: Directing Film and Aesthetics of the Invisible World.
“The Assassination of Chicago’s Mayor” – nearing the end! Should be completed by November 2011.
“The Coldest Winter” – still editing. Estimated completion mid-2012.
“Elements” – Spring/Summer – Completion November/December 2011.
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“Chrome”
I was notified in May or June that the Chrome spec commercial I produced received a Bronze Telly Award. Here’s the spot for those who have not seen it yet:
(Directed by Marie Ullrich, Cinematography by Kevin Moss)
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“Faster!” and “Refuge”:
“Faster!” has screened at the 22nd St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival, the White Sands International Film Festival, and another round at Columbia Colleges Film Row.
“Refuge” screened at Chicago Filmworkers “Short Story Film Showcase”.
Both “Refuge” and ”Faster!” made their TV debuts with Shorts International Shorts TV this year. Faster! is available today, Ocober 1st, for anyone who can get the channels!
For More Information: “Refuge” & ”Faster!“.
(Refuge 2010: Dir. by David Schmudde, DP: Kevin Moss. Faster! 2010: Dir. Marie Ullrich, DP: Tony Santiago)
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“Fall in Love”, the spec commercial Patrick Christl and I produced earlier this year, is wrapping up nicely. I hope to have something to show before 2012. For now, here are some set photos:
(Photo Credits: Ashlley Duarte. ”Fall in Love” Director: Sorrel Ahlfeld, DP: Robert Arnold, Producers: Patrick Christl and Kathryn Henderson)
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“Pocus”, directed by Al Wyatt, cinematography by Jim Hoffman, will be completed any day now! Expect updates, stills and a trailer soon!
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“Tom Carter”
Since my last post, I took on producing for grad student writer/director Nicholas Ferrario. His thesis film “Tom Carter” was shot by Kevin Moss. We wrapped production at the end of August. Patrick Christl returned to production manage and co-produce. His company, Realistic Films, will be handling post production. I hope to have set photos to share soon.
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My latest endeavor is producing the next webisode of “Jack and Justin“. Production begins Friday, October 7th and wraps on Monday, October 10th, 2011. Directors Justin Nijm and Jack Bishop have teamed up with DP Jameison Mulholland to deliver the latest in the “Cautionary Tales of Jack and Justin”. Justin and Jack have a great comedic relationship and I was very excited at the opportunity to produce for them.
As a long-time fan of the show, I offer a personal favorite:
As for what’s next in my indie career – I have a few things on the horizon, but will update when the time comes.
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“Work Life”
VSA Partners has been a great learning and producing opportunity. I’ve had the chance to produce videos filming in Brazil, Switzerland, San Francisco, Cincinnati, Boston, Chicago and New York. I’ve also had the chance to travel to some of these locations (and no, not Brazil or Geneva sadly) and work with fantastic clients.
However, this blog is centered around my indie pursuits – so, for more specific information on VSA, please check out their website: www.vsapartners.com. I am more than happy to answer any questions to the best of my abilities if you have any though!
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“Personal Update”
Every year I try to engage in new opportunities to push myself. Last year I did the TYK pin-up calendar. (Yes, that is indeed me.)
This year, I did two things:
First, I auditioned for the Too Hot to Handel Jazz Messiah and got in! I’m a soprano and have been taking voice lessons for over a year now. The performances are in January if you’re interested in attending. Click here to view ABC’s coverage from last years performance.
Secondly, I had my acting debut (don’t get too excited, this isn’t a regular thing) in director Todd Looby’s latest feature “Be Good”. To view more about the film, and my small role, click here.
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I’ll call this a close to the update for now. Thanks for sticking through it!!
Kathryn
Much has happened in the past 8 weeks — all very exciting, and all very hectic…
“Fall in Love” Car Spec Commercial
I teamed up with Patrick Chistl of Realistic Films to produce a car spec commercial for AFI grad student in cinematography Robert Arnold. The spot was written and directed by Sorrel Ahlfeld who came in from New York to film the project in lovely Chicago. It was a rigorous and ambitious two day shoot, but we managed to get through it. I very much look forward to the final spot and will share set photography when available.
“Pocus” – Short Narrative
I also produced a short film about a magician called “Pocus” for director/writer Al Wyatt of 59films and DP Jim Hoffman of Jira Productions. Brett Schneider was our magician consultant and at times my personal entertainment (yes, I requested magic tricks at our first meeting…and throughout the rest of the production. It was awesome.). We wrapped a couple of weeks ago and I had such a blast! Our cast and crew were top notch and a blessing to be around. I will be uploading set photos for this project soon as well.
VSA Partners – New Job/New Chapter
“VSA is an independent branding collective that harnesses the power of ideas to help companies achieve their purpose.” – www.vsapartners.com
In May I received an offer to be a motion and video producer at VSA Partners which I happily accepted. Though I was sad to leave my Resolution family, I knew it was the right move for my future. I started at VSA a little over a week ago and have been having a wonderful time. I work with extraordinarily talented and lovely people and enjoy the challenge each day brings. Please visit their site to read a little more about the clients and work we are doing. Occasionally I will re-blog what we’re up to, but I like to focus more on my indie projects here in my blog.
The Assassination of Chicago’s Mayor
We are in our final steps of post production for “The Assassination of Chicago’s Mayor”. Foundation will be handling our motion graphics and credits for the project which I’m super excited about and the short should be ready for a summer release.
The Future
I have some new projects coming up that I look forward to sharing more about! I’ll leave you with some photos from over the past few months of film festivals, New York and the like.
-Kathryn
www.kathrynlhenderson.com
Well, it’s been quite a start to the new year. I’m excited to share a spec commercial I produced a year ago for writer/director Brigg Bloomquist called “Tennis Anyone?”. It’s a funny little spot that I enjoyed working on and I hope you enjoy as well!
Carolyn and I got back from Austin while attending SXSW. I saw some old friends, made new friends, caught a few great films and enjoyed exploring a new city.
A definite highlight was seeing Kartemquin Films new doc “The Interrupters” — maybe you’ve heard of it? If not yet, you definitely will! It’s blowing up and easy to see why.
It’s a very powerful documentary on the Cease Fire organization in Chicago and gives great insight to the current situation facing many Chicago youth and adults. Though it’s centered in Chicago, it’s a great report on the inner-workings of why violence exists within America and will hopefully offer new solutions to these issues. The group is one positive addition to solving the puzzle, and this documentary that sheds light and awareness to anyone who watches it is definitely another. I hope this film has the power to begin a movement of change to these neighborhoods–just wait until you see it as I think you’ll agree.
I’ll leave you with some stills from EarthCircle Film’s latest short film “The Coldest Winter”. (Writen/Directed by David Schmüdde, Produced by Kathryn Henderson, Cinematography by Kevin Moss, Set Photography by Caleb Condit)
Also, be sure to check out director David Schmüdde’s latest Elements film:
Cheers!,
Kathryn
www.kathrynlhenderson.com
Welcome to March! 2011 is off to quite a quick start.
“The Assassination of Chicago’s Mayor” is still in the editing phase. I did get a preview and am very excited about this particular project. We should be finishing the film this summer, so I’ll tell more as I hear it! Until then, enjoy some of our set photos taken by Brad Taylor.
Earthcircle Films has also been busy this year with the production of another short film, “The Coldest Winter”; written and directed by David Schmudde, Cinematography by Kevin Moss. It was another quick turn around from conception (December) to production (mid-February). The short centers around two friends, played by Jessica East & Helen Sadler, as they survive in their apartment during a presumed worldwide power outage. Actors Barret Walz and Ryan Young finish the cast.
Also, we are excited to announce that Shorts International has offered to distribute “Refuge”. You can read more from the Earthcircle’s Webpage.
In fun news, I’m heading down to Austin for South by Southwest next week! I look forward to seeing a lot of the friends I made while in London as well as celebrating my birthday!
In the meantime, I have a few projects in the works… more on those soon as well as photos from Austin and stills from “The Coldest Winter”.
Also, a quick thanks to the Illinois Institute of Art for posting a Success Story on my work for “Refuge” and “Faster!” and the coverage Earthcircle Films received.
Kathryn
So, I haven’t updated in a while, so I thought now was as good a time as any. There has been a lot going on, so I’ll try and make everything brief and interesting. I look forward to another wonderful year and it seems 2011 is starting off on the right foot. On to the updates!:
2010 came to a close and we entered January 2011. For those of you who know (and I’ll guess that’s most of you) it is my time to shine in the Thought You Knew (TyK) Pin-Up Calendar. That is right, Miss January 2011 is hanging around the world… I hope no one has vandalized my photo… but if it’s a mustache, that’s pretty funny and I’d like to see a photo. Briefly, from the website, “TyK’s goal is to empower women by helping them regain ownership of their sexuality, in whatever form they choose to have it manifest. These are real cyclists, like you’ve never seen them before.” All proceeds go to Chicago Women’s Health Center, so it is a great cause. You can still purchase your calendars here: BUY ME
I launched a new webpage this morning that takes all of my media postings and puts them in one centralized location: www.kathrynlhenderson.com
It’s such a great tool and will hopefully make it easier for me to share information online. With any rate, it’s a cool tool and you can start your own now by visiting: flavors.me.
Alright, onto the next thing….
Resolution Digital Studios – Promotion Announcement
Over the last year I’ve had the pleasure of working in my client services position at Resolution Digital Studios, as well as through my independent production projects for various Chicago filmmakers, and EarthCircle Films.
I’m very excited to announce that I was recently promoted to my new role as an Associate Producer & Account Representative for Resolution.
My new role allows me to work more closely during productions, as well as facilitate all of Resolution’s services including production, post services (audio, graphics, editorial), and stage rentals. You can view our website at www.rdschicago.com.
I’m very excited and look forward to sharing more information through my blog about our happenings.
You can follow Resolution on Twitter @ResolutionDS or via Facebook.
Now, onto my indie happenings….
Earthcircle Films (The Latest)
“The Assassination of Chicago’s Mayor” (Earthcircle Films in Association with Resolution Digital Studios)
Photo Credits: Brad Taylor
We wrapped production of the latest short film I produced this past November, called “The Assassination of Chicago’s Mayor”. The short was filmed in association with Resolution Digital Studios ; the studio is a wonderful and comfortable environment. It was a quite a contrast to the production of “Refuge”, that was shot over 4 days, all outdoors, in September, with temperatures ranging from 40 to 80 degrees & frequent rain showers (thankfully, never on set). Needless to say, we were a little spoiled.
David Schmüdde wrote and directed the short which is based on a true story of a Chicago Tribune journalists account of the murder of a Chicago Mayor. Director of Photography Kevin Moss along with the rest of the Beverly Ridge Pictures (Chris Charles, Pamela Austria & John Bosher) worked on the production as well.
We were fortunate to have such a wonderful cast with such dedicated Casting Directors Chris Charles & Pamela Austria. Our talented cast includes: David Dastmalchian, Norm Woodel, Dan John Miller, & Peter DeFaria.
Preproduction & Development – Earthcircle Films
We are currently in preproduction for the short film “The Coldest Winter”, set to film February 2011. We also have a number of other projects in early stages of development, but more on those later.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I think 2011 is going to “Kick Ass”. The Chrome Spec Commercial will be coming out, there are more film festivals for “Refuge” and “Faster!” to be on the lookout for, and Earthcircles will be releasing “The Assassination” and possibly “The Coldest Winter”.
(If you have any cool news to share, please drop me a line. You can also now find me on Twitter @aeroschiquita)
I think that’s all! Until next time….
<3 Kathryn
Tomorrow is the official release for the TyK 2011 calendars that I was fortunate to be involved with, not only with Earthcircle Films and Resolution Digital Studios as sponsors, but as Ms. January 2011. Calendars, posters and spoke cards will be on sale tomorrow night with all proceeds going to the Chicago Women’s Health Center.
If you can’t make it to tomorrow’s event, you can order calendars online: http://thoughtyouknew.us/buy-now/
I hope to see you there!!
Kathryn <3
It’s a wrap on this months festivals! It was a wonderful time and we were very excited to share the film with 5 different audiences over the course of one week.
On Monday, October 11th, Chicago International Film Festival held the world premiere of “Faster!” to a sold out crowd at the AMC Rivereast in downtown Chicago. After the screening, Marie and I wandered to Rockit Bar and Grill for the “Illinoisemakers” party to chat with other filmmakers attending the festival as well as those who came to the screening.
The next day, Marie and I headed to the airport to catch our nonstop flight to London for the international and UK premiere of “Faster!” at the 54th annual BFI London Film Festival.
We arrived on the morning of Wednesday, October 13th terribly exhausted from the overnight flight and time difference. We were warmly welcomed by our driver who escorted us to our temporary residence while in London. We were staying with Marie’s friend, Jen, whom she met while attending the Cannes Short Film Market with “Faster!”. Jen has a room in Queens Park she offered to Marie and I, which we eagerly accepted. Once in the car, we received gift bags filled with the official festival book, schedules, our filmmaker credentials and chocolate–a wonderful surprise.
After resting, we decided to take care of a few things. We found the local Starbucks, for coffee and wi-fi, updated some friends and family of our arrival and headed to the Queens Park underground. We then purchased our cards and headed south to Covent Garden. The festival gave us temporary memberships to the Hospital Club, “a club specifically designed for the creative industries” as a “place for members to meet, work, create stuff, or simply enjoy themselves.” A friend of mine, David, is a member at the club as well, so we thought we would pay him a visit.
We ended up attending the club almost every evening spending a majority of our time on the 4th floor between the Martini Lounge and Game Room. It was a perfect venue to not only meet other visiting filmmakers, but local artists as well. The club and company helped make our stay during the festival a great experience.
“Faster!” was in the Under Pressure shorts program at the festival and was given two screenings: Friday, October 15th and Monday, October 18th. Marie and I attended both screenings, which went over wonderfully. Friday evening, after the screening, we celebrated with fellow filmmakers at the Benugo Bar and Kitchen, located in the BFI lobby.
On Saturday, there was another filmmaker mixer held at the BFI Southbank. Below is a photo of some filmmakers I befriended while in London.
Following the mixer, filmmakers were invited to attend a gallery party at The Empire in Bethnal Green. I attended with fellow filmmakers and friends. Again, it was another great evening, filled with artists and great conversations!
On Sunday, I decided to stop by the Tate Modern with my friend Mike before meeting up with our friends to see another shorts program. Although my visit to the Tate was brief, it was nice to do something different. After the program, Marie and I ventured out to find some Indian food–which was amazing. We then headed in early in preparation of Monday evenings events.
Our final screening was at 6pm on Monday, October 18th, as well as my final evening in London. I do have to say that I really enjoyed watching our program again. We were given such an amazing opportunity to make some wonderful and talented friends while at BFI.
Michael Beddoes, producer, Kathryn Henderson, producer, David Symington, producer, Felix Thompson, director
After the films, we chatted for a bit and then a large group of us headed to dinner.
After we dined, we headed to the Shoreditch House for a party in honor of fellow friends and filmmakers Felix Thompson and Gabrielle Nadig for their short “Bedford Park Boulevard”.
The final party was wonderful and it was a great way to say goodbye to the new friends we had made. Marie stayed in London for the remainder of the festival and I jetted back for the final days of Chicago International. My car was set to pick me up at 5am, Tuesday, October 19th to head to the airport to fly back in time for the final screenings of “Faster!” and “Refuge”. The screenings in Chicago were also wonderful and it was great to see my friends and family again. I want to thank the Illinois Institute of Art Chicago for helping to support my trip to the BFI London Film Festival as well as give me the tools I needed to continue my efforts in the film industry.
For those who may have missed “Faster!” while at Chicago International, there will be another screening Friday, November 19th, 5:30pm at Columbia College 1104 S. Wabash. The screening is free, so we hope to see you there! Any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at kathrynlhenderson@gmail.com.
There will be more screenings updated to the “Faster!” website as well as my blog, so please stay tuned as the journey has just begun!
Cheers!,
Kathryn & Marie
Be on the lookout for more posts about the Chrome Messenger Bag Spec Commercial coming 2011, directed by Marie Ullrich and produced by Kathryn Henderson.
This is my last week before I have two straight weeks of film festival premieres, parties, industry events and getting less sleep than desired.
Chicago International Film Festival will be holding the world premieres to two short films I produced, “Refuge” and “Faster!”. Their premieres will be Monday, October 11th at 5:50PM in the Shorts 1: Illinois(e)makers program. Tickets can be purchased through their website at www.chicagofilmfestival.com. Additional screenings are Sunday, October 17th at 11:45AM and Tuesday, October 19th at 4:00PM. All screenings will be at the AMC RiverEast in downtown Chicago. Discounted parking is available. To read more about the Illinois(e)makers program of features and shorts visit Reel Chicago.
I will also be leaving for London on October 12th to attend the international premiere of “Faster!” at British Film Institute London Film Festival. Screenings will be Friday, October 15th at 4:15PM and Monday, October 18th at 6:15PM.
I will be back in Chicago in time for the final screening of “Refuge” and “Faster!” at Chicago International before returning to my post at Resolution Digital Studios.
The last time I wrote the 48 hour film festival was approaching and Chrome was still in preproduction. Well, the 48 hour film festival was a great success. Not only did I have a blast, but our team did a fantastic job. We received 10 out of the 15 possible awards including “Best Film”. We are going on to compete nationally, so more news on that soon! You can view the film here: Everything Tastes Better . Remember, we had a total of 48 hours to write, shoot, edit and submit! What a rush!
More exciting news, two of my films “Refuge” and “Faster!” will be screening at the 2010 Chicago International Film Festival. I will be posting screening dates as soon as they are listed. ”Faster!” will also have its international premiere at the BFI London Film Festival, also this October. I will be traveling for the screening, so more on that soon!
So, Chrome is in the can! We are in post production and the spot is looking terrific. I will post more on the progress, but the cast and crew were amazing on that project as well. The TyK photo shoot was this past weekend and that was also fantastic. I can’t wait to see the final product. Behind the scenes footage from EarthCirlce Films will be out soon, so be on the look out!
Anyway, been an exciting few weeks! Still hard at work getting The Assassination moving and, as always, there are more projects on the horizon.
-Kathryn