Showcasing in Chicago

Robin D. Williams

Expect a different, more exciting show at the Travel Adventure Cinema Society’s annual Showcase at Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Art in September.

Filmmakers for the first time will be able to show bookers their regular   previews of new productions as well as short clips—trailers—from current or older productions at the TRACS Showcase.  Film Artist Chairman Stan Walsh explains:

“These clips may be in the form of our time-honored showcase films—a 15-minute or less continuous segment from the artist’s newer film, or a random selection of highlights from older films. Choice of options will be the decision of the Producers.”

For the second year the Burtie Award, in honor of travel film great Burton Holmes, will be presented to the outstanding showcase film. “Only those producers showcasing in the traditional format will be considered for the Burtie,” said Walsh. In other words, the short Coming Attraction clips are not eligible.

“It’s fitting that we are previewing our travel films at the MCA, because this is where a young Burton Holmes, the father of the travelogue, presented one of his slide shows to MCA members back in 1893,” said Stan Walsh.

Film Artist Dale Johnson won the inaugural Bertie Award last year at the TRACS Albuquerque meet.

“The new Showcase flexibility offered the filmmakers this year,” said Walsh, “will add a bright new dimension to the preview proceedings. And veteran Film Artist Robin D. Williams will give an encore performance as Showcase emcee. That alone is a good reason to come to Chicago.”

Williams said the previews, to be screened in the museum’s Kanter Meeting Center, has already sold out, and it’s impossible to lengthen the Saturday schedule because the TRACS showcase must meet a MCA deadline: “We must finish showing our films by 5 p.m. and be out the door by 5:30.”

He urged film artists to make sure their entries are no longer than 15 minutes or less. “This year’s menu of shows we are offering Presenters is super and they will certainly add a great deal of excitement,” he said, adding: “Our field has a great opportunity to rebuild itself with this array of talent. Yes, there is definitely a fresh breeze blowing in Chicago.”

On the technical front, Walsh said, “We will catch up on who and how High Definition shooters plan to introduce the new format to audiences. While 3D for our field is still only on the horizon, we can learn about its potential.”

Contact Artist Chairman Stan Walsh at mailto: stanlogs@dslextreme.com Robin Williams: mailto: robin11@cox.net