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Written by Lola Olateju [video editor, event manager]
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The 2006 Chicago NOVA Art Fair was one of the most exciting, challenging, and engaging experiences I have ever had. Yet grandiose statements do not even begin to describe the hard-work, dedication, and time that Fig Media put into the success of this 4-day landmark art event. Produced by Bridge Magazine, NOVA took over the City Suites on Belmont and housed over 40 international galleries from April 27th through the 30th. President of Fig Media James Gustin sits on the board of Bridge Magazine and led the charge in getting fig involved creatively with NOVA. The result was Tim Musho leading the Media Center and me, Lola Olateju, leading the Talent Management for the entire weekend. The whole fig team chipped in with DJ services (see the “L” Fashion Train article below), and with digital video and photography services to document all of the great NOVA experiences.
We got to work with really great artists like William Pope.L, DJ Spooky aka Paul Miller, and David Antin. We coordinated a film screening at the Landmark and danced our asses off at Smartbar. Thank you to Bridge Magazine for this incredible opportunity, to James for his visionary leadership in getting Fig involved with NOVA, to Tim for your hard-work and patience, and to each Fig member who assisted during the weekend. We all can share the success of the NOVA Art Fair! And we look forward to NOVA Miami in December! Hope to see you there.
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Producer: James Gustin
Director of Media: Tim Musho
VIP Management: Lola Olateju
Videographers: Tim Ziegler, Lauren Pollock, Billy Rood
Photographers: Tim Ziegler, Lauren Pollock, Billy Rood, Brian Carey, Megan Taylor, Dorian Anderson, Kasey Rose, Kristin Miller-Scholl, Ariel Esposito
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nova art fair: 2006
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Written by Andrew Ettenhofer [sales manager, deejay]
Chicago Tribune: Sunday, May 7, 2006: C Section 13
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The Friday night spectacle of the NOVA Art Fair was a fashion show held on a privately chartered "L" train. The train picked up ticket-holders at the Belmont station and traveled on the Purple Line tracks around the Loop. It made stops along the way to let the fashion designers and models switch cars. The best part of this “way-out-there” idea was me…obviously! I deejayed on the train and provided the soundtrack for this bumpy, city adventure. The music was loud and aggressive, playful and eclectic. I used the same sound system as the conductor, which gave the music an extra touch of grittiness. A plethora of unknowns made the whole thing very nerve wrecking, but I was grateful to have had this one-of-a-kind DJ experience. Book me for your next CTA event! |
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Written by James Gustin [owner, deejay, videographer]
This is the second year that we have done walk-in, breaks and after-party dancing for the Aids Foundation Gala "Not Just Song and Dance". Fig worked through Carmel Music and Jam Productions. Sheena Easton was the talent this year (last year was the Pointer Sisters). DJ Wak spun plenty of groovy tunes and James played Voice of God. Brian and Carl shot photos and projected them onto huge screens. We're integrating photos right into the event via lap tops and projectors. Guests seemed to go crazy seeing themselves with their dancing buddies. We see the photography as a natural extension and reflection of the dancefloor community and the natural venue for the vanity of dancers. Do you dance in front of the mirror? Same energy. There is something plainly provocative and compelling about the heightening and projecting of one fleeting moment in a life. We have so many moments and our expressions, not to mention positions, masks and clothing, reveal so much of our insides. Blown up the effect is stirring if not upsetting; our vulnerability, childishness and our pure beauty un-edited, un-censored, un-judged...Just for a moment.
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Voice of God : James Gustin
Digital Photographers: Brian Carey, Carl Wiedemann
Deejay: Lucy Wieczorek |
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Written by Tim Musho [videographer, video editor, technical director]
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This past April Fig Media combined forces with Chicago Magazine to put on a fashion show at Prairie Productions for a special fashion issue of Chicago Magazine. We work side by side with Carrie Lannon of Lannon Communications and Hope Galloway from Perfect Event to put on this fashion show. The party was to resemble the backstage of a fashion show, with all the action out in the front. Fig was brought in to consult with the look and planning of the event. We also provided a video slide show of logos and an audio technician (DJ). The weeks prior to the event James met with Hope and Carrie to vision the day of production. This was a key role in the success of the event. Then came the night of the event. There was a vibe of excitement in the air. Lola was on follow spot, Tim was on video projection, Jon was deejaying with Kasey, and Megan was on quality control. Models were placed on risers, changed in front of everyone, and walked up on stage. Very hot! The Chicago Magazine event was a huge success, so good that Carrie Lannon sent Fig Media a thank you letter!
Producer: James Gustin
Video Mixing/Technical Director: Tim Musho
Floor Manager: Megan Taylor
Sound Technician: Jon Hood
Sound Coordinator: Kasey Rose
Spot Light Operator: Lola Olateju
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Written by Brian Carey [web master, photographer]
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Once upon a time, Kristen Anderson and Jonathan Liss, decided to make a commitment to each other. This commitment, of marriage, would be celebrated, on March 4th, 2006. But who would play the melodies of their love–that would be Fig.
Fig Media’s services include deejay and video, and our latest exploration has been within the media of photography. We have been covering events and parties with our “Integrated Experience” (deejay, live video, and live photo), and have found that the next step is covering weddings. The approach of our photography is that we’re not wedding photographers. We are event people. Our documentary video and knowledge of weddings have merged to become documentary event photography. Jon Hood and Tim Musho deejayed the wedding, while James Gustin and myself photographed the event. We had fun playing great music and capturing the memories of Kristen and Jonathan’s big day.
Deejays: Jon Hood, Tim Musho
Photography: James Gustin, Brian Carey
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Written by Andrew Ettenhofer [sales manager, deejay]
How do you define opportunity? On May 9th, 2006 fig media screened three of their liquid histories to a captive audience of 200 PR professionals at the Public Relations Society of America’s (PRSA) Skyline Awards held at the Mid-America Club. Every year the Chicago Chapter of PRSA honors its finest by presenting various awards and selecting the Young PR Professional of the Year [Courtney Hill], PR Professional of Year [Don Kirchoffner], and the PR Executive of the Year [Ted Beattie]. To add to the buzz of the event, PRSA worked with fig media to create three 90-second video pieces highlighting both the talent and the humanness of the three main winners.
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The production of these short films was an incredibly playful experience–we met really amazing people, traveled to exciting locales, and learned a ton about success and leadership in the PR industry. We also made significant advancements to our liquid history service in the way we direct, produce, edit, and collaborate on these video portraits. Think of us as urban artists doing anthropological documentation of families, couples, businesses, and leaders. And think of the PR opportunity of premiering these liquid histories in front of the whole Chicago PR community!
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Written by Andrew Ettenhofer [sales manager, deejay]
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Fig Media has participated in the Adler Planetarium/Food for Thought open house since 2001. Each year we increase our level of involvement; currently, we co-produce the entire event. The goal is always to outdo the last year by innovating new event concepts and services. Fig loves this opportunity to experiment creatively, to master our event skills, and to train our Fig team. This year was no different as we set out to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the planetarium for the 2006 open house. Also known as the diamond anniversary, this party’s thematic direction quickly evolved into rock 'n’ roll (diamond = rock = rock 'n’ roll). Thus, the open house became “Rock the Adler” and it embodied all the glitz and glam of the rock n’ roll lifestyle. We had flashy cars, sexy DJs, big sound systems, photo ops, guitar solos, dance frenzies, booze, music videos, spotlights, and everything else a rock 'n’ roll star needs!
Producer/Master of Ceremony: Andrew Ettenhofer
Video Producer: Melissa Martens
Video Mixing/Technical Director: Eric Anderson
Steadi-cam Operator: Carl Wiedemann
Sound Coordinator: Erik Friedly
Deejays: Lucy Wieczorek, Gia Larrazabal
Digital Photography: Brian Carey, Lauren Pollock
Live Camera Operators: John Brewster, Jessica Steich, Tim Ziegler,
Dorian Anderson, Laticia King |
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Written by Brent Rolland [deejay]
Lights! Cameras! Music! These three elements combined to make a memorable night for the soon-to-be graduates at the Lincolnway High School Prom. Set near the new Da Vinci exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry, approximately one thousand elegantly-dressed students gathered for a promising night of dancing and enjoyment. Choice members of Fig Media provided an integrated experience for the students that consisted of deejays and live video. The plan was simple: While hot pop and dance hits were played by the deejay team, the video team would respond by projecting a blend of random stock footage and live shots of the dance floor for all of Lincolnway to see. The students relished in watching themselves on a huge screen that captured every strategic bump and every well-placed grind. There were a few unexpected surprises along the way as well, including an appearance of one of the school's instructors getting down to N*Sync's bubblegum standard, "It's Gonna Be Me." The success of the night came from a synergy between the students and the Fig team that stayed strong throughout the night. This event was more than a basic prom–it was a playful, yet powerful connection of humans with audio, visuals, and physical movement.
Deejays: Brent Rolland, Megan Taylor
Video: Melissa Martens, Eric Anderson,
Jessica Streich
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Written by Lauren Pollock [video editor]
At Fig, we are always finding ways to grow and diversify the business. So it's not surprising that we've added producing films to the mix! After several months of workshopping his script with Fig's talented group of editors, Joseph Martinez made "Byrd's Fears"–a story about a young boy facing his fears in order
to reach his dreams–come to life.
On April 17th, Joe and his crew (mainly Figgies!) transformed Kressel Stables in Richmond, IL, into a bonafide movie set. "A sense of gratitude is what I am getting for the care that went into the process," said Martinez of the Fig crew.
"I feel fortunate that those are the people I get to work with."
Stay tuned for the big premiere of "Byrd's Fears"! You won't want to miss it!
Byrd's Fears cast + crew
Travis: Seamus Doheny
Judy: January Scarpini
Grandpa: Dan Flannery
Photographer: Marty Shannahan
Writer/Director/Producer: Joseph Martinez
Executive Producer: Megan Taylor
Assistant Director: Lauren Pollock
Director of Photography: Billy Rood
Script Supervisor: Kasey Rose
Key Grip + Gaffer: Andy Sparesus
Sound: Tim Musho, Josh Martinez
Grip: Tim Ziegler
PAs: Melissa Martens, and the Alex's (Scott, John, + Pat
from CLC Vocational School
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Written by Melissa
Martins [videographer, video editor]
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It is a cool April night in Chicago as I walk down Michigan Avenue surrounded by brightly colored tulips and shoppers. I round the corner at Water Tower Place and observe the Looking Glass Theater sign. I rummage through my purse and find my ticket. I am about to see a play, “The Old Curiosity Shop.” As a member of Looking Glass Junior Board I receive tickets to the new plays. "The Old Curiosity Shop" is about the polarity of youth and age, and has a hopeful yet realistic view on character, life and death. The story is about a young girl, Nell, who takes care of her grandfather. The grandfather wants to make a future for his granddaughter, which drives him into gambling night after night. The innocent granddaughter, aged well beyond her years, is caught in the middle of his struggle, the world, and being a child. Set in the 1800ís The Old Curiosity Shop is an adaptation of the story written by Charles Dickens, and not having read Dickens since high school, I quickly remember the tragic overtones to his stories.
The acting envelops me, and my emotions flow freely as I sit in my chair. Having lost my grandfather recently to cancer, my tears and my joy flow as the story continues. As the story reaches a climax, I begin to make a realization. I find peace with myself and death in a way I have never experienced before. The play is about celebrating death and life being that death is a natural and spiritual part of living. I realize my grief and pain over losing a loved one is a beautiful part of my life and is legacy that one life can leave behind.
“The Old Curiosity Shop” is inspiring, charming, and deeply moving.
I walk out of the theater into the cool spring Chicago air. I wipe the soft tears from my eyes and I step into the florescent glow of the city. I breathe deeply and let the air pass softly through my lungs. I celebrate and am grateful for the legacy that was my grandfathers life, and I make a silent pact to myself to honor his life by living my life completely and to its fullest capacity. I will carry his story and his essence in my heart.
For more information on The Old Curiosity Shop, visit: www.lookingglasstheatre.org
See it and feel inspired.
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Interviewed by Andrew Ettenhofer [sales manager, deejay]
What is you job title and what does that mean? Video Producer & Sales & Apprentice DJ. Which means I manage our video team, systems, and projects, I co-lead our internship program, I create, I spread Fig around the city to new clients, I am a developing DJ, and I play with P.D.
What makes you well-suited for your job?
I am whole brained, meaning I am both creative and analytical. I can develop great relationships with people and solve a technical issue. I am both receptive and aggressive which helps in me in sales. I listen to my intuition and know when to ask for help.
What's the best part of working at fig?
My team! I learn a lot from the people I work with and have a hell of a good time. I also love the different gigs and events that I am a part of.
What are your pet peeves?
Avoidance, complaining, and narrow mindedness.
What are you listening to right now?
Sia, Dangerdoom, Gorillaz, Mariah Carey, Imogean Heap, Matisyahu, and Bloc Party.
Any good books or movies?
The last good book I read was called Prep and the last good movie I rented
was ShopGirl.
What's the one thing you want people to know about you?
That I am going to be a Superstar.
What's the one thing you don't want people to know?
I don't want people to know when I am scared.
What's your next international trip going to be?
A visit with my friend in Rio De Janeiro, Brasil.
Any guilty pleasures? Candy and People magazine.
If a genie granted you one wish, what would it be?
To find a cure for AIDS.
Where will you be in five years?
Traveling, producing award winning films and events, giving back, and having a great time.
What's funny to you?
Randomness and the unexpected.
Are you single and available?
Yes, I am single and dare I say available.
Are you a heartbreaker?
I am not sure.
What can't you live without?
People in my life.
If you had a pet gerbil, what would name it?
I would name it "I hope you are not mine."
Are you competitive?
Yes I am.
What are the first five words that just popped in your brain? Tweezers, eggs, groceries, spinal, and crawfish. What!?!?!?!
email: megan@figgy.net |
Written by Brent Rolland [deejay]
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Let's face the fact—television is a drug that is rather difficult to get detached from. Thankfully, it's not an impossible task. "TV Tune-Out Week" was created to bring families and their children together to enjoy time away from the tube and to interact in alternate activities that promoted unity and fun. Fig Media was called to provide an evening of musical enjoyment for a group of Cub Scouts and several of their friends and families. It turns out that the kids were the ones who put on a show for everyone. The Cubs and their friends were first treated to a personal deejay lesson, and then the scouts ran the night from there. An exciting game of musical chairs commenced, followed by a limbo contest, and then ending with an all-out dance competition to see who could stay out on the floor the longest. What made this night so successful was that the Cub Scouts were able to decide and direct what each game or activity was going to be, with little to no direction from us. That alone is remarkable. It was the combination of teamwork, family involvement, and great tunes that made for an evening that gathered people together—without the use of a television.
Instructors: Gia Larrazabal, Brent Rolland, Lucy Wieczorek
Photography: Megan Taylor
Cub Scout Hosts: Josh and Jasper Davidoff
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| fig-zine: art
director: Michele Gustin, Project manager: Megan
Taylor, Copy Editor: andrew ettenhofer
Design and Layout: Brian Carey |
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