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Written by Tim Musho [videographer, video editor, technical director]
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Written by Andrew Ettenhofer [sales manager, deejay]
The Fig Integrated Experience struck again, and this time the Mayor was invited! On May 23, 2006 Gateway Green threw a big party at the Fairmont Hotel in Chicago for their 20th birthday. Fig provided DJ services for background music, digital photography services to capture live images of the party, and video projection services to create the visual backdrop for the event. We projected the live photos, sponsorship logos, and other slides to accompany the guest speeches. Gateway Green was also kicking off their summer-long restaurant program and so more than 15 of them were on-hand to share their gourmet treats. The event culminated with a speech by Mayor Daley and then him cutting a cake while opera singers sang “Happy Birthday”. Producer Andrew Ettenhofer got his photo with the big man himself!
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Producer: Andrew Ettenhofer
Video Mixing/Technical Director: Tim Musho
Deejay: Lucy Wieczorek
Photographers: Megan Taylor, Brian Carey
Assistant: Hafeez Sarumi |
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Written by Tim Musho [videographer, video editor, technical director]
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On June 8, 2006 Fig provided audio and music for the Big Fish Ball. The event was located on the Chicago River at the southwest intersection of Michigan Ave. and Wacker Dr. It was put on by the Friends of the Chicago River to showcase the Chicago River, to raise money for their organization, and to celebrate the opening of their new museum in the bridge tower at that intersection. We consulted with them on the best way to provide sound for a one-block stretch of land along the river, and also how to sequence the flow of the event. A classical flute and guitar duo performed for cocktails, Mayor Daley gave a speech, DJ Tim Musho blended summertime blues with the natural sound of the river, a tripped-out marching band came down the river on canoes, guests released small-mouth bass into the river – this was quite a memorable event! The Big Fish Ball was a huge success and our Music Director Erik Friedly also got his picture with the Mayor!
Executive Producer: James Gustin
Producer: Tim Musho
Deejay: Tim Musho
Deejay Assistants: Erik Friedly, Tim Ziegler, and Lauren Pollock
Photography: Lauren Pollock, Erik Friedly
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Written by Andrew Ettenhofer [sales manager, deejay]
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Fig Media adds another great film to its already burgeoning library of short-form documentaries–we like to call them Liquid Histories. In June, we collaborated with the talented people at the Chicago Marriott Downtown on the Mag Mile to create a Liquid History honoring and celebrating one of their own. Fongying “Polly” Hallen was nominated for the American Housing and Lodging Association's Employee of the Year for her outstanding customer service as a long-time concierge at the Marriott. As part of the submission process, we were to produce a piece that reflected the unique qualities of why Polly should win this award. The whole project was very dear to us–Polly was a wonderful person to get to know, the Marriott team was very accommodating and gave us full access to the hotel, and the fig team loved the creative opportunity and the adventures that came with producing the film.
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"Polly” Hallen
American Housing and Lodging Association's Employee of the Year |
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Written by Brian Carey [web master, photographer, deejay]
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Fig Media often plays a big role in big family celebrations. Corey and Edda Coscioni hired Fig to help with their combined 10th wedding anniversary, their 40th birthdays, and Edda's graduation to the floor at TRIO Salon. Fig's services included deejay, video, photo, emcee, slideshow presentation, and overall sequencing of the night. James Gustin emceed and hosted the "Coscioni Trivia" portion of the night. DJ Jon Hood spun timely classics and maintained an active and energetic dance floor. Photographers Brian Carey and Hui Mei Chen projected in-the-moment party pictures onto a large screen overlooking the dance floor. Videographers Tim Musho and Tim Ziegler documented everything from the heartfelt moments to the cut-loose dance sets. A video testimonial station was also set up in the lobby and guests were given the opportunity to record special wishes for the Coscioni family.
Executive Producer: James Gustin
Consultant: Michele Gustin
Videography: Tim Musho, Tim Ziegler
Photography: Brian Carey, Hui Mei Chen
Deejay: Jon Hood
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Written by Jonathon Hood [deejay, sales]
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On June 25, 2006 Fig Media celebrated with the Chicago gay community by having two DJs on the Whole Foods float in the Gay Pride Parade. Even though the morning started off with rain, it cleared up when the parade started and DJs James Gustin and Jonathan Hood rocked a crowd of more than 300,000. The parade route started out north at Belmont and Halsted, headed back south at Halsted and Broadway, and ended at Broadway and Diversy. It was great witnessing thousands of people singing, dancing, and celebrating. The music ranged from techno to hip-hop to rock. AC/DC was the big hit of the day with everyone singing along to “You Shook Me All Night Long.” Fig Media was honored to participate this year and is looking forward to establishing a long-term presence at the Gay Pride Parade.
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Interviewed by Megan Taylor [video production manager, sales, deejay]
What is your job? Music Director, DJ, Sales, and Visionary
What were you like when you were 12? My hair was blonder, I was geekier, and I had been playing the saxophone for two years. My biggest thing was band. That was also when I started playing tennis. I was into the one-on-one sports.
When you were 12 what did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be a scientist and an astronaut. I was always into space and space traveling. If I had the money or the opportunity I would fly in space today.
How old are you?
31 and a 1/2
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What are some of your favorite things about Chicago?
The music. Specifically, the M's, Outlaw Family Band, Wilco, Schuba's, the Metro, and the Double Door.
Who do you want to be like?
Bill Graham–not the preacher, but the guy who promoted Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, and the Stones.
Why?
He made artists dreams come true.
What is your favorite thing to wear?
Suits... anything that I get complimented for.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
Learning what I haven't been trained to do and tracking my emotions at an event.
What is the coolest gig you have done?
My favorite gig overall was DJing for the 05 and 06 Old St. Pat's World's Largest Block Party.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
That is hard to answer because I am growing so rapidly. I see myself creating celebrations for award winners. I want to produce the award ceremonies and the after-parties. I also would want to be honored by that person for making that celebration. I also see myself creating Fig's Oscar winning pre–and after-party and that designers are giving me suits to wear.
Where is the one place you would love to travel to?
Germany
Where are you going to go on your honeymoon?
France
Finish the sentence: “Wouldn't it be cool if?”
In 5 years I had a world-renowned music festival with international talent, and that people were copying what I created…or trying to copy what I created.
What is the one thing you want people to know about you?
That I am a dreamer
What is one thing you don't want people to know about you? That I need help in grounding my dreams.
Where can we find you on a typical off night when you aren't working?
Watching a movie or reading books about bands or watching rockumentaries with Tobey–my girlfriend.
Is there anything else that you want to add? That I am thankful for James, Michele, Tobey and Fig for the opportunity I have been given and for the people that I have met and the business that I am in.
email: erik@figgy.net |
Written by Tim Ziegler [video editor, junior videographer]
Interns [past and present]
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Fig Media, Inc. offers a unique internship program in DJ, design, and video production. Interns at Fig don’t just make coffee - although a strong brew (compliments of Metropolis coffee) is used daily to fuel the Fig office. In the 300-hour program, interns are treated like employees. They attend staff meetings, assist on Fig gigs, and get lots of hands-on production experience. The internship program is very unique for two reasons. One, the interns govern themselves through a system of self-empowerment and, two, Fig emphasizes both personal and professional development through goal-setting and feedback sessions. In other words, if you want to learn how to become as hip as Fig Media, be a Figtern! Check out our website for more details. |
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Saturday, July 22nd: NuptEquality at Catalyst Ranch, Chicago. Celebrating fashion and services for same-sex ceremonies. Contact Brannen at Catalyst Ranch: 312.207.1710 or catalystranchevents.com.
Friday, August 11th: The Junior League of Chicago presents the event of the season–Summer Soiree “Black, White and Read All Over” at the MCA. jlchicago.com.
 Tuesday, September 19th: Open house at West Loop Studios. A great place to plan your next event! Save the date, email info@figgy.net.
Got Questions?
Call 773-338-1334 or send email to info@figgy.net
To learn more about Fig Media and the instructors
please visit
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Check out Fig's Blog. where you can read about current Fig happenings!
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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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