Hey there filmmakers and fans!

Kathy Bryne (Head of Film & TV SAG/Aftra Chicago) spoke LIVE at Mission 1 Billion in Dec 25 and was a huge hit. So much so she will be back in the spring with a lot more. Two reasons. 1 there is more to talk about. 2. She is returning for all those people who wanted to be there but couldn’t. SO, here is your 2nd opportunity. Don’t miss it. She will be with us again Wed May 13 so mark your calendar NOW and we’ll keep you updated. UNTIL THEN we’ve other fantastic meetings to enjoy.

(Actress musician Elizabeth Clare, Film Producer Jeffrey Kurz, Voice Actor Curt Campanga, Kathy Byrne of SAG, Rex Sikes and Director and film producer Ezekiel Drews)

Kathy showed filmmakers how nonunion filmmakers could utilize SAG talent and provided reasons why you want to do this in a professional industry. If you are serious about filmmaking this is something you want to and need to know. Why and how and the benefits to you in making your project a SAG project. She also address what investors and distributors are interested in and require.

(Some of the members who remained for a group photo) 

Kathy is sooooo coool and explains the process and answers questions you might have.

A few pics of members (click to see) enjoying Kathy Byrne’s engaging talk. Who do you recognize? SFX Wizard Dieter Sturm, Actor & Coach Adam Christopher Weisman, Mauren Cashin Bolog of Actor’s Craft, Voice over actor Curt Campagna & Producer Peter Galente. Producer/Director Ezekiel Drews & Derek Pfister of Chair On Stairs films PLUS so many not pictured here or credited.

NEXT UP JAN 14 is Director Daniel j Pico. 

He will address our members and friends. THIS is open to the public so invite your talented filmmaker and performer friends. Spread the word. Encourage people to join our exclusive Facebook group using this QR code.

They use QR code to get an invite to join. THEY MUST answer two questions to be approved. There are other qualifying considerations BUT the questions ARE an important part of the joining process! Spread the word about meetings and about joining our FB group!

(Use this QR code to invite your friends to join Mission 1 Billion FB group.)

Wed Jan 14 is Mr Pico. Here is a little bit about him and why you might want to join us live.

Daniel J. Pico is a Columbia College Chicago graduate with a BA in directing and screenwriting. Having created his first film at the age of 8, Daniel has dedicated his life to filmmaking.

He co-wrote, co-produced the Primetime Emmy® Nominated Series “RZR” starring David Bianchi, Emmy® nominee Mena Suvari, and Emmy® nominee Richard Cabral.

He also directed episode 6 and was integral to its success. He co-wrote the screenplay for “Whispers in the Walls” a horror thriller that will be going into production in March of 2026.

As the founder of Pico Blvd Entertainment, Daniel specializes in independent cinema. His diverse career spans directing, editing, and producing, having worked on numerous feature films, including multi-million-dollar productions around the world.

His short film “Reasonable Doubt” premiered at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival’s Short Film Corner. Daniel has directed three feature films, “Common Senses” and “Farewell Darkness”, which won three Best Feature Film awardson the international festival circuit. “The Withering” his most recent feature is being released in 2026 by Cleopatra Entertainment.

He has also directed over 85 short films, music videos, commercials, documentaries, and 11 episodes of popular TV and web series.

JOIN US Wed January 14! Enter through the door under the White Claw sign.

Daniel is a prolific filmmaker and has a lot to share.

Make it a point to attend our meetings. They include speaker event, project planning, classes free and paid, seminars, and productions and support for productions.

Wednesday nights are PIZZA night at Schmidty’s – Get a large pizza and receive a free pitcher of soda or beer. 

Mark Your Calendar Today! Commit to joining us! Share and invite others! See you Jan 14 7pm at Shcmidty’s

16755 W. Lisbon Road, Brookfield, WI 53005

We’ll have more Mission 1 Billion (official website) project discussions, film events, speakers and class sessions coming up live and in person and will report on it here.

Also be sure to subscribe for free to Rex Sikes’ Movie Beat on spotify to listen to professional filmmakers share their expertise with you. More than 600 hours of pros telling us what to do and what not to do to be more successful. Click the link above to listen and subscribe.

Want to join Mission 1 Billion on Facebook? Use that QR code to let us know. Follow the sign in instructions and rules and become one of us.

See ya then!

Engage with group member posts in Mission 1 Billion on Facebook!