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The following is reprinted from ReelChicago.com:

SMS Productions hosts Sept. 27-29 Cine Tech Expo with new equipment and illuminating workshops

Call the Chicago Cine Tech Expo a labor of love for expo producers Helena and Man Sung Son.

Their goal for the Sept. 27-29 showcase is not profit ("we only want to cover expenses," says Helena), but rather to help promote the city's talent and resources and introduce filmmakers to new technology and ideas.

Columbia College's expanded and remodeled eighth floor is the Expo venue, larger and more convenient that last year's test run at North Park College.

Moreover, the Expo gives camera guru and film producer Man Sung -- owner with wife Helena of SMS equipment rental and sales -- a wider base in which to provide continuing technology education to younger filmmakers, something he loves and has been doing for years.

Two realty TV show experts topline a behind-the-scenes seminar on this ubiquitous program genre. Midwest native and L.A.-based TV reality show director Rich Kim ("America's Next Top Model," "A Simple Life") is back for an encore presentation. His latest reality show, "Fat March," will bow on prime time on ABC in the fall.

Kim is paired with dynamo TV news producers Julie Laughlin, who's overseen numerous hit shows in the alternative genre, including ABC's "Extreme Makeover." She also was an executive producer for CNN and the BBC and ran Dubai TV's news bureau.

Leading the tech workshops is Emmy-winning and veteran lighting director Frank Partipilo, a Ch. 5 camera operator and lighting designer.

Panasonic's P2 HD camcorder is featured.

So far, more than 25 exhibitors are on board. Some of them also will offer in-depth, hands-on workshops. They include Panasonic (SMS is a reseller of the DVX 100B and the P2); JVC, exhibiting the newest 250, ProHV 24P and others; Tiffen, a workshop on filters and Steadicam, with a workshop on three different models.

Cine Tech expresses the Sons' industry commitment

Cine Tech is Chicago's sole homegrown, multi-product exhibition and only the second one to take place in 2007; giant HD Expo took place in June at Navy Pier.

Man Sung has been one of the staples of the film industry for years. His small camera sales and rental company is where emerging and seasoned filmmakers have flocked to learn what's new and to talk shop.

Last year there was sufficient interest and attendance at the Chicago Audio Visual Expo (admittedly a dusty title for such hot subjects) to justify a rerun this year.

But beneath the opportunity for a larger arena for shop talk on a broader level is the Sons' unwavering commitment to the growth and prosperity of the industry through all its peaks and valleys.

"We're little guys, but we try to do what we can to help put Chicago on the map," says Helena.

"Man Sung's answer to 'what we can we do help the industry' has been to pass on as much knowledge as he can to younger people, and to see that Chicago gets the credit it deserves for its talent and resources," she adds.

"We can do anything New York or L.A. can do. We just don't get the same recognition. We want to do all we can to change that."

JVC conducts a workshop on its HD250 camera.

The low fees for the Expo echo the Sons' disinclination to make a pile of money off the event: $50 for a three-day pass to seminars and workshops, including the screening and contest; or just $25 a day.

Booth costs range from $350 to $1,500, depending on size and location. There's no cost, of course, for viewing the exhibits.

SMS Productions is located at 1229 N. North Branch; phone, 312/440-8963. See http://www.smsprod.com/. --Ruth L Ratny

The following is reprinted reprinted courtesy of MovieMaker Magazine:

Chicago Cine Tech

The Chicago Cine Tech Expo is dedicated to "promoting, educating and providing networking opportunities to the Midwest filmmaker," says Helena Son, co-owner of SMS Productions, the group that puts on the annual Expo. It only takes one quick look at the Expo's credentials to realize that this isn't your average trade show.

The Expo brings together moviemakers and exhibitors to join in seminars on topics ranging from camera filters to getting a job in reality television. But even beyond the networking and education opportunities, the Expo puts forth a presence in the moviemaking industry. "When our filmmakers are producing and getting their movies seen, we bring recognition to Chicago," says Son. "We always hear about the East or West coast. Well, there is a Midwest and we are very proud of the professional men and women who represent us at home and around the country." Who could argue with that?

During the Expo's down time, the company donates time and resources to put on seminars and workshops, such as a monthly ProHD User's Group.

As Chicago grows into its new age of moviemaking, you can be sure that the Cine Tech Expo will grow with it.

For more information, check out: http://www.chicagocinetechexpo.com

The following is reprinted reprinted courtesy of studentfilmmakers.com:

Chicago Cine Tech Expo
By Helena Son

September 27-29 is once again being spearheaded by SMS Productions. Hands-on workshops and seminars presented by award winning industry professionals anchor three days of educational and networking opportunities. More than 20 equipment exhibitors are also on board with some of them offering in depth, hands-on workshops. The newly remodeled and expanded 8th Floor -Film Row Cinema of Columbia College (1104 S. Wabash, Chicago) is conveniently located to all modes of transportation and provides the perfect venue for this event.

The Chicago Cine Tech Expo is dedicated to "promoting, educating and providing networking opportunities" to the Midwest filmmaker. The credentials of our speakers prove that this is not your ordinary trade show. In fact, scheduling around their film and television projects has probably been one of the most difficult aspects of organizing this Expo.

For more information check out www.chicagocinetechexpo.com or contact Helena at 312-440-8963.

The following is reprinted from ReelChicago.com:

Locally-hosted CineTech Expo Sept. 27-29 focuses on technology and techniques

SMS Productions' Man Sung Son, a 40-year veteran cinematographer and camera expert, believes that "no matter how long you've been in the business you always learn something."

That's part of the mission behind the 2nd annual CineTech Expo that Man Son and Helena Son are hosting Sept. 27-29 at Columbia College.

The other part, of which Man Sung is also a firm believer, is bringing people together for an exchange of helpful, innovative ideas in an industry that changes within a blink of the eye.

The husband-and-wife team, one of only a few who operate local businesses, have lined up more than 20 exhibitors and 10 largely technical workshops, at Columbia College's expanded and remodeled eighth floor space.

"There will be something for everyone. We tried to seek out the best people to come and talk about their particular expertise," says Helena.

Six of the workshops focus on the latest in motion capture.

NBC's Frank Partipilo

• "Professional Lighting Workshop" will be led by three-time Emmy winning lighting director, Frank Partipilo of NBC, who will explain lighting ideas for interviews, talk shows, reality, and dramatic style programs.

• Columbia College instructor and freelance DP Don Winter delve deeper into "Documentary and Interview Lighting Techniques."

• "Creative Uses of the Steadicam" will be shared by Steadicam expert and instructor Peter Abraham.

• Red Rock's Brian Valente presents the "$1,000 Budget, $1 million Look Workshop," demonstrated how accessories allow the filmmaker to capture the look of 35mm on a digital budget.

• Tiffen representative Sandie Stern will conduct two workshops on Friday and Saturday; Friday's will deal with "Back to the Future" with glass filters and Saturday's concentrates on filtering in post.

• Friday and Saturday, experts from JVC and Apple's corporate offices will conduct a three-hour HD 24P Digital Workflow How-To, at no charge to attendees.

Director Richard Kim conducts a reality TV workshop.

Three broader scope seminars on Friday:

• Former CNN and BBC producer Julie Laughlin and Hollywood director Richard Kim ("The Simple Life," "America's Next Top Model") provide insight into the process of making reality TV -- "most of which will surprise," notes Kim.

• "Chicago Production: Past, Present and Future" is what filmmakers Lars Ullberg and Lawrence Miller will reveal in order to put current trends and future expectations into perspective. Ullberg and Miller have produced countless docs for A&E, Discovery, History and other cable outlets.

• Korean producer/director Yong Woo Chang, currently finishing a mini-series for Chinese television, will discuss the differences between working in the U.S. and other parts of the world.

Post-seminars on Friday, Man Sung will host a challenging contest for filmmakers to correctly guess the format in which various footage was captured for cash prizes.

As for networking, a large room near the exhibition area area will be set aside for attendees to meet.

CineTech Expo founders Helena and Man Sung Son

Part of the community since the '60s

Man Sung's experience spills over from SMS into the expo. Having helped launch careers of many, Man Sung wants to continue sharing information through unique platforms like the expo.

A filmmaker himself, he's used every piece of equipment his company, SMS, and never rents anything he doesn't like.

With college degrees in film, Man Sung spent 17 years as manager of the camera/optical departments at one of Chicago's biggest rental houses at the time.

When it closed in 1984, the Sons started SMS equipment rental, sales and service, offering such major manufacturers as JVC, Panasonic, Bogen Imaging and Fujinon out of their Goose Island office.

One of their personal projects is their non-profit National Academy of the Moving Image, in which they teach a variety of practical, hands-on production classes.

CineTech fees are $50 for all three days or $25 per day; $30/three days for IPA members. No fee for Columbia College students; $30 for students from other schools.

Register at www.chicagocinetechexpo.com. Email the registration form to Helena at mailto:smsprod@sbcglobal.net.

SMS is located at 1229 N. North Branch; phone 312/440-8963. See http://www.smsprod.com/. --Veronica Hinke

Veronica Hinke also contributes film and video stories to Chicago Tribune's Metromix, "Create Magazine" and "Inside." She is principal of The Feathered Trumpet, a marketing communications company. See http://www.featheredtrumpet.com/.

Developing Seminars, Workshops, Exhibits and Guest Speakers will continue to be posted. Please check back regularly for updated information.
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