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NATAS Chicago/Midwest Chapter

@chi_natas

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Chicago/Midwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. We've been awarding Emmys since 1958.

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Naesthetycs Quests Part 1: Printmaking!!

On this quest, we took a 3-week printmaking workshop and created a print based on our award-winning film: Something in the Water.

We printed a limited amount for our first batch, but should we print more? 👀

Drop a comment or send us a message if you’re interested in our original print “Zip Codes Should Not Determine Futures.”

Thank you to @mkewatercommons for the opportunity to learn printmaking for free and amplifying our work.

Thank you to @greenwoodparkartgalleryframing for your services in framing our piece.

Watch Something in the Water on our YouTube Channel! (Link in the bio)

See yall at the Chicago/Midwest Regional Emmys October 24th!

#SocialJusticeArt #Milwaukee #BlackFilmmakers #PrintmakingArt #LeadPoisoning

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Waukegan to College and Bitter Jester Studios are thrilled to announce that “FROM DREAM TO DIPLOMA” was nominated for a @chi_natas Emmy Award: Outstanding Achievement in Editing! The Emmy Awards take place on Oct. 24 and you can watch the nominated production here: bit.ly/wtcemmy2026

Waukegan to College helps students follow their dreams through education. In “From Dream to Diploma” we meet Moises and Vania, two recent college graduates living their dreams and paying it forward. They share their respective journeys in the Waukegan school system, specifically highlighting how Waukegan to College helped them achieve their goals and pursue their desired careers. More importantly, both of them remain in the Waukegan community, not only enriching the social fabric of the town, but further showcasing the ripple effect that Waukegan to College has on the people around it.

Nominated for Editing: @nic_degrazia

Special thanks to everyone at Waukegan to College who worked so hard to bring this production to life, especially Aaron Arnold, Patty Charhut, Jared Verdejo, and Angie Sage. Thank you also to Moises, Vania, and the Malagon & Falconi families who agreed to be interviewed and share their stories. Special shoutout to Daniel Kullman @danielkullmandop of Bitter Jester Studios for his photography & lighting direction.

#waukegantocollege #bitterjesterstudios #fromdreamtodiploma #collegeaccess #waukegan

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A surreal moment that wasn’t on my bingo card!

Earlier this year, I was honored to be selected as one of two recipients of the Sara Janz Memorial “Take Your Shot” Scholarship. At Stars for Sara, a September celebration of Sara’s life and legacy, I was introduced and recognized as a recipient, had the chance to thank the donors, and shared some of my work as a composer.

And, of course, I wasn’t expecting to be introduced by @robinrobertsgma

I’m incredibly grateful to @rozvaronabc7 and the Chicago/Midwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (@chi_natas ) for this scholarship and their support!

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UCP Seguin of Greater Chicago and Bitter Jester Studios are thrilled to announce that “FOSTERING SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL” was nominated for two @chi_natas Emmy Awards! The production has been recognized for Outstanding Achievements in Photography and Editing. The Emmy Awards take place on Oct. 24 and you can watch the nominated production here: bit.ly/ucpemmy2026

UCP Seguin is perhaps best known for its support and programming for adults with disabilities. But it offers so much more, including robust youth programs and incredible Foster Care support for children with various special needs.

“Fostering Something Beautiful” is a heart-wrenching, informative, and - at times - funny piece laden with honesty. It focuses on the rewarding aspects of being a foster parent without skirting the painful and challenging aspects of the job. First-person accounts from foster parents and their children highlight the support that UCP provides. The final film conveys warmth, humor, and compassion for UCP’s foster families while looking the challenges in the eye.

Nominated for Photography: @danielkullmandop
Nominated for Editing: @nic_degrazia

Special thanks to everyone at @ucpseguin who worked so hard to bring this production to life, especially Kelley Currier and Julie Lerch. Thank you also to the families who agreed to be interviewed and share their stories. And a special shout-out to Stanley, who absolutely stole the show.

#ucpseguin #bitterjesterstudios #specialneeds #disabilityinclusion #disabilityawareness

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It’s official! 🥹 My Chicago/Midwest Emmy nomination certificates arrived! Holding them makes it feel a little more real. So grateful to everyone who helped tell these stories. See you October 24! ❤️
Thanks for the pic @thedanmato!

#news #emmy #emmys #milwaukee #wisconsin

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Our documentary WIN THE CITY created in partnership with @laureus_usa has been nominated for a Chicago/Midwest Emmy by @chi_natas for Outstanding Achievement for a Public Affairs Program!

WIN THE CITY follows the story of how everyday Chicagoans have come together to leverage the power of sport for good and create a better Chicago where young people have the opportunity to play and connect, and communities can unite and thrive // #chicago #sports

VOICEOVER BY YOLANDA SPEARMAN

FEATURING
Alex Anaya
@ben_schornack
Eyre Smith
LaVonte Stewart Sr.
Linnae Harper
Marvin Garcia
Meghan Morgan
Michael Johnson
Monica Griffin
Rebecca Brandtman
Representative Kam Buckner
Rob Castaneda
Pharlone Toussaint
@spain2323
@jamylecannon

ORGANIZATIONS REPRESENTED
ABC Pilsen @abcpilsen
Beat the Streets Chicago @btschicago
LISC / Hoops in the Hood @lisc_chicago
The Bloc @theblocchicago

Directed by: @justin__jarrett
Produced by: @traviscapacete
Producer by: @jchare

DoP: @hribar

AC: @miles.andersen

Location Sound: @stevenjlayton

Edited by: @_nickynew
Trailer Edit: @lukej.wagner

Colorist: @scandaled_eggs

Mix: @scottjamescreative

Graphics: @lukej.wagner

VFX: @graciefuldead

ASSOCIATE PRODUCERS
@rachellep__
@maggiemunoffphoto

FOOTAGE COURTESY OF
All Day Breakfast
Chicago Cubs
Gatorade Media Lab
Laureus World Sports Awards
Pond5
Envato
Artgrid

PRODUCED BY
LAUREUS USA

JTWO FILMS

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Did you know the Emmys aren’t just one night? Keshet and Bitter Jester Studios are thrilled to announce that “KESHET: A PLACE FOR EVERYONE” was nominated for three @chi_natas Emmy Awards! The production has been recognized for Outstanding Achievements in Photography, Editing, and Diversity/Equity/Inclusion Short Form Programming.

The Chicago Emmy Awards take place on Oct. 24, one of over two dozen ceremonies recognizing television excellence across the country. Watch the Keshet production here: bit.ly/keshet2026

The nominated short film explores multiple Keshet stories: Emma’s parents were told their daughter might not be safe in school. Jaymie struggled to find a place where she felt supported and understood. Like so many parents of children with disabilities or special needs, they were searching for something more... a place where their children could be safe, successful, and supported. At Keshet, Emma and Jaymie found a community that never said, “This is too hard” or “We can’t handle them.” Keshet staff meet every person where they are at, challenge assumptions of what’s possible, and provide a place to feel welcome and fully belong. Learn more at keshet.org. Created by Bitter Jester Studios in Highland Park, this film originally premiered at the 2026 Annual Keshet Rainbow Banquet.

Nominated for Diversity/Equity/Inclusion: @keshet & @bitterjesterstudios teams (Nicolas DeGrazia, Daniel Kullman, Jamie Lake, Jennifer Phillips, and Lauryn Smith, Producers)

Nominated for Photography: @danielkullmandop

Nominated for Editing: @danielkullmandop & @nic_degrazia

Special thanks to everyone at Keshet who worked so hard to bring this production to life and to the participants and their families who agreed to be interviewed and share their stories. Also a huge thank you to Steven & Susan Insoft for their important contributions to the production as well.

#keshet #bitterjesterstudios #specialneeds #disabilityinclusion #disabilityawarenes

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Our Film ‘Southpaw North’ is officially Emmy Nominated and we couldn’t be more proud!

Thank you to all the people that worked on this film, believed in it, and made this possible.

Produced by @joecfilmmaking

Director - @justjoebts

DP - @cody.coco

Editing and Post - @joecfilmmaking

Client - @northridge_knights

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Wow… our last sip of summer came with the sweetest cherry on top🤩

We are beyond thrilled to share that Strawberry Milkshake has officially been nominated for a 2026 NATAS Chicago/Midwest Student Crystal Pillar Award in the College Student Production: Fiction – Long Form category! 🏆✨

This nomination will be celebrated at the Chicago/Midwest Emmy® Awards ceremony this fall, and we cannot wait to be there alongside so many talented student storytellers.

🏆 Chicago/Midwest Emmy® Awards Ceremony
🗓 Saturday, October 24
🕔 Student Awards at 5:00 PM

After a summer full of screenings, festival selections, nominations, and a trophy or two, we couldn’t think of a sweeter way to head into fall than with this recognition from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Chicago/Midwest Chapter.
@chi_natas Thank you for this incredible honor and for continuing to celebrate student storytellers and the work they’re putting into the world.

To our entire cast and crew — this nomination belongs to every single one of you. Every hour on set, every creative choice, and every ounce of heart poured into this story helped bring Carmen’s journey to life, and we couldn’t be prouder to share this moment with you all. 💗

Chicago/Midwest Emmys… save us a seat😉

XOXO,
Strawberry Milkshake 🍓🥤
#studentemmys

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“...people’s stories, the trajectory of their stories, can change. Things can start one way, but it doesn’t always have to end how it started.”

We are excited to share that we have been nominated for a Chicago/Midwest Regional Emmy® Award.

This video, made in collaboration with @search360org about the organization’s ongoing journey of empowering people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, has been nominated for Outstanding Achievement in Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Long Form Content.

Thank you @chi_natas for this honor! We are excited to be able to share and empower the stories of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The Stories That Connect Us: Justin Lynk, Producer; Trina Grogan, Cory Gumm, Grace Lipscomb, Executive Producers. Just Storytelling & Search360

You can see the video on Search360’s YouTube channel at the link in our bio.

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A journey rooted in healing. A story recognized by the academy. 🏆

We are incredibly honored to announce that The Restore Fellowship Documentary has been nominated for a Midwest Emmy® Award in Category #401: Outstanding Achievement of Documentary - Cultural 🥂

This film is more than a cinematic project; it is a movement. It follows courageous, system-impacted individuals from Chicago as they reclaim their ancestral heritage in Benin, West Africa...bridging modern reparations with deep, necessary psychological healing.

Infinite gratitude to the FELLOWS and team and who made this possible 👏🏽

Cohort 2024 Fellows:
@sewinmonster
@brown_suga0216
@dr_quiqui78
@OG Greg
@daeskigotbanned
@malcolmlondon

🎬 Directed, Edited, Shot, & Produced by Ken Williams Jr (owner of @kenctures)
🎯 Producer & Executive Producer Richard Wallace @itsrichwallace (@eatorgchicago)

Thank you to the @nataschicago chapter for this recognition, and to every festival that supported us on this journey from day one, since it's World Premiere home @Xlfilmfestival last August

📺 Stream the documentary now on @kwelitv to see the journey.

Scan the last slide for more 🤜🏽🤛🏽

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Thank you to my morning team for the sweet shout-out! 🥹💖I’m so honored to be nominated for a Chicago/Midwest Emmy in the education and schools category for my work with Don Schoenfeld on the talented Nuner Elementary School Band. So grateful to be part of this team and to get to share the stories that make our community special! ✨🥁🎶

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