Chicago’s new film office commissioner Natasha Parker Olguin wants to keep talent here, build off experienced workforce

CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago has served as a popular backdrop for box-office movies throughout the years.

We can thank our iconic skyline, stunning lakefront views, historic neighborhoods and of course, our unique Lower Wacker Drive.

But it takes more than just beauty to lure a film scout. The Chicago Film Office plays a big part in that, and the office has a new leader.

Part 1 – Our Chicago: Hollywood in the Windy City.

Chicago native Natasha Parker Olguin was named deputy commissioner of the office, which is a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, in June.

Parker Olguin comes with an impressive resume, as the founder and CEO of Noisemakers Entertainment. She was also a producer, location manager, writer and director. Her credits include Heist 88, The Chi and Man of Steel.

Parker Olguin said that besides marketing Chicago’s diverse landscape and neighborhoods, her goal is to really build off of the city’s experienced workforce.

“We have a very strong infrastructure,” said Parker Olguin. “We have amazing talent in front and behind the camera, and we really can take a project from script to screen. There’s nothing we cannot do here.”

And her goal is to keep that talent in Chicago through inclusivity.

“There’s talent in every corner of Chicago,” said Parker Olguin. “When you connect our veteran film makers and those that are working on these crews with our youth, and you connect those two, you have a pipeline for the next generation of film makers.”

And Hollywood can start and stay right here in the Second City.

“I was born and raised here,” said Parker Olguin. “I built a 20-plus career working here in Chicago. You do not need to leave your city to create a career.”

Parker Olguin suggests contacting local casting companies to start off as an extra. “They’re always looking for fresh faces,” she said.

Chicago talent agent pens book on strategies to break into acting

Part 2 – Our Chicago: Hollywood in the Windy City

Chicago talent agent Michelle Hayes plays a big role in helping aspiring actors land their next big role.

Among her successes are Corey Hendrix of The Bear and Ahmad Ferguson of The Chi.

And now she’s out with her debut book: “Agent’s Playbook: Step-by-Step Strategies to Break Into Acting and Master the Industry.”

Hayes said the first step is deciding what kind of actor you want to be. She said people looking to for extra work just need to google “extra work” and find a job right away.

She stressed that speaking roles take training.

“You have to train and you have to take acting classes,” said Hayes. “A lot of people think it’s really easy, and it’s not. The Denzel Washingtons…they train.”

Hayes also encouraged aspiring actors to get their start in smaller acting markets like Chicago.

“We have The Chi here, we have Power here, we have Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D.,” she said. “If you can build your resume with all these credits, that’s when you go to Hollywood because you’re competing with big name-celebrities.”

But as Hayes explains in her book- don’t get scammed.

“Never, ever pay to be with an agent. That’s not a legit agent. We get paid on commission only,” said Hayes. “So when they say hey give me $2,000 and I’ll get you in front of a casting director or talent agent – run.” Hayes said no agency will ever ask for money.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

_{Images are for reference only.Images and contents gathered automatic from google or 3rd party sources.All rights on the images and contents are with their legal original owners.}