his month
our
theme is
"Reset & Rise," and it perfectly captures the spirit of our cover story. This issue shines a spotlight on the incredible actress, writer, producer, and studio owner Cynthia Kaye McWilliams.
Chicago is quickly becoming a major center for TV shows and movies. And right here, a powerful new movement is emerging. This movement isn't just about making content; it's about creating a business model that ensures Chicago's actors and production teams keep ownership, opportunities, and earnings within the city.
Cynthia Kaye McWilliams, known for her role in Netflix’s Average Joe and a long-time Hollywood professional, has come back to the city that helped start her career. Her mission? To launch CynCity Productions. This new company aims to change how TV shows and movies are made, owned, and shared.
Her latest project, the comedy-drama series Messy Lola, was filmed entirely in Chicago and will debut in early 2026. This isn't just another show. It's the first of many projects designed to create jobs, train local Chicago talent, and give artists a share of the profits – an unusual chance outside of typical industry practices. As Chicago's entertainment scene continues to expand, McWilliams is demonstrating that creative individuals don't need to leave the Midwest to find success; they can build the industry right there.
As a fellow creative, I wanted to showcase Cynthia's vision. She's building something unique and changing the existing story by giving people the chance to excel in their work. After seeing her dynamic personality, energy, and drive up close, I'm confident she will achieve everything she envisions and shared with us for CynCity Productions.
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