The city’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events announced Tuesday that North Lawndale native Natasha P. Olguin has been named the deputy commissioner of the Chicago Film Office. The appointment comes six months after the ouster of previous film office head Jonah Zeiger.
“Natasha is a trailblazer in the industry and a passionate advocate for community development,” DCASE Commissioner Clinée Hedspeth said in a statement. “Her achievements and entrepreneurial skills are nicely aligned for the film office to expand Chicago as a creative hub for filmmakers and to view the backdrop of the city and its many communities as a beautiful place with a rich vibrancy.”
Olguin’s role, a key one in attracting features films, TV shows and other lucrative productions to the city, is expected to include leading “policy development, production support, workforce expansion and (creating) partnerships to foster a sustainable and inclusive media production economy,” according to DCASE.
Olguin has a long history in the entertainment industry, including working as a writer and producer, as well as a director in film, television, commercials and videos, DCASE officials said. She has worked on a number of highly successful productions, including “The Chi,” “Empire” and “The Dark Knight.”
“We are excited to welcome Natasha as Deputy Commissioner of the Chicago Film Office,” said Michael Scott Jr., director of industry and community relations for Cinespace Chicago, which bills itself as the Midwest’s leading studio and service provider for TV and film production.
“As a proud Chicago native and industry leader with more than two decades of experience, Natasha brings a deep understanding of film production and a strong commitment to growing Chicago’s film and media landscape. Her proven track record as a producer, location manager, and entrepreneur will be invaluable as she helps strengthen Chicago’s position as a world-class destination for filmmakers. We look forward to the new opportunities she will bring to the office and to our city.”
Beyond lobby the film and television industry to shoot in the city, the city’s film office serves as the hub for permitting and logistical support for production crews while they are in town.
The head film office position had remained vacant since Zeiger was fired in December 2024. Zeiger, a Mayor Lori Lightfoot appointee who spent about two years on the job, told WBEZ’s Courtney Kueppers earlier this year that he didn’t know why he was ousted.
“It was never made clear to me,” Zeiger said in February. “I know that I was given direction to limit, then ultimately refrain, my engagement with stakeholders and community partners, and I never quite understood why I was receiving that guidance.”
At the time, DCASE officials declined to comment about Zeiger’s removal.