CHICAGO—The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) and Commissioner Clinée Hedspeth today announced the appointment of Natasha P. Olguin as the Deputy Commissioner of the DCASE Chicago Film Office. A proud native of Chicago’s North Lawndale community on the West Side, Olguin brings over two decades of film industry experience and leadership.

Olguin will continue to drive the growth of Chicago’s dynamic film and media production landscape. She will spearhead policy development, production support, workforce expansion, and partnerships to foster a sustainable and inclusive media production economy. Her appointment signals a new era of opportunity, creativity, and equity in Chicago’s cultural economy.

“Natasha is a trailblazer in the industry, and a passionate advocate for community development,” said DCASE Commissioner Clinée Hedspeth. “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 is a highly recognized producer, location manager, owner, writer, and director in film, television, commercials and videos. As a Chicago native, she is familiar with city government and has a strong connection with film industry stakeholders.

She has worked on several successful and award-winning movies and television shows, such as Heist 88, Contagion, The Dark Knight, Ironheart, Man of Steel, Empire, 61st Street and The Chi. She is a proud member of IATSE Local 476, the Producers Guild of America, and Directors Guild of America.

Olguin is producer, CEO and founder of Noisemakers Entertainment and recently served as the owner operator and CEO of Production Rentals Chicago. She previously worked as a location manager, assistant location manager, location scout, and location coordinator for several studios including Warner Bros., Marvel Studios, Paramount, 20th Century Studios, Universal, 40 Acres & A Mule, Amazon, AMC, Showtime, ABC, HBO, Sony Television and more.

She was also the president of the BIGG Hearted Foundation, a nonprofit organization providing educational scholarships.

A University of Illinois alumna with a B.A. in speech and communications and a minor in African American studies, Olguin honed her screenwriting craft through the Independent Screenwriters Group and ScreenwritingU.

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Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) supports artists and cultural organizations, invests in the creative economy, and expands access and participation in the arts throughout Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods. As a collaborative cultural presenter, arts funder, and advocate for creative workers, our programs and events serve Chicagoans and visitors of all ages and backgrounds, downtown and in diverse communities across our city — to strengthen and celebrate Chicago. DCASE produces some of the city’s most iconic festivals, markets, events, and exhibitions at the Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park, and in communities across the city — serving a local and global audience of 25 million people. The Department offers cultural grants and resources, manages public art, supports TV and film production and other creative industries, and permits special events throughout Chicago. For details, visit Chicago.gov/DCASE and stay connected via our newsletters and social media.