Who?

Jim Laczkowski is a Chicago-based librarian, writer, film critic, photographer, musician and podcaster. He is the founder of the Now Playing Network and programs music and film-related events for the Chicago Public Library. He is a writer and member of The Chicago Film Critics Association and helps maintain the Chicago Critics Film Festival website. Since he was a teenager, he has also recorded and produced a number of records of his own, in addition to teaching music in a variety of settings. 

Since 2011, he has hosted a monthly podcast called Director's Club, focusing on film, filmmakers, music and pop culture obsession in general. He has appeared on several AM talk radio shows such as WGN, has been a guest on many pop culture podcasts as well as contributor to several blogs and publications discussing a love of film and music. Jim is also currently in production on a mental health documentary about how the arts prevented him from taking his own life in addition to detailing being near-death.

One of the more successful endeavors happens to be the previously hosted Substack page (migrated to here thanks to Ghost). Over 250 paid readers and over 500 subscribers that engage with his work. There are over 25,000 subscribers to Director's Club, available through all podcast streaming platforms. You can also view his short films over on Vimeo with a feature to come soon!

Why subscribe?

Subscribe to get access to the newsletter and website. You’ll support the Now Playing Network, Director’s Club Podcast and be the first to receive all new work.

Follow me elsewhere

You can always find me elsewhere here. I try not to do too much social media outside of Instagram, Letterboxd and Bluesky:  https://linktr.ee/jimlaczkowski