 The movie highlighted not only performances by Christian Bale as
Batman, with venerable actors Garry Oldman, Michael Caine and Morgan
Freeman rounding out the cast, but it is the last film of the late
Heath Ledger, whose role as the Joker has been praised as brilliant
by media critics across the country.
"The Dark Knight" brought nearly $40 million in revenue to the
Illinois economy, making it the largest movie filming project in
Illinois on record. The movie, which was filmed in the Chicago area
last year, created approximately 4,500 job hires.
"'The Dark Knight' is evidence of the success of the Illinois
film tax credit," said Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich. "The film tax credit
put Illinois back on the film industry's map and helped Illinois
achieve record revenues of $155 million and over 26,000 job hires in
2007. By renewing the tax credit, we have held on to our competitive
position and are helping to ensure that filmmakers will continue
coming here to make their movies."
Chicago locations filmed for movie included the Old Post Office,
404 W. Harrison; Lower Wacker Drive; Hotel 71, 71 East Wacker Drive;
the IBM Building, 330 N. Wabash; Lincoln Park; and Navy Pier.
The economic impact of "The Dark Knight" could be directly felt
by Illinois workers who, in total, received over $17.5 million in
wages from jobs such as set construction, electrical work, makeup
and hairstyling, truck driving, and acting talent. In addition,
Illinois vendors received nearly $22 million in sales from the
movie. Local companies from security providers to hardware stores
and cleaning companies to catering services benefited from "The Dark
Knight's" production needs.
"'The Dark Knight' is evidence of the film industry's huge
economic impact in Illinois," said Betsy Steinberg, managing
director of the Illinois Film Office. "'The Dark Knight' alone
poured nearly $40 million in revenue into the state and provided
employment for over 4,000 people. In addition, this movie production
purchased goods and services from over 300 Illinois vendors,
including hardware, lumber, catering and security."
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The film industry has a sizable impact on the Illinois economy and
brings thousands of jobs to the state each year. In 2007, Illinois
film productions made more than 26,500 hires in Illinois -- a 110
percent increase over 2006. A number of films and television shows
were produced in Illinois in 2007, including "The Dark Knight," with
Batman; "Wanted," starring Angelina Jolie and Morgan Freeman; "Fred
Claus," with Vince Vaughn; "Meet the Browns," starring Angela
Bassett; "The Express," starring Dennis Quaid; and "ER" and "My
Boys" television shows. This year, movies such as "Public Enemies,"
starring Johnny Depp, and "The Informant," starring Matt Damon, have
filmed in Illinois.
In 2000, Illinois began suffering a mass exodus of the film
industry as other states began enacting film incentives. By 2003,
the Illinois film industry had fallen to an all-time low of $23
million. In response, Blagojevich enacted the Illinois film tax
credit. Since its passage, the film industry has rebounded
dramatically. The film industry reached an all-time record of nearly
$155 million in 2007. This represents the single best year in the
state's history -- and an 80 percent increase over 2006
"We are always seeking innovative ways to promote Illinois as a
place to do business," said Jack Lavin, director of the Department
of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. "Having productions film in
the state not only provides an opportunity to showcase all Illinois
has to offer, but also brings in much-needed revenue and helps
provide employment for thousands of people. If you compare revenues
from 2007 to 2003, the year before the FTC was enacted, it is
evident the tremendous impact the credit has had on the state
economy and for Illinois workers.
The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is dedicated
to advancing Illinois' reputation as a world-class film destination.
The Illinois Film Office, a division of the department, promotes and
markets the state as an ideal shooting location for films,
television shows and commercials. The Illinois Film Office also
promotes and encourages the training and hiring of Illinois
residents who represent the diversity of the state's population.
[Text from
Illinois Office of
Communication and Information file and
LDN]
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