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record four TV drama series filmed in Illinois in 2012: NBC's "Chicago Fire,"
Fox's "Mob Doctor," Starz's "Boss" and MTV's "Underemployed." The four dramatic
series combined are expected to contribute more than $92 million in local
spending and create more than 1,200 full-time equivalent Illinois jobs in 2012.
Also, a comedy TV pilot -- USA Network's "Sirens," by Denis Leary -- is
scheduled to begin shooting later this month, further boosting the economic
impact of Illinois' film industry."Our talented crews, iconic shooting
locations and world-class soundstages have helped make 2012 a banner year for
the Illinois television industry," Quinn said. "We are committed to helping the
film and television industry grow in Illinois by attracting more productions
that create good jobs."
In December 2011, Quinn met with NBC executives and encouraged them to bring
the entire production of "Chicago Fire" to Illinois. The TV series, which
profiles the lives of Chicago firefighters, premieres Wednesday at 9 p.m.
Central time on NBC. The cast includes Chicago actor Christian Stolte,
Naperville native David Eigenberg, Jesse Spencer, Taylor Kinney, Eamonn Walker
and Lauren German.
"Chicago Fire," "Underemployment" and "Boss" are all filmed at the Cinespace
Chicago Film Studios. "Sirens" recently opened offices there as well. The
soundstage opened in May 2011 and was constructed with $5 million in capital
funding from the state through the Illinois Jobs Now program and tens of
millions of dollars in private investment. When fully built out at 1.2 million
feet, Cinespace is expected to rank as the largest soundstage outside of
Hollywood in the U.S.
"We are thrilled that the TV networks recognize what a perfect place Illinois
is for series television," said Betsy Steinberg, managing director of the
Illinois Film Office.
"Our tax credits for film production, access to world-class infrastructure
and great crews combine to make Illinois a winning destination for production
companies.
In 2011, Illinois' film industry generated $154 million in spending and
created 2,060 full-time equivalent jobs in Illinois with such feature films as
"Man of Steel," TV series including "Boss" and "Playboy Club," along with a
variety of independent films and commercial productions.
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The Illinois Film Office actively pursues film projects by promoting
Illinois as an ideal location to film. In addition, the office
administers the state's film tax credit, which has been instrumental
in spurring growth of Illinois' film industry.
Illinois offers a 30 percent tax credit to filmmakers for money
spent on Illinois goods and services, including wages paid to
Illinois residents. Since its inception in 2004, the film tax credit
has helped generate $971 million in revenue for the state and create
the full-time equivalent of more than 10,000 jobs.
"Television shows have a substantial economic impact and provide
long-term jobs for our state's highly skilled labor force," said
David Vaught, director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and
Economic Opportunity. "These shows create jobs for electricians,
welders, construction workers, painters, truck drivers, accountants,
hair and makeup stylists, actors, extras, caterers, security
personnel, and office workers."
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and
the Illinois Film Office are dedicated to advancing Illinois'
reputation as a world-class film destination. The Illinois Film
Office promotes and markets the state as an ideal shooting location
for films, television shows and commercials. The office also
promotes and encourages the training and hiring of Illinois
residents who represent the diversity of the state's population.
[Text from
Illinois Department of
Commerce and Economic Opportunity
file received from the
Illinois Office of
Communication and Information]
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