Chicago Maintains Status as Place to Film Movies and Television Shows

Deborah Bayliss | As of Wednesday, January 29, 2014

TV series shooting in Chicago during 2013 included: “Betrayal” (ABC), “Chicago Fire” (NBC), “Chicago PD” (NBC), “Crisis” (NBC), “Mind Games” (ABC) and “Sirens” (USA). Studio features filmed in Chicago in 2013 included “Divergent,” “Jupiter Ascending” and “Transformers 4.”
TV series shooting in Chicago during 2013 included: “Betrayal” (ABC), “Chicago Fire” (NBC), “Chicago PD” (NBC), “Crisis” (NBC), “Mind Games” (ABC) and “Sirens” (USA). Studio features filmed in Chicago in 2013 included “Divergent,” “Jupiter Ascending” and “Transformers 4.”

Chicago is maintaining its status as the place for major film and television productions, with an overall increase in filming activity, according to information released from the Chicago Film Office at the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE).

“This past year has been an outstanding year for film in Chicago with major films and six full-time TV shows in production,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

“Our success can be attributed to Chicago’s highly-respected crews and talent, world-class facilities, distinctive cinematic urban landscape, affordability and hands-on City support via the Chicago Film Office team, with a sophisticated understanding of the industry and its needs.”

Last year was another record year with a 20 percent increase in overall production and a total of 2,198 filming days. In 2012 a previous record was set with nearly 40 percent growth over 2011.

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The 2014 theatrical releases of Jupiter Ascending and Transformers 4 is expected to keep the filming spotlight on Chicago.

“The most impressive growth was in episodic television,” said Rich Moskal, Director of the Chicago Film Office. “Scripted one-hour dramas see Chicago as a versatile, cinematic and affordable destination. The expansion of Cinespace Studios and the influential endorsement of two Dick Wolf series (‘Chicago Fire’ and ‘Chicago PD’) have sent the entire industry a powerful message: Chicago is full service, highly functioning and open for business.”

TV series shooting in Chicago during 2013 included “Betrayal” (ABC), “Chicago Fire” (NBC), “Chicago PD” (NBC), “Crisis” (NBC), “Mind Games” (ABC) and “Sirens” (USA). Studio features filmed in Chicago in 2013 included “Divergent,” “Jupiter Ascending” and “Transformers 4.”

“These record stats reflect our city’s greater capacity and maturity as a true production center,” continued Moskal. “The past two years have been an important step forward in establishing Chicago as an industry hub.”

The film industry’s interest in Chicago is expected to continue this year.

Finding the perfect location is largely the responsibility of the location scout, who uses investigative research, travel, and photography to document potential locations that are perfect for filming movies, television shows and commercials.

Spotting the actors and catching a fliming glimpse of both Jupiter Ascending and Transformers 4 shot in town last summer, was something to talk about.

Jupiter Ascending, starring Channing Tatum and Mila Kunis, set up camp along Cottage Grove south of 5lst Street--movie campers could be seen parked in front of the U.S. National Guard Armory.

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