Chicago Fire Television Series Shoots Bronzeville Episode
If you were near the 3800 block of south King Drive in Chicago at some point last Friday, you may have noticed the 30 to 40-person film crew walking about and pushing big carts filled with lighting trees, cameras, small tents and other film equipment. What you saw happening there was the Chicago Fire television film crew setting up to film new episodes.
One scene involved a small plane crash in the middle of 3100 block of King Drive.
The Chicago Citizen Newspaper spoke with Richard Moskal, Dir. of the Chicago Film Office about what it means for the city to have a movie or a television show filmed here.
“The Chicago Fire show has been here in town for three seasons,” said Moskal. “In addition to the excitement it generates, a full-time television series means a show here for nine months out of the year which means hiring hundreds of local crew and actors and about $50 million in local spending on goods and services, staying in hotels… and that is more consistent with popular shows that are shot here entirely.”
Since 1980, more than 1100 feature films and television productions filmed in Chicago contributing $2 billion in local revenue. Chicago attracts hundreds of commercial s and photo shoots each year that are produced for both national and international clients, according to information on the Chicago Film Office website.
A division of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, the Chicago Film Office, attracts and enhances the production of feature films, television series, commercials, documentaries and all forms of local screen entertainment and is a one-stop liaison for all City of Chicago production needs including permits, city services, and logistical support.
Film producers hire location scouts to find potential sites for their productions. Scouts then research and photograph available locations as the first step in the decision making process. When a decision is made by the production’s creative team, a location manager will then provide a contract and negotiate a fee with the property owner.
The Illinois Film Office keeps a registry of available locations for filming. To be listed, check out their website at www.illinoisfilm.biz. Here, one can find out how to have their home/business used as a film location.
Have a clear understanding of the size of the crew and the amount of time filming will require. Be prepared to ask questions. Communication and preparedness are essential to a successful experience.
Following is a list Chicago casting agencies provided on the Chicago Film Office website that may be able to provide additional casting information and opportunities.
· 4 Star Casting
· Atmosphere Casting of
Chicago
· Extras Casting Agency
· Extra Ordinary Casting of
Chicago
· Joan Philo Casting
· Marinella Hume Casting
For other information, Email the Chicago Film Office at filmoffice@cityofchicago.org.
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