Chicago continues to make a name for itself in big budget action flicks as it grabs a piece of the Superman reboot. While most of the principle photography is set for Vancouver, the huge action sequences will be shot here. The reason: access to military hardware. We apparently can get the cargo planes and attack helicopters necessary along with an aircraft carrier and fighter jets.
Chi Town has played host to several huge blockbusters of late, standing in for Gotham City in Batman Begins and The Dark Knight. This summer will see destruction rain down on the Windy City in Transformers 3: Dark Side of the Moon. I am so excited. I had tons of fun watching them film both Dark Knight and Transformers 3.
All this would not have been possible if not for a hellagood tax incentive and a couple of Saturday Night Live castmates who asked Mayor Jane Byrne way back in 1980 if they could film in Chicago. She let them jump over the 95th Street bridge and whatever else they wanted for a little film called The Blues Brothers. The previous mayor, Richard J Daley (father of the outgoing) refused to let anything be filmed here. He didn't like movies with curse words and sex. He didn't like the idea of Chicago or the police department being portrayed in a bad light. Because the last time Chicago had been on camera was the 1968 Democratic Convention. Yeah, we didn't look so hot. There is an excellent book by Arnie Bernstein called Hollywood on Lake Michigan: 100 Years of Chicago and the Movies which has a whole host interesting anecdotes.
The good news keeps rolling for Illinois as west suburban Plano is apparently going to stand in for Clark's hometown of Smallville. Oh yeah, August is going to be super cool around these parts.
11 comments:
I love when movies are filmed in Chicago too!!!
I got to be an extra in a few Chicago TV shows in the 90's (Cupid and Early Edition); fun experience!
Good for Mayor Byrne! And I don't know if it was filmed there, but Source Code is set in Chicago.
Chicago has been destroyed... yet again :) Poor city. I'm joking of course. It's quite exciting indeed, I wish I could witness its "destruction".
@Kelly That is so cool you got to be an extra! I love it that Superman is coming here.
@Alex Mayor Byrne rocked. There's even some pics of her wearing the shades and fedora. I think Source Code was filmed in Toronto. Wanted was filmed in Prague then Chicago was digitally added in.
@Nebular George, my friend, it is great seeing one's city destroyed by supervillains. LOL
That's awesome Melissa! That is very cool, indeed. Take some pictures, if you can!
does this mean that Oprah will be his nemesis? :))
it sounds so exciting to be in the same place as the shooting take place! :D
@Matt Hopefully I will be able to get pics. My sister has some from both Dark Knight and Transformers 3.
@Dez LOL. You crack me up. Now that would be a film to see. ;)
@levian It is exciting. I'm trying to find the exact dates do I can go and see the shoots.
Well done Mel with this.
Its a great choice for location, Im there myself next week!
Demps , you're in Chi Town? Cool! Hope you'll check on your fellow 411 teammate. Glad you liked the piece.
FYI-There is an updated edition of Hollywood On Lake Michigan coming out June 1, 2013 from Chicago Review Press. go to chicagocinema.net for more info.
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