Illinois is 'Boss'

As the business of show reporting goes, it has been busy here in Illinois. Illinois is now "Boss" as we welcome Kelsey Grammer and his new show to Chicago. Meanwhile, "The Chicago Code" called this state home, as did "The Dark Knight," "Transformers 3" and "Contagion." This summer, Plano, Il., becomes "Smallville" as "Superman: Man of Steel" lands in the state.

All thanks to the Illinois Tax Film Credit, most likely. After a few lean years, the Illinois Film Office announced that $161 million was pumped into the Illinois economy in 2010.

The recent news just got better Cinespace Chicago Film Studios is expanding. Now, with an injection of $80 million from a Toronto-based studio and $5 million from Illinois Jobs Now, the facility, located in Chicago between Ogden and Western Avenues, on the near southwest side, will continue to be a major Hollywood player. This studio was involved in the productions of "The Chicago Code," Transformers 3" and "Boss." The Illinois Film Office notes that a record $161 million in spending came to Illinois last year. That was more than the $155 million in 2007. Also, that is a 54 percent increase from 2009.

As for this studio, it will be to produce more than one film and TV show at one time, so jobs will be there.

Stay tuned.

They have noted since the film credit took full effect, it has generated $500 billion and added 10,000 full-time jobs. And to think, when they are in production, they need extras, stand-ins, and more.

Source: Illinois Film Office (IFO).