Illinois Needs 'Super' News
'Superman' Budget at $175 Million
Even though the Illinois Film Office has not (yet) confirmed it, the news that "Superman: Man of Steel" being shot in Illinois, is good news.
With the tax incentives looking dire as a bid to end them has surfaced, and the rumors that Caterpillar may leave the state because of high taxes, let the filming begin. And bring more, if possible, before those incentives run dry.
The production will no doubt bring an influx of cash and jobs to Illinois. It doesn't matter if they are not to last, having a film company come to a nearby town (or state) is exciting and can be just the spark needed to jumpstart motivation and attitudes.
With a projected budget of $175 million, according to Crain's Chicago Business, the cast is also being confirmed. Recently announced was Amy Adams taking the role of Lois Lane. Earlier announcements included Kevin Costner and Diane Lane as the Superman's Earthly parents, the Kents. Meanwhile, the Man of Steel will be played by a British actor Henry Cavill. That may be a drawback for some with this reboot.
Look for the town of Plano, Il., to take over for "Smallville" as this production gets going - - with interior shots to be done in Canada.
Taking a look back at some pictures filmed in Illinois since 2003, it seems as if Hollywood successfully stopped in the Midwest and enjoyed its stay. Not counting 2009, where only three major motion pictures called Illinois home, last year saw "Transformers 3" and "Contagion," just to name a few. Wait, there is that movie that opens this weekend called "Source Code" which brought bucks to Illinois as well.
The business of show is just as important, or more important, than the gossip that follows. Let's hope Hollywood continues to look at Illinois as a backdrop.
Furthermore, Oprah Winfrey leaves the state in May, but Rosie O'Donnell will set up shop in Harpo Studios, so that will keep the business buzzing there. Oh, and "The Chicago Code" on Fox has been renewed.
In other super news:
- The CW has announced the final plans for their super series "Smallville." Perhaps it's fitting that this show ends a 10-year run as the reboot of the franchise gets started. "Smallville" will end its run on May 13 with a 2-hour wrap up. As it wrap up let's take a look at "Smallville" and what has been and is yet to come.
The story of a young Clark Kent (Tom Welling) and his journey to become the Man of Steel has captivated audiences for a decade, suggests The CW. "Paying homage to 10 seasons is no small task, and wrapping up each character and story arc has been extremely important to everyone involved in the show," said executive producers Brian Peterson and Kelly Souders.
They added, "We're excited to be able to make the final moments of 'Smallville' a television event, as the character we've grown up with makes his legendary transformation."
With the tax incentives looking dire as a bid to end them has surfaced, and the rumors that Caterpillar may leave the state because of high taxes, let the filming begin. And bring more, if possible, before those incentives run dry.
The production will no doubt bring an influx of cash and jobs to Illinois. It doesn't matter if they are not to last, having a film company come to a nearby town (or state) is exciting and can be just the spark needed to jumpstart motivation and attitudes.
With a projected budget of $175 million, according to Crain's Chicago Business, the cast is also being confirmed. Recently announced was Amy Adams taking the role of Lois Lane. Earlier announcements included Kevin Costner and Diane Lane as the Superman's Earthly parents, the Kents. Meanwhile, the Man of Steel will be played by a British actor Henry Cavill. That may be a drawback for some with this reboot.
Look for the town of Plano, Il., to take over for "Smallville" as this production gets going - - with interior shots to be done in Canada.
Taking a look back at some pictures filmed in Illinois since 2003, it seems as if Hollywood successfully stopped in the Midwest and enjoyed its stay. Not counting 2009, where only three major motion pictures called Illinois home, last year saw "Transformers 3" and "Contagion," just to name a few. Wait, there is that movie that opens this weekend called "Source Code" which brought bucks to Illinois as well.
The business of show is just as important, or more important, than the gossip that follows. Let's hope Hollywood continues to look at Illinois as a backdrop.
Furthermore, Oprah Winfrey leaves the state in May, but Rosie O'Donnell will set up shop in Harpo Studios, so that will keep the business buzzing there. Oh, and "The Chicago Code" on Fox has been renewed.
In other super news:
- The CW has announced the final plans for their super series "Smallville." Perhaps it's fitting that this show ends a 10-year run as the reboot of the franchise gets started. "Smallville" will end its run on May 13 with a 2-hour wrap up. As it wrap up let's take a look at "Smallville" and what has been and is yet to come.
The story of a young Clark Kent (Tom Welling) and his journey to become the Man of Steel has captivated audiences for a decade, suggests The CW. "Paying homage to 10 seasons is no small task, and wrapping up each character and story arc has been extremely important to everyone involved in the show," said executive producers Brian Peterson and Kelly Souders.
They added, "We're excited to be able to make the final moments of 'Smallville' a television event, as the character we've grown up with makes his legendary transformation."
Published by Tim O'Brien
I have been working in the media for more than 20 years. My field of expertise is entertainment, but I also dabble in special interests such as trivia, history and humor. View profile