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  • Hey all, just changed over the backend after 15 years I figured time to give it a bit of an update, its probably gonna be a bit weird for most of you and i am sure there is a few bugs to work out but it should kinda work the same as before... hopefully :)

Chicago's New $80 million film studio!!!!

In Toronto, one film studio was closed down and demolished because it would compete with Cinespace.

http://www.petitiononline.com/Pier28/petition.html

To demolish a perfectly good film studio and profitable business, put people out of work, and discourage competition.... doesn't make a lot of sense to me.

And oh yes, part of Chicago was shot in Toronto at that particular studio.
 
Without knowing much about Cinespace as a biz, and it's philosophy, I will comment on 'outside LA' instead.

I'm all for spreading out filmmaking beyond the Hollywood glamazon arena. Many fellow writers seem to think one must be in LA if they will ever find work or sell a spec. Many actors have the same slant. While Hollywood will forever be the mecca for film - whether realistically or sentimentally - there is a lot of wonderful film work going on around the world.

Eastern Europe is really embracing the reinventing of their film industries, and things are spreading out in the US and Canada, not to mention Bollywood and Chinese cinema.

I say cheers, as long as it's all done fairly, and with the interests of the community who hosts the biz are respected.

Not sure why, but I have had poor luck doing anything in Chicago. Maybe this will change all that, and get a buzz of excitement going.

alex

www.alexwhitmer.wordpress.com
 
Sounds awesome, but I'm surprised someone would invest that much money when right next door Michigan has the most generous incentives in the country. And yes, I am from Michigan, but I'm just saying it seems like strange timing and that's a lot of money.
 
Dominic Cochran said:
Sounds awesome, but I'm surprised someone would invest that much money when right next door Michigan has the most generous incentives in the country. And yes, I am from Michigan, but I'm just saying it seems like strange timing and that's a lot of money.
Click to expand...

That crossed my mind. I have heard Michigan has a pretty big welcome mat for filmmakers. But, do they have the facilities to make the incentives pay off, as opposed to the costs associated with having a major studio to work in - itself an incentive, and likely in some cases, a cost saving option (insurance for locations, lugging a crew around, etc...).

yes, curious how it will pan out.


aw

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www.alexwhitmer.wordpress.com
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Chi - tooooooowwwwwwwnnnn!!!!!!!

Very curious about this myself. There is a buzz. Having them here gives us a bit stronger position to keep work in town. Always glad to see expansion in these troubled times.
 
Sounds like a cool thing for Chicago. I still have never been to the city, and would love to visit some day.

We've got a pretty big one going in right down the street from me. 14 sound stages, and a bunch of other facilities. Check it out here. http://plymouthrockstudios.com/about/index.html

Anything that means more work, more jobs is welcome these days.
 
Great news, heard about it coming for some time but this is the first I've read. Thanks for posting.

Could be a nice winter hide-out!
 
alexwhitmer said:
But, do they have the facilities to make the incentives pay off, as opposed to the costs associated with having a major studio to work in - itself an incentive, and likely in some cases, a cost saving option (insurance for locations, lugging a crew around, etc...).
Click to expand...

No, that's why we've landed mostly indies and location-based studio films since we passed the incentives. There are a bunch of proposed developments, but are having trouble getting financed even WITH the success of the incentives. So this Chicago project would be surprising if it actually happens, surprising in a good way! I support any infrastructure development for our industry in this economy, no matter where it is.
 
Benz I'm pretty excited for us. It's been a long time coming, and should allow Chicago an opportunity to increase its presence within the multi-media world.
 
This is excellent news for all of us budding filmmakers looking to stick around in Chicago. Can't wait to visit!
 
Does anyone have any more news on this? I've searched from time to time ever since this news broke but I've never found anything new. You'd think they would have some kind of website by now or somewhere that I could send in my resume and try to get a job.

BTW, Benz, long time no see!
 
I know that they have a couple of stages built now...not sure how far along they are on the complex as a whole though.

It will be really great to work on it.
 
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