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Illinois Film Office Announces ‘Transformers 3’ Brings in $24 Million to State


CHICAGO–(ENEWSPF)–June 29, 2011.  As Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon premieres nationwide today, the Illinois Film Office (IFO) highlighted the strong economic impact the movie had on the state economy. The movie, which was partially filmed in Illinois last year, generated approximately $24 million in spending in the state and provided 400 jobs during production, in addition to extras that were hired as part of the film. 

“The impact of Transformers 3 extends far beyond its 30 days of production in Illinois by providing millions of dollars in economic activity in  the state, creating additional employment for Illinois crew, and, once-again, putting Illinois on the map,” said Warren Ribley, director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), where the state film office is housed. “As we continue our economic recovery, the film industry will continue to be an important part of our efforts to create jobs and spur economic growth.”

“Transformers 3 played an important role in 2010 becoming a banner year for the Illinois film industry,” said IFO Deputy Director Betsy Steinberg. “The influx of television, commercial and indie work also helped mark an incredible post recession-return for the state’s film industry, and continues to be critical to our efforts to market Illinois as a world-class film location.”

Transformers 3 shot for 30 days in Illinois in 2010, including areas of the Financial District, Tribune Tower and parts of Michigan Ave, LaSalle Street and Wacker Drive in downtown Chicago. The film, which was shot mostly in 3-D, was directed by Michael Bay and produced by Paramount Pictures, with Steven Spielberg serving as executive producer. The film stars Shia LaBeouf, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Tyrese Gibson, Patrick Dempsey, John Malkovich, Josh Duhamel, among others.

According to the IFO, Illinois’ film industry saw a record $161 million in spending in 2010, which topped the $155 million in spending in 2007 and represents a 54 percent increase from 2009. The film industry suffered along with the national economy during the recession, and Illinois recorded $141 million 2008 and $104 million in 2009.  In addition to Transformers 3, last year included big budget projects like The Dilemma, Contagion and The Chicago Code, as well as numerous smaller projects and a thriving commercial production industry.

The IFO administers the Illinois’ Film Tax Credit, which has been instrumental in spurring growth of Illinois’ film industry. Illinois offers a 30 percent tax credit to filmmakers for money spent on Illinois goods and services, including wages paid to Illinois residents. Since its inception, the Film Tax Credit has helped bring over half a billion dollars in economic activity to the state and over 10,000 full time equivalent jobs.

For more information about the Illinois Film Office, visit: http://www.illinoisfilm.biz/.

Source: illinois.gov


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