Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} Despite the poor, early reviews by movie critics, residents of Illinois and Chicago might find solace in the announcement that "Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon" brought in $24 million to the state.
A report by the Illinois Film Office on Wednesday stated that more than 400 people (excluding the extras) were hired during production of the blockbuster film, which premiered in theatres nationwide on Wednesday.
"Transformer 3 played an important role in 2010 becoming a banner year for the Illinois film industry," said IFO Deputy Director Betsy Steinburg. "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 in 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 downtown.
Also according to the IFO, Illinois’ film industry saw a record $161 million in spending in 2010, topping 2007’s $155 million record and a 54 percent increase from 2009. Other big budget productions filmed in Illinois last year included “The Dilemma", "Contagion" and "The Chicago Code."
IFO attributes growth to Illinois’ Film Tax Credit, a 30 percent tax credit offered to filmmakers for money spent on Illinois goods and services, including wages paid to Illinois residents.
