GOV. BLAGO AND DEPP?
As reported here last week, Illinois 2008 film/TV tax incentive has passed.
However, Governor Blagojevich is waiting to sign the bill.
Sources close to Gov. Blago are keeping mum, but rumors are circulating that there may be a good reason for the wait.
Johnny Depp isn’t available for a few more weeks.
Currently, Depp is filming “Public Enemies” in Wisconsin and will be returning to the Chicago area to film in the middle of May.
There are whispers that the Gov. would like to sign the bill in a huge event, and sign it in the presence of Johnny Depp, much like he did a few years ago when Vince Vaughn was in town shooting “The Breakup.”
IF and when it does happen, that day will go down in Chicago’s history as being the biggest event the city has seen for at least 20 years.
Kudos to whoever thought of the idea, because it is brilliant.
Right now, there is no other celebrity that has the drawing power of the marvelous Mr. Depp.
It will be a huge media circus. The press love Depp and what a great photo op for the Gov. and other notable Illinois lawmakers, the IFO, the CFO and the IPA. Who wouldn’t want a photo with Depp?
Not to mention the huge turnout of fan support for Depp. If you thought that the fans turnout was huge in Wisconsin, just wait till he comes back to Chicago.
Stay tuned to Chicagoactor.com for more info as it becomes available and stay tuned for our exclusive interview with one of the best Depp fan sites around the internet today…. Johnnydeppreads. Visit their site at www.johnnydeppreads.com.
I am a but confused, what would this bill entail exactly? I am a HUGE Johnny Depp fan but not really smart in the government section. I am excited to see JOhnny come back but unsure what the Gov. want to do. Please provide me with a bit more infor what this is and I will be there!
Hello Sarah-
Thanks for the question.
This bill is the Film/TV Production Tax Incentive that entices film production and now television production to bring their projects to IL to film instead of other states. IL is competing against all the other states for the same piece of pie, the lucrative film/tv business. So we have to offer a great tax package to get the
productions to film here instead of say…Michigan or…dare I say
Wisconsin.
Various IL lawmakers, The Chicago Film Office (CFO), The IL Film Office (IFO), and the Illinois Production Alliance (IPA) are instrumental in creating this Tax Incentive and 2008’s new edition has has passed the IL General Assembly.
All it needs now is Gov. Blago’s signature. Gov. Blago is a strong supporter of the IL film/TV industry and has been since he became Gov.
Back when the film “The Breakup” was shooting in Chicago,
The Gov signed the film tax incentive bill back then in a big ceremony with Vince Vaughn present. It was a huge event and
meant a great deal to our entertainment industry in IL.
We are hearing whispers that 2008’s film/TV tax incentive bill is
awaiting the Gov.’s signature and he would like to do that in another big event scenario but with Johnny Depp.
Honestly, while Batman is fantastic and we are thrilled to bits that they chose to shoot here (thank you Chris Nolan) and we are grateful that all the other films, Tv and commercials shoot here also, no film has captured the attention as “Public Enemies.”
That is due for one reason: Johnny Depp.
I can say that I have been in the entertainment industry for over 30 years and I am just amazed at the extent of the bond between
Depp and his fans. It is just incredible. I have never seen a performer after shooting 12 long hours or so have a meet and greet at almost every location that he has been at, in the pouring rain, sleet, snow…
After shooting in IN, WI and Aurora, Depp is scheduled to be
back in Chicago shooting till beginning of June or so.
But for more specific information on the tax incentive visit:
www.commerce.state.il.us/dceo/Bureaus/Film.