Tremendous progress in elevating Cinespace Studios as the central core of Chicago’s film infrastructure in just 14 months, since Gov. Pat Quinn cut the studio’s opening ceremonial ribbon on the “Boss” TV series set last May.
Cinespace founder, Nick Mirkopoulous, who owns successful production studios in Toronto, has invested an estimated $40 million to date in four new sound studios, at an estimated cost of $2.5 million each, and the build-out of 150,000-sq. ft. of production offices.
Mirkopoulous’ investment will top some $80 million when the 1.5 million sq. ft. of former steel plant space is fully converted into eight stages by 2016.
Part of Cinespace’s expansion includes the on-premise tenancy of established Los Angeles-based suppliers to serve the needs of its production clients.
The third company to commit to a long term studio lease is 21-year old Los Angeles-based Keslow Camera rentals.
Cinelease lighting and grip equipment and Gala Catering, opened their Chicago breanches earlier to service the second season of Starz’ “Boss.”
Owner/president Robert Keslow was in Chicago last week to officially opened the Chicago branch, with a $5 million inventory of 15 Arri Alexas and Red Epics, plus “a boatload of prime lenses, fluid heads and customized accessories,” he says, in time for the Wednesday, July 24 launch of Fox TV’s “Mob Doctor,” headquartering at Chicago Studio City and the following day’s start of Dick Wolf’s newest NBC series, “Chicago Fire,” at Cinespace.
The company is committed “to being a full-fledged operation, with inventory, personnel and space,” says L.A.-based Keslow Camera COO Dennis McDonald. Keslow also operates branches in New Orleans and Santa Fe.
“Chicago Fire” will utilize a package of four Alexas, lenses and accessories and a smaller system of Red Epics was ordered for “Mob Doctor.” The other camera packages “will serve for second unit and any additional feature and commercial work,” says McDonald.
The DPs of both series are long-time L.A. clients.
New companies are on “preferred vendor list”
Keslow’s staff will be all local hires. The branch manager, rental manager and techs are in the process of being hired, McDonald notes.
Keslow Camera will operate out of 6,000 sq. ft. of street level space currently under construction in the Service Building at 16th St. and South Rockwell. It will have its own separate entry and signage.
Keslow and Cinelease have committed to five year leases, while Gala Catering signed up for 10 years. Dink Adams is in charge of Cinelease operations and Donna Cushing manages Gala Catering.
The three companies are on Cinespace’s “preferred vendor list” says general manager Alex Pisseos. “The production companies have the right of first refusal on the bids provided by the Cinespace tenants and can call on other companies to submit bids.
“If the other bids are lower and the preferred vendor can’t or doesn’t want to match that bid, the production company is free to hire the other vendor,” Pisseos says.
