Even when he was lieutenant governor of Illinois, Pat Quinn was out there promoting the film industry when and wherever he could. He is a strong proponent of the state’s 30% tax incentive and was the force behind the conversion of a long idle industrial plant into the biggest stage complex east of Hollywood.
Consequently, Gov. Quinn’s support of the state’s $15 million in grants to make Cinespace Studios a reality, has generated millions of dollars in production revenue that benefit the local economy with a “trickle down factor” of 2.5%.
Last year, the two NBC Universal TV shows filming at Cinespace, “Chicago Fire” and “Chicago PD” alone have generated $111 million in revenues.
In tribute to Quinn’s film industry-building endeavors, a fund-raiser for the governor and running mate Paul Vallas will be hosted by Chaz Ebert in her home on Monday, Oct. 6.
“Gov. Quinn’s foresight, confidence and input in our having a stage complex like Cinespace has changed the lives of hundreds and hundreds of people, because they have good, steady, high paying jobs,” says Mark Hogan, business manager of Local 476.
Cinespace president Alex Pissios credits Quinn for sharing the long-range “make no little plans” vision of Cinespace founder, Pissios’ uncle, the late Nick Mirkopoulos of Toronto, “in taking the lead in building a thriving industry that creates new jobs and sustains employment.”
Since opening in 2010, Cinespace has hosted an estimated 50 projects, ranging from blockbuster features to TV series, indie films and student projects. Four TV shows are currently filming there, the two NBC shows, Fox TV’s “Empire” and USA’s “Sirens.”
“Batman vs. Superman: The Dawn of Justice” moves into Cinespace in October for six weeks and Showtime’s Chicago-set but LA-produced “Shameless,” which shoots second unit here every quarter, is the latest TV show to set up shop at Cinespace.
Cinespace currently has 18 stages, ranging in size from 40,000-sq. ft. to 15,000-sq. ft., located in two buildings. Ten additional stages are in the process of conversion in a third building.
The Oct. 6 fund-raiser is also being hosted by Arts Advocates for Gov. Quinn, whose members include Ron Chez, Tom Dreesen, Duane Edwards, Fred Eychaner, Sonia Florian, King Harris, David Hawkanson, Kitty Kurth, Lisa Lee, Rep. Camille Lilly, Mayari Pritzker, Dennis Savard, Brenda Sexton, Cook Comm. Larry Suffredin, Bob Teitel, Thad Wong and Billy Zane.
Individual tickets are $250 and may be purchased here.
For more information contact RSVP@LBHChicago.com or 312/806-2743.
