MovieMaker Magazine tapped ReelChicago editor Ruth L Ratny for an interview in www.moviemaker.com about the subject she knows best?the Chicago film industry.
From classics like “Home Alone” to anticipated blockbusters like The Dark Knight, Chicago is finding itself in the spotlight for its film production resources.
MovieMaker asked her why this is so. She eagerly answered, relishing the opportunity to help others discover the benefits of this metropolitan moviemaking world.
Mallory Potosky (MM): When people think of filming in a big city, New York, Los Angeles and Toronto seem to be the most obvious first choices.
But Chicago has been in the news as well?especially with recent productions like Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight.” What does the city offer moviemakers that they might not otherwise be aware of?
Ruth L Ratny (RLR): We’ve got it all?everything is in one place. It’s a complete destination, with mile after magnificent mile of locations.
Within the city’s rich and varied 234 square miles are diverse, ethnic neighborhoods not found in other cities to match any location a screenwriter can dream up.
Around the corner from my high-rise, for example, is a shady street of brownstones from the 1890s. You can film Mexican life in Little Village, urban life on the South Side like in “Barbershop” and affluence in the North Shore homes of Robert Redford’s “Ordinary People” and John Hughes’ “Home Alone.”
Chicago has been making movies for 100 years?that’s about 75 years longer than Toronto. Our infrastructure is established and always evolving to accommodate the latest requirements.
Crews don’t have to be imported here, as with other locations, because our crews are experienced, often third and fourth generation union members.
As Chicago Film Office director Rich Moskal says, our level of service comes with a thorough understanding of the filmmaking process.
We know what’s required in every department. We know how limited resources can be stretched to save money.
