Written by on Jan 16, 2013. Posted in On Location

Cinespace Chicago Film Studios gets first major feature film

Dystopian thriller Divergent will become the first major feature to shoot at Cinespace Chicago Film Studios in Illinois. The project will be helmed by Limitless director Neil Burger and is expected to spend more than USD30 million in the state.

Cinespace was opened in mid-2011 and currently hosts TV drama Chicago Fire. The studio was developed with USD5 million of public money as well as extensive private funding, and offers one of the biggest sound stages in the US.

Nick Mirkopoulos is the studio owner: “Governor [Pat] Quinn shared our vision of building a world-class soundstage to support the growth of the film industry in Illinois and help create thousands of jobs for Illinois workers."

Governor [Pat] Quinn shared our vision of building a world-class soundstage to support the growth of the film industry in Illinois and help create thousands of jobs for Illinois workers.

Nick Mirkopoulos, Cinespace studio owner

He added: “Cinespace is committed to providing Lionsgate the best facilities and service available [for Divergent] and we are excited that this high-profile film is being made here in Chicago.”

Chicago Fire has been a TV success, following on the heels of the city’s big-screen appearances as Gotham City in Batman Begins and The Dark Knight. It will also double for Metropolis in the new Superman film Man of Steel. Filmmakers shooting on location in the state can access a 30% tax credit.

(Cinespace still: Cinespace Chicago Film Studios)