IA film industry looking to get back on track - CBS4 - WHBF Quad Cities, IL-IA News Weather Sports

IA film industry looking to get back on track

By: Katie Jones

kjones@cbs4qc.com

Scandal, fraud and drama. Sounds like the perfect storyline. But it's a harsh reality that closed the curtains on the Iowa film industry. But one local group is trying to put the QC back on the silver screen.

The Iowa film industry was suspended back in 2009 after a tax credit scandal involving film crews. Since then, local production companies have been working non stop to bring it back to life.

"When the IA film office was suspended it had a tremendous impact on bringing production to the area," Production executive Doug Miller said.

Production executive and QC Film Coalition founder Doug Miller said some major movies are in the works that could put the QC in the spot light.

"He wants "The Pizza Man to do for doorbells what Jaws did for the beach" Miller said.

 The new film "The Pizza Man by Mel Brooks will be shot right here in the Quad Cities and Miller said it's a movie the entire community could benefit from.

"Live action production creates what I would call summertime construction jobs. And they bring movie starts into town and they spend a lot of money when they do that. It helps the economy and gives the community a sense of pride," Miller said.

He hopes that sense of pride will keep attracting film makers to our area. With a 3D animation studio in the works and production classes offered at Blackhawk College, Miller said the QC is ready for all the lights cameras and action

"We've shown we're a film ready community and we have a talent base in front of the camera as well as behind that gives us the ability to bring film makers in because we can deliver what they need," Miller said.

Miller said production on "The Pizza Man" should start by late summer. For more information or if you'd like to get involved with film production click on popular links.