Governor Quinn Announces New TV Drama to Bring More Than $25 Million to Illinois, Create 400 Jobs

CICERO – September 16, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today joined the cast and crew of the new television drama “Ride-Along” to highlight its impact on Illinois' economy. The show is expected to generate approximately $25 million economic activity and create more than 400 Illinois jobs.

“'Ride-Along' is great example of how the film industry creates good Illinois jobs and improves our economy,” said Governor Quinn. “The state's strengthened film tax credit demonstrates our commitment to growing this industry and creating more opportunities for people to work.”

Based in Chicago, “Ride-Along” is a police drama that follows Chicago police detectives in their day-today lives on the streets. The show was created by Rockford native Shawn Ryan and stars Chicago native Jennifer Beals. “Ride-Along,” which filmed a one-hour pilot episode in Chicago in April, was picked up as a series by 20th Century Fox Television in May. The show began filming in July and will premiere midseason on FOX.

"Without the cooperation of the state of Illinois, the Governor's Office, the city of Chicago and the Illinois Film Commission, we never would have been able to film this series in the spectacular Chicagoland area,” said “Ride-Along” creator and Rockford native Shawn Ryan.

During his visit, Governor Quinn also highlighted the importance of Illinois? Film Tax Credit, which has been instrumental in spurring growth of Illinois' film industry. Illinois offers a 30 percent tax credit to filmmakers for money spent on Illinois goods and services, including wages paid to Illinois residents. Previously, the tax credit was 20 percent. As a demonstration of the state's long-term commitment to strengthening Illinois? film industry, the yearly sunset provision was removed in 2009.

“The 'Ride-Along' series has added an additional boost to what has already been a terrific year for the Illinois film industry. Not only has production of the series been great for the local labor force and industry vendors, but the economic impact - on top of the impact of other blockbuster productions this year - is great for the Illinois economy and job creation,” said Betsy Steinberg, director of the Illinois Film Office.

Illinois' film industry is on track to experience tremendous growth in 2010. Last year film and television productions in Illinois generated more than $104 million in economic activity.