A Disney movie starring John Travolta is set to begin filming in the city next month, according to a newspaper report.
"Ladder 49" could be the biggest feature film ever to be made in Baltimore, said Baltimore movie maven Jed Dietz, head of the Maryland Film Festival and founder of the Producers Club of Maryland.
Baltimore was chosen over several other cities, including Toronto and Philadelphia, to be the primary location for the thriller. Mayor Martin O'Malley helped campaign to win the movie.
The movie also stars Joaquin Phoenix and is the story of a veteran firefighter who looks back over his professional life, heroic career and family life while trapped in a deadly blaze.
"It is a big production, potentially one of the biggest we've ever had," Dietz said. "It is a great tribute to Baltimore that what he [director Jay Russell] saw was authentic."
Filming is expected to employ hundreds of people, from entry level workers to skilled craftspeople, and last several months. The film also could help raise Maryland's profile as a film location, Dietz said.
In 2001, film production in Maryland generated more than $75 million in revenue.
"There is no better selling tool than an existing production," Dietz said. "Every good experience helps us to get the next one."
Russell, the film's director, already has directed one film in the area, "Tuck Everlasting," which was partially shot in Harford County.
"Ladder 49" is written by Lewis Colick, who also wrote "Domestic Disturbance." The distributor is Buena Vista. "Tuck Everlasting," "Red Dragon" and "Runaway Bride" are among the films recently filmed in Baltimore.
"Ladder 49" could be the biggest feature film ever to be made in Baltimore, said Baltimore movie maven Jed Dietz, head of the Maryland Film Festival and founder of the Producers Club of Maryland.
Baltimore was chosen over several other cities, including Toronto and Philadelphia, to be the primary location for the thriller. Mayor Martin O'Malley helped campaign to win the movie.
The movie also stars Joaquin Phoenix and is the story of a veteran firefighter who looks back over his professional life, heroic career and family life while trapped in a deadly blaze.
"It is a big production, potentially one of the biggest we've ever had," Dietz said. "It is a great tribute to Baltimore that what he [director Jay Russell] saw was authentic."
Filming is expected to employ hundreds of people, from entry level workers to skilled craftspeople, and last several months. The film also could help raise Maryland's profile as a film location, Dietz said.
In 2001, film production in Maryland generated more than $75 million in revenue.
"There is no better selling tool than an existing production," Dietz said. "Every good experience helps us to get the next one."
Russell, the film's director, already has directed one film in the area, "Tuck Everlasting," which was partially shot in Harford County.
"Ladder 49" is written by Lewis Colick, who also wrote "Domestic Disturbance." The distributor is Buena Vista. "Tuck Everlasting," "Red Dragon" and "Runaway Bride" are among the films recently filmed in Baltimore.