Vince Vaughn Is the Tip of the Iceberg

By Rob Christopher in Arts & Entertainment on Jan 25, 2007 4:23PM

We know that we're not the only ones in the past few weeks to see Vince dashing around town in a Santa suit. Apparently there have been sightings in Wicker Park and on Michigan Avenue among other places. Yes, wearing a Santa suit in January: that's exactly why the man is so well-paid. He's starring in Fred Claus, which has been shooting here off and on since November and is due to wrap next month. According to Reel Chicago, It's only one of the six studio films that were at least partially shot in the Chicago area last year.

In 2006 there was revenue of about $35 million from feature films shooting in Illinois, which sadly is a decline of $55 million from the $90 million generated in 2005. But eight months ago G-Rod signed a bill into law which provides a 20% tax credit on total production within the state (and an additional 15% tax credit if the production uses crew from economically disadvantaged areas). The new rules are getting around to producers and the Illinois Film Office has started fielding more inquiries. The article mentions The Express and a mysterious-sounding movie by the title of Rory's First Kiss (could it be "Gilmore Girls"-related?)

Even more interesting to us was an article profiling 28 local documentaries which should be finished this year. It's a list which covers subjects ranging from Siberian prison camps and Maxwell Street to StreetWise and Paul Stanley. The one that intrigues us the most is Dead On: The Life and Cinema of George A. Romero, which profiles the work of the John Cassavetes of horror films.

In the coming weeks, keep your eyes peeled for random Santas. And Vince is fine, of course, but we have to admit that we're a bit more excited about Quebec, with Seann William Scott and John C. Reilly as competitive grocery store employees.