Lights, Camera, Lakeview

By Jacy Wojcik in News on Apr 11, 2008 7:19PM

If you were in the greater Lakeview area yesterday you may have been lucky enough to catch a glimpse of Johnny Depp or Christian Bale on the set of Public Enemies. Or, almost as exciting, the actual set of Public Enemies. A stretch of Newport Avenue near Clark Street was made into a 1930s-esque set complete with cobblestone streets, antique cars and street lamps, and an old school el train along the Red Line tracks. Apparently, directors love this area, as the same street was used last year for the Angelina Jolie film, Wanted. So what does this ‘hood have that makes it so appealing? It’s by the lake, near the L, and is lined with fancy, iconic graystone buildings.

But the number one requested spot to film? Downtown locations, specifically with shots of our awesome skyline. The Chicago Film Office reports that last year over 30 films and TV shows were filmed in Chicago last year bringing in more than $150 million to our local economy. And bringing Christian Bale doesn’t hurt either…

[S-T, photo by haycarrieanne]