Mann brings 'heat' to frigid Wisconsin

From The Capital Times:

Doyle confirms portions of Depp movie to be shot in state

MADISON - Gov. Jim Doyle today announced that portions of the upcoming film "Public Enemies" will be shot in Wisconsin.

The movie will be directed and produced by UW alumnus Michael Mann and will star Johnny Depp and Christian Bale.

Universal Pictures reached agreement today with the Wisconsin Department of Commerce on tax credits from the new Film Production Services Tax Credit Program.

"Welcoming the film industry to Wisconsin gives us an opportunity to showcase the rich diversity of our great state - its landscapes, its people, and its culture," Doyle said. "Movies create a sense of place that stays in the minds and hearts of moviegoers long after the credits roll. And as the proud governor of this wonderful state, I can't wait for the rest of the world to see on the big screen what we enjoy every day - the great state of Wisconsin."

"Public Enemies," will be about the story of America's criminal folk hero John Dillinger (Depp), whose wave of bank robberies and the subsequent FBI manhunt -- commanded by J. Edgar Hoover and run by Special Agent Melvin Purvis (Bale) -- fascinated the nation in the 1930s.

Individual community locations have not yet been determined. In choosing Wisconsin, Mann cited the high quality historic building stock in many Wisconsin communities that will lend authenticity to the action-thriller.

"It is a coup to have Johnny Depp, Christian Bale and Michael Mann headline the first film, but these incentives have just begun to work," Lieutenant Gov. Barbara Lawton said. "They will continue to attract both blockbuster and smaller budget films to Wisconsin as more producers hear what a great place Wisconsin is to do business. Wisconsin is now a major player in attracting creative industries."