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Film production in central Illinois on the rise

Posted March 31, 2008 11:00 pm

John Reynolds

While most movies are still shot in Hollywood or some other large city, more and more film projects are finding their way to central Illinois.

Dean Williams, executive director of the Springfield and Central Illinois Film Commission, said Tuesday that when the group was created about 3 1/2 years ago, it was involved with $10,000 to $20,000 worth of film production. By last year, that number had jumped to about $500,000.

"That's all because we have a production base here in Springfield that allows people from Hollywood to come in and (do a movie)," Williams said.

He said the film commission includes about 125 people. They range from writers to producers to wardrobe people and even animal experts such as veterinarian Karl Luthin of Riverton.

Luthin has been involved in movie-making for more than 30 years and currently provides horses and related props such as wagons for Hollywood productions. His projects have included "Gods and Generals," "Cold Mountain" and "The Alamo."

Recently, he supplied several horses for the HBO miniseries "John Adams."

"We have members all over the state," Williams said.

When the Springfield and Central Illinois Film Commission started, it was initially called the Springfield Film Commission. About two years ago, the name was changed to include central Illinois. Now, the commission's territory includes everything south of Interstate 80 to the Kentucky state line.

Last year, the commission was involved in about 35 projects. They ranged from commercials to television shows to a full-length movie - "Sand Prairie," which was shot in Pekin.

One of the more unusual projects involved a Japanese television show called "Discovering the World's Mysteries."

The show filmed at several Springfield sites, including the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, Lincoln's Home, Lincoln's Tomb and the Pasfield House.

Tony Leone, owner of the Pasfield House, described the program as a travel show that incorporates historic re-creations. There also is a game-show element that is shot in Japan.

While in Springfield, many of the Japanese crew members stayed at the Pasfield House.

"They had a wonderful time; they were wonderful people," Leone said. "I sent them home with some Pasfield House souvenirs. You would have thought I gave them a million dollars."

Leone thinks exposure from the show will have benefits for Springfield beyond the crew's initial visit.

"It was a tourist bonanza," he said.

John Reynolds can be reached at (217) 788-1524.

Riverton horse featured in 'John Adams'

By John Reynolds

When movie producers wanted a horse actor Paul Giamatti could ride in the HBO miniseries "John Adams," they called Riverton and asked if Glory was available.

Glory, a 13-year-old bay quarterhorse mare, is owned by veterinarian Karl Luthin and already had appeared in several movies and specials. Glory is what's known in the movie business as a "principal horse," which means people trust her to never buck or injure a leading actor like Giamatti.

"Principal horses are horses for the stars," Luthin said. "They are extremely well-behaved, and they don't spook."

Luthin, who has several horses, has been involved in the movie business for more than 30 years. He got his start in the mid-1970s when his Civil War cavalry re-enactment group appeared in a movie. Today, he supplies horses and other western-themed props for films. He also observes the production of movies to ensure animal safety.

Since he's a vet, Luthin can treat animals that are injured on the set.

"I wear a lot of hats," he said.

Luthin bought Glory about eight years ago and originally planned to use her as a "nondescript." Nondescript horses are brown horses with few markings so they can be interchanged with other animals during filming.

Soon, however, Luthin noticed that Glory had what it takes to be a star.

She could walk along, for instance, and ignore camera and lighting people who were right beside her. She wasn't spooked by loud noises and could walk up, stop on a mark, and not fidget while an actor delivered his or her lines. This means a scene can be shot with fewer takes.

"She's one of the few horses that, no matter what the actor does, she stays in frame," Luthin said.

Glory was in the first two episodes of "John Adams." Luthin is not sure if she will be in others.

The Adams miniseries wasn't the first time Glory carried an actor portraying a president. Last year, the horse was ridden by Fritz Klein, who portrayed Abraham Lincoln in a 20-minute film showed to tourists at the Lincoln Home National Historic Site.

Barring any unforeseen injuries, Luthin thinks Glory could continue in the movie business for another 10 years.

John Reynolds can be reached at (217) 788-1524.

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