The first Hollywood feature since 2010’s “The Dilemma” to shoot entirely in Chicago is scheduled to start filming in Chicago. Teen action/romance sci-fi “Divergent,” from Red Wagon Entertainment, is scheduled to start filming here in April for 60 days.
Budget is a reported $40 million.
The story, based on the novel by by Veronica Roth, is set in a futuristic dystopia where society is divided into five factions that represent a different virtue. Sixteen-year old Tris leaves for a surprising rival faction where she falls for a young man and learns a secret that might save the people she loves or destroy them.
Director is Neil Burger and the star is 21-year old Shailene Woodley (George Clooney’s teen daughter in “The Descendents”). She is the only cast member to be announced so far, although internet speculation abound as to who would comprise the “ideal cast.”
Claire Simon Casting is casting local actors. Simon also casts “Chicago Fire,” which also is headquartered and shooting at Cinespace.
Sources say that at least 20 department heads from L.A. will be part of the production staff moving into Cinespace, including set decoration, props and set construction. Chicago-based James McAllister is location manager.
“Divergent” will be distributed by Lionsgate with a release date set for March, 2014.
