"Philadelphia is an extremely film friendly town," says Joe Zolfo, co-executive producer of Dead Man Down, which began filming in Philadelphia last week. "The on-set crew will be 100 people, and the off set crew will be 50 to 75 people. Add actors, and there will be 200-250 people employed on the production."
The film, which is using various locations in Philadelphia over the course of the next few months, stars Colin Farrell and Terrence Howard, and is directed by Niels Arden Oplev, who previously directed the Scandinavian version of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.
Zolfo says the film will be here for a total of 35 shooting days. On opening day, Zolfo, Sharon Pinkenson of the Greater Philadelphia Film Office, and Mayor Michael Nutter gathered near the SS United States. The massive ocean liner, which is docked by Pier 82 on Columbus Boulevard across from Ikea in South Philadelphia, is getting a much needed publicity boost. Dead Man Down shot only one day on board the SS United States. "This is a location that's never been filmed before," says Zolfo.
Also on hand was Susan Gibbs, Executive Director of the SS United States. The long term hope is that the ship itself will generate hundreds of jobs and tax revenues during a redevelopment. A request for qualifications was opened on April 13 to repurpose the largest passenger vessel ever constructed. According to the RFQ, the ship comprises more than 650,000 square feet of enclosed space which could be used for a "hotel, restaurants, event space, retail, and educational facilities. Plans also include a museum and the restoration of the ship’s most iconic historic features."
There is no word on whether Philadelphia will become the permanent home for the vessel, built in 1903 and still the holder of the fastest transatlantic crossing by ocean liner. New York and Miami are possible destinations.
Source: Joe Zolfo, Dead Man Down
Writer: Sue Spolan