Cinespace Chicago Film Studios Welcomes 2 Pilots for Filming: NBC's 'Ordinary Joe' and Fox's 'The Big Leap'

CHICAGO, March 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Cinespace Chicago Film Studios, the second largest film studio in the country, with 36 studios and more than 2 million square feet on the west and south sides of Chicago, is pleased to welcome two pilots to its campus this season. NBC has green-lighted "Ordinary Joe," and Fox has given a pilot offer for "The Big Leap."

According to the network's show description, "Ordinary Joe," written by Russel Friend and Garrett Lerner, explores the three parallel lives of the show's main character after he makes a pivotal choice at a crossroads in his life. The series asks the question of how different life might look if you made your decision based on love, loyalty, or passion. The drama is said to be a passion project for "The Batman" writer/director Matt Reeves, who originally wrote a pilot script based on this idea more than a decade ago. "Ordinary Joe," was originally set up at NBC in November 2018, receiving a put pilot commitment. Due to the late timing of the sale, a script could not be completed for the 2019 pilot season, and the project was therefore rolled to the 2019-20 cycle.

On another stage at Cinespace Chicago Film Studios, Fox pilot "The Big Leap," a project inspired by the U.K. reality series "Big Ballet" will start production. The project will be a co-production between 20th Century Fox Television and Fox Entertainment. According to the show's description, "The Big Leap," written by Liz Heldens, is explained as a funny and contemporary tale about second chances, chasing your dreams and taking back what is yours. The show centers on a diverse group of underdogs who compete to take part in a competition reality series that is putting on a modern, hip remake of "Swan Lake." The show takes viewers on a journey of self-acceptance, body-positivity, and empowerment at any age.

"Pilot season is an important time in the industry, and we are thrilled that both NBC and Fox have chosen to film some of their most anticipated shows at Cinespace Chicago during the traditional pilot season," said Alex Pissios, President and CEO of Cinespace Chicago Film Studios. "Our lot has been continuously full throughout the peak season and even during off-cycle or second-cycle, which is great for the Chicago film industry and for economic growth in the city, especially on the south and west side of Chicago," he added. 

In addition to pilot season news, Cinespace Chicago also celebrated the announcement NBC recently made when it renewed three more seasons for "Chicago Fire," "Chicago P.D." and "Chicago Med." The popular Dick Wolf series have been anchor tenants at Cinespace Chicago Film Studios since their inception. For more information on the productions filming at Cinespace or studio availability, call Cinespace Chicago Film Studios at 773-521-8000.

About Cinespace:

Cinespace Chicago Film Studios is a family-owned company specializing in the development, management, and operation of studio space and support facilities for the film, television, and digital media production industry. With 36 sound stages on its 2 million+ square foot main campus in Chicago's North Lawndale neighborhood, and additional studios currently under construction at 31st and Kedzie, Cinespace is the largest film studio outside of California. Since opening in 2011, Cinespace has helped bring more than 15,000 new jobs to the area. As part of Cinespace's commitment to the neighborhood, the family established CineCares Foundation to train and employ area residents through education and job training in TV & Film. The CineCare's Foundation Mirkopoulos Internship Program partners with NBCUniversal, Wolf Films, FOX, and Studio Mechanics Union Local 476. In addition to film production, the campus is home to the Independent Film Alliance (IFP Chicago), a 501(c)3 organization created to provide the programming and resources needed to build a diverse, sustainable industry in Chicago. Key tenants at Cinespace include 312 Fast Draw, AbelCine, Cinelease, DePaul FilmSchool, Keslow Camera, Lagunitas and Periscope Post & Audio. For more information or to contract studio or business space at Cinespace, visit the website at ChicagoFilmStudios.com. 

Media Contact: Karolyn Raphael

[email protected] 

312-494-0422

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