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Daniel Radcliffe feature ‘Imperium’ starts filming soon in Central Va.

Posted at 4:35 PM, Sep 09, 2015
and last updated 2015-09-09 16:35:06-04

RICHMOND, Va. – The fall will be an exciting, busy time for the Virginia film industry, with four projects scheduled to soon begin filming, including a contemporary movie starring Daniel Radcliffe.

Radcliffe takes the lead role in the film “Imperium,” and will star as a young FBI agent who goes undercover to find and stop white supremacists trying to make a dirty bomb.

The story line is based on the experiences of FBI undercover agent Michael German, who worked within neo-Nazi and militia groups.

Multiple locations have been scouted in Hopewell, as well as Richmond, confirmed Andy Edmunds, director at the Virginia Film Office.

“Every script has different requirement,” Edmunds said. “We were able to find many elements thanks to the helpful contacts [in Hopewell].”

He said that official casting calls will soon be announced, despite the early mention which came out of a Hopewell City Council meeting on Tuesday.

The Lovings

The Lovings

This isn’t the only major feature film that will be shooting this autumn. “Loving” begins filming as early as Sept. 16, Edmunds said. Around 4,000 people turned out for the “Loving” casting call.

Award-winning writer/director Jeff Nichols (Midnight Special, Mud, Take Shelter) is at the helm for the feature about the interracial couple who resided in Virginia in the 1950s.

Their love for one another changed history through the landmark 1967 Supreme Court case ‘Loving v. Virginia’.

Turn

“TURN: Washington’s Spies” returns to the Commonwealth to begin shooting its third season.

Although “Turn” begins shooting later in the fall, all projects have an overlap, which paired with the UCI Road World Championship Races, will bring a lot of tourists into the area.

Also filming soon will be the Sundance fellows indie film "Black Bats" by local Rick Spears, Edmunds said, about two outcast teens that form a romantic relationship under the belief that they’re transforming into monsters.

The overlap between all four projects creates a demand for more jobs and more skilled workers.

“Our success in growing into Virginia is a testament to the great cooperation we receive with our production partners including city, town and county representatives, the state legislature and the governor’s office,” Edmunds said. “But I especially want to give credit to the skilled film workers in the Commonwealth.”

Bearded extras came out in full force for the filming of "Lincoln" by Steven Spielberg

Bearded extras came out in full force for the filming of "Lincoln" by Steven Spielberg

The fact that “Imperium” is a contemporary piece proves that Virginia isn’t just the state were you film period dramas. Edmunds explained that the film business continues to grow with words from referrals -- and that the business is pretty much driven by tax incentives.

“Since we have now depleted the pool, we hope that we will be able to increase the pool during the legislative session," said Edmunds.

So while you await your big moment to get some screen time with Harry Potter, or photograph him eating at a local restaurant, contemplate this: Virginia was allotted $6.5 million total for film tax credits, compared to Georgia’s $250 million, in 2015.

“We are very thankful for the funds we are given, and very efficient in how we use it,” Edmunds said.