PITTSBURGH,None — Production of the Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures feature film "The Dark Knight Rises," the third installment of the Batman series directed and co-written by Christopher Nolan, kicked off on Friday in Pittsburgh.
Crews will film in Lawrenceville on Friday before moving to sets in Oakland for filming Saturday through Thursday.
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The Pittsburgh Film Office hosted a press conference at the Renaissance Hotel on Thursday to announce the kickoff of filming. Director, writer and producer Christopher Nolan and actor Christian Bale, along with producer Emma Thomas, executive producer Kevin De La Noy, Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, County Executive Dan Onorato and Governor Tom Corbett all spoke to the media.
"The welcoming attitude of the people, along with Pittsburgh's beautiful architecture and city streets, will bring enormous production value to 'The Dark Knight Rises,'" said Christopher Nolan, director, writer and producer. "I'm very much looking forward to spending some time here."
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RAW VIDEO: Actor Christian Bale Talks 'Batman' In Pittsburgh RAW VIDEO: 'Batman' Director Christopher Nolan Calls Pittsburgh 'Very Impressive' RAW VIDEO: 'Batman' Executive Producer Kevin De La Noy Thanks Pittsburgh Agencies RAW VIDEO: Producer Emma Thomas Says 'Batman' Crew Feels 'Very Welcome' RAW VIDEO: 'Batman' Symbol Displayed On Highmark Building In Pittsburgh PHOTOS: Christian Bale, Christopher Nolan At 'Batman' Press Conference In Pittsburgh
"We are thrilled to welcome Warner Bros., and the cast and crew of The Dark Knight Rises to our city," said Mayor Luke Ravenstahl. "It's an honor to have this major production in our area, and another shining example of how the film industry will make a significant impact by showcasing the arts and culture of our community."
On Wednesday and Thursday nights the "Batman" bat signal could be seen illuminated on the Highmark Building downtown as a welcome sign to the cast and crew.
Filming will continue throughout the region, including downtown Pittsburgh, through the end of August. Full details of filming activity, including road closure points, parking restrictions, and special effects are available through the Pittsburgh Film Office website at www.pghfilm.org. In addition, Warner Bros. will advertise its presence and the nature of all activity by means of signage posted in the area for local residents and business owners. All business owners have been notified in advance of major disruptions.
"The Pittsburgh Film Office is working closely with Warner Bros., the City of Pittsburgh's Special Events Department, and the Department of Public Works, to minimize the impact and make this a positive experience for all Pittsburgh residents," said Dawn Keezer, director, Pittsburgh Film Office.
Added Keezer, "Landing this prestigious Batman franchise in Pittsburgh speaks volumes about the wonderful partnership that has developed between the state of Pennsylvania and the entertainment industry, and residents should be proud. Film production means more than just seeing movie stars at the local Starbucks. It means jobs and economic development, and our residents should be excited over the next few weeks as an international spotlight shines on our region."
The film stars Christian Bale, Anne Hathaway, Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine among others.
Previous Stories: July 14, 2011: 'The Dark Knight Rises' Needs Thousands Of Extras For Football Scene At Heinz Field June 17, 2011: Thousands Attend 'The Dark Knight Rises' Casting Call In Pittsburgh June 17, 2011: 'The Dark Knight Rises' To Hold Open Casting Call In Pittsburgh April 20, 2011: Actors Added To Cast Of Batman 'The Dark Knight Rises'
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