Batman rolled into town this week, promising destruction, disruption, hundreds to thousands of jobs (wanna work for free at Heinz Field Saturday?) and a blockbuster-sized boost to the local economy.
And snow. (The next question, do they plow in Gotham?)
During a brief press conference at the Renaissance Hotel last week--the only public appearance of the cast and crew while they are here--Batman director Christopher Nolan and star Christian Bale agreed they were enjoying their first visit to Pittsburgh and the warm welcome they've received.
Nolan also mentioned that he was looking forward to dislodging the infrastructure and hoped it wouldn't inconvenience anyone.
"The architecture of this city is very beautiful on a very impressive scale and yet one which has a community that hasn't lost its human scale," said Nolan. "Those are two elements that are extremely hard to find and incredibly valuable to a production like 'The Dark Knight Rises,' where we're really looking to have the architecture of a major American city somewhat disrupted by some of the things we're trying to do."
A thinly-bearded Bale, wearing an Adidas jacket, black cargo pants and blue Pumas, joked that he won't be feeling the cold snow while stuck in a rubber suit. He's looking forward to fighting in the streets of Pittsburgh.
"We'll try to stay out of your hair," added the star. (Pop City note: Rumor has it Bale is living in Mt. Lebanon during the shoot.)
Filming for "The Dark Knight Rises" began on July 29 and is expected to run through the end of August.
Facebook and
Twitter pages are following the local buzz. The region will undoubtedly reap major economic benefits from the blockbuster production's work here, noted the leadership trio who attended the conference, Gov. Corbett, Mayor Luke Ravenstahl and Allegheny Commissioner Dan Onorato.
Adds Craig Davis of VisitPittsburgh: "This high-profile production adds to Pittsburgh's reputation as the Hollywood of the East Coast. And, knowing that the film crew will tell others about what a great place Pittsburgh is to visit is just icing on the Batman cake."
Writer:
Deb SmitSource: Christopher Nolan, Christian Bale and The Pittsburgh Film Office
Photo copyright Tracy Certo