Gov. Quinn Joins Teamsters to Welcome New TV Drama, Jobs to Chicago

Local 727 Members Begin Work on 'Ride-Along'

Local 727 Business Representative Joe Coli (left) and Gov. Pat Quinn.

Teamsters Joint Council 25 and Teamsters Local 727 officials partnered with Gov. Pat Quinn on Sept. 16, 2010, to welcome the production of “Ride-Along,” an upcoming FOX Television drama set in Chicago.

The new show is expected to generate about $25 million in economic activity and create more than 400 jobs in and around Chicago.

During production, which began in July, 24 members of Local 727 served as drivers to ferry equipment and actors to and from the set. Members also worked on the show’s pilot episode, which filmed in April.

“It’s not only a really great opportunity to help bring positive attention to the City of Chicago and contribute to a compelling TV series, but it is also a way to show how union labor is vital to stimulating our state’s economy,” said Local 727 Business Representative Jon Magna, who visited the set with Joint Council 25 Executive Director Brian Rainville and Local 727 Business Representative Joe Coli at Roosevelt Road and Austin Avenue in Cicero.

Based in Chicago, “Ride-Along” follows police detectives in their day-to-day lives on the streets. The show, created by Rockford native Shawn Ryan (“The Shield”) and starring Chicago native Jennifer Beals (“Flashdance”), will premiere midseason on FOX.

Coli called “Ride-Along” another great opportunity to team up with a film crew and help kick the state’s economy into gear.

“It’s just amazing to think our members are not only a part of this TV series, but many of the productions filmed in our state,” Coli said. “The more movies made here, the more of Teamsters are put to work and the more money is generated for a state trying to make a financial comeback. It’s a win-win.”

Gov. Quinn said a commitment by the Teamsters has helped fueled movie production, alongside the state’s increased Film Production Tax Credit, which Joint Council 25 was instrumental in helping to pass. The legislation offers a 30 percent tax credit to filmmakers on monies spent on Illinois goods and services, including wages paid to Illinois residents. Previously, the tax credit was 20 percent.

“‘Ride-Along’ is great example of how the film industry creates good Illinois jobs and improves our economy,” Gov. Quinn said. “The state's strengthened film tax credit demonstrates our commitment to growing this industry and creating more opportunities for people to work.”

Teamsters Local 727 is an affiliate of Teamsters Joint Council 25, which represents more than 100,000 hardworking men and women throughout Illinois and Indiana.

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