For the original Iron Man & it's hit sequel, and Marvel's next release, "Thor,", (which was also filmed mostly locally including at the Getty Center in Brentwood), filming was based on a stage at Raleigh Studios in Manhattan Beach.
But the studio, which was acquired by Walt Disney Co. last year, concluded that London was the best location for "Captain America," largely because the story is set in Europe and
will feature a number of scenes in London such as Piccadilly Circus, and also because of favorable tax incentives.
That decision was a blow to L.A.'s below-the-line community, which had been banking on the project to employ hundreds of crew members at a time when relatively few big-budget features are shot locally, thanks to rising competition from other states and countries.
D'Esposito, who was recently recognized by the Los Angeles City Council for his efforts to keep production in Hollywood, said he had strongly considered L.A.
"I actually had location scouts here to see what could be done,'' he said. "But it would have required so much visual-effects work and set construction, it didn't make sense."
D'Esposito acknowledged that Britain's film incentive, which offers a 20% to 25% payable tax credit on qualified expenditures, was another factor. Marvel could not apply for a tax credit from California's program because the film's budget, in the $140-million range, would make it ineligible, said D'Esposito, who personally lobbied California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to enact a film tax program, which took effect last year. California's program excludes films costing more than $75 million.
"This is one reason many advocate that our state's incentive program be revised," said Paul Audley, president of FilmL.A. Inc., which handles film permits for the L.A. area.
"These are tough financial times right now that could pressure us to look at other locations,'' he added. "But we have every intention of shooting the majority of films here."
Starring Chris Evans, Hugo Weaving, Samuel L. Jackson, and many more big names to come, filming begins June 28th, while the film directed by Joe Johnston, will be on the big screen July 22nd next year.
Art by
Ashmantle of Deviant Art
DCMF: Though it worked successfully with Iron Man 2, I think Marvel is learning (or down to only option) to do less green screen, and actual location or at least actual surroundings. Like Chris Hemsworth 'Thor' said, when he walked on set, it felt like they were in Asgard. And now with Captain America filming supposed scenes including the Piccadilly Circus in London, it's gonna be great. I really think this Period-peace will be Huge. Can't wait.