Tom Hanks. Courtesy of Twitter

Press Release

Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell announced that portions of the highly anticipated feature film Captain Phillips will be shot in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The film stars Academy Award-winning actor Tom Hanks as Captain Richard Phillips and Catherine Keener as the captain’s wife, Andrea Phillips. Paul Greengrass (United 93, The Bourne Ultimatum) directs the film from a screenplay by Billy Ray, based upon the book, A Captain’s Duty: Somali Pirates, Navy SEALs, and Dangerous Days at Sea, by Captain Richard Phillips and Stephan Talty. The producers are Scott Rudin, Dana Brunetti and Michael De Luca. Captain Phillips, which is slated for release by Columbia Pictures on March 22, 2013, will shoot in the Virginia Beach area.

“When Tom Hanks last spent time in the Commonwealth it was as Executive Producer of the award-winning miniseries John Adams” noted Governor McDonnell. “I am pleased to welcome him, along with the entire Captain Phillips team, back to Virginia with this story of modern-day heroism on the part of Captain Richard Phillips and the Navy SEALs whose daring actions resulted in his ultimate release. We in Virginia take great pride in the Navy’s presence within our state and are delighted to support this film that acclaims the significant contributions made by the U.S. Navy and the strength and courage of the men and women who serve in the U.S. armed forces. Our investments in the job-creating film industry continue to pay off for the citizens of Virginia.”

Paul Greengrass noted, “For its proximity and accessibility to the Atlantic Ocean, and as a vital base for the U.S. Navy, we look forward to filming in Virginia.”

“We in Virginia Beach are honored that Captain Phillips will be filming in our area,” commented Virginia Beach Mayor Will Sessoms. “This is a rare opportunity to bring economic benefit to our beautiful city while being part of what is sure to be an exceptional and inspirational film.”

Captain Phillips is eligible to receive a $300,000 grant from the Governor’s Motion Picture Opportunity Fund. The direct and indirect impact of Virginia’s motion picture and video production industry in 2010 was $344 million, representing 2,651 jobs for the state.

By: Contributing Author

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