The filming of “Public Enemies” in Wisconsin has our attention because of the star power — leading actor Johnny Depp — but we also have a thick streak of independent movies coming through here.
Expect these choices to widen. The Milwaukee-based Marcus Corp. recently promised to show Wisconsin-made films on more than 600 of its screens. That means automatic distribution in six states, says Scott Robbe, executive director of the nonprofit Film Wisconsin, which works to reel in movie production.
“It will be a great help to independent filmmakers, who will be able to say ‘and I have guaranteed distribution’ of the finished product” as a producer or financing is sought, Robbe says.