Today, Governor Terry McAuliffe announced that Ithaca will be filmed in Virginia this June and July. Actress Meg Ryan will direct and play a role in the movie along with Sam Shepard and Ms. Ryan’s son, Jack Quaid. Tom Hanks and his production company Playtone will be executive producers on the film set during WW II and based on William Saroyan’s 1942 book The Human Comedy. One of Saroyan’s most popular novels, this coming-of-age story is a poignant and tender chronicle of the challenges of growing up during wartime.
“We couldn’t be happier that Meg Ryan has chosen Virginia as the location for her directorial debut,” said Governor McAuliffe. “Ithaca is a heart-warming story, and we are proud that it will be shot in the Commonwealth. We are excited to have the opportunity to work with Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks on this film about an important time in American history.”
Meg Ryan commented, “The welcome we’ve received from Governor McAuliffe and the Commonwealth of Virginia has been lovely. We’re happily surprised by the cinemagraphic opportunities, the talent of the filmmaking community and the variety of resources at our disposal. We couldn’t be more delighted to be here.”
Virginia Film Office Director Andy Edmunds noted, “Ithaca supports our mission of bringing jobs to the Commonwealth and expanding our workforce in television and film production. It will provide exceptional opportunities for our crew and actors, as well as for Virginia businesses that provide goods and services for films.”
Ithaca will begin filming in July – August in the Richmond – Petersburg area, and will be eligible to receive a Virginia Film Tax Credit and Grant. The exact amount will be based on Virginia workers hired, Virginia goods and services purchased and deliverables including Virginia Tourism promotion. In 2012 the total economic impact of the film and television industry in Virginia totaled $328.4 million and provided 3,061 jobs and $50.5 million in tax revenue.
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