Chicago prepares for an HBO Max series. The streamer has ordered a pilot for American Blue, starring Milo Ventimiglia (This Is Us) and directed by David Ayer, with filming expected in the Chicago area in April.
If the pilot moves forward to a full series order, episodes will begin filming in June.
Production offices and interior sets will be based at the Cinespace Studios Kedzie campus. Much of the filming locations will be in the Joliet area.
American Blue is set in Joliet and follows Brian “Milk” Milkovich, a disgraced hometown cop who returns seeking redemption while helping rebuild a beleaguered police department.
Joliet has long been a recognizable filming backdrop, with the historic Joliet Correctional Center featured in productions including The Blues Brothers and Fox’s Prison Break, along with the city’s historic downtown area and landmarks such as the Rialto Square Theatre.
Ventimiglia, best known for his long-running role on This Is Us, leads the project and also holds a co-executive producer credit.
Creative and producing credits on the pilot include writer and executive producer Jeremy Carver, director and executive producer David Ayer, and executive producers Brian Udovich and Neil Reynolds, with Russ Cundiff listed as a producer. We are happy to see Richard Lederer as line producer.
Additional casting and scheduling details are expected to emerge as the April shoot approaches.
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