“Insurgent” – the sequel to “Divergent,” based on the young adult books by Northwestern alum Veronica Roth – filmed along the Chicago River Saturday morning. During the shoot, a low-flying helicopter swooped down toward the Chicago River around Dearborn Street before eventually rising up again around Columbus Drive. Chicago River bridges were raised along that stretch in order to make the shoot possible.
The scene was reminiscent of the helicopter shoot that took place over the Chicago River during “Transformers: Age of Extinction” filming in 2013.
Signs in the area Saturday referred to “Insurgent” by its code name “Mineral.” According to loopchicago.com, there is more helicopter filming scheduled for the Chicago River Sunday morning.
More Top Picks What To Bring To A Heart Surgery Patient
“Divergent” filmed in Chicago in 2013 for three months, but the sequel has predominantly filmed in Atlanta — despite the fact that the movie is set in Chicago.
“The Illinois (tax) incentive was designed for good reason: to maximize the utilization of local businesses, performers and crew,” said Chicago Film Office director Rich Moskal in March. “But true enough, it’s not the biggest incentive out there. Lionsgate also shot ‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire’ in Atlanta. They’re very familiar with the location and the benefits of Georgia’s film incentive. Many factors played into their decision, but ultimately, they felt Atlanta was a good fit for the sequel.”
“Divergent” made $288 million at the worldwide box office, according to boxofficemojo.com. “Insurgent” is scheduled to hit theaters March 20.
[email protected] | Twitter @TribLuis | Facebook @TribLuis | Instagram @TribLuis