John Simmons Shares Goals for Alton's Film Industry

Film Industry Comes to Alton | Our Daily Show Interview

ALTON - Alton’s film industry is coming to life with new filming and economic development opportunities.

“Herbert West: Reanimator” is a psychological horror movie that was filmed in Alton earlier this summer. Between this movie, which will likely premiere in theaters later this year, and the “Food Is Love” TV show’s decision to center several episodes around Alton, John Simmons believes Alton’s film industry is on the rise.

“The future is so bright, everybody ought to be wearing shades. It’s exciting,” Simmons said. “We’ve got a lot to offer in Alton.”

Simmons is the CEO of Rex Encore and principal of Woodlake Entertainment. He founded Woodlake Entertainment with Jeff and Roger Lewis.

2 Large, 1 Topping Pizzas: $35.70 + Tax

Shop Local

Roma's Pizza

Get This Deal →

Jeff Lewis had a 30-year career in Hollywood and was eager to bring his expertise to Alton. Together, the trio decided to create the production company and acquire the rights to “Herbert West: Reanimator.”

The decision to film in Alton was multifaceted. Simmons credited Illinois’s tax incentives and Governor JB Pritzker for these tax credits, adding that this made it “pretty enticing” to invest in the project.

Additionally, Alton became a major part of the movie. The team decided to set the movie in Alton as a real city, and they filmed in many local spots, such as Post Commons and The Wedge.

“The diversity of what you see in Alton is what is attractive to the movies, because any of this stuff would have to be built on a set somewhere,” Simmons explained. “But the graciousness of Altonians to allow us into their businesses without changing their signs and getting 900 permits that apparently you have to do in California nowadays to film somebody walking down the street — it’s pretty attractive to film there. The architecture, the bluffs, the river.”

It was important to Simmons to incorporate Alton as much as possible. The production team is now interviewing composers to create a score for the film, which will be performed in part by the Alton Symphony. The group wants to see Alton’s film industry continue to grow.

“We’re trying to make this as much about Alton as we can,” Simmons added.

He also shared that the company has purchased the rights to another movie. More information will be shared as it becomes available.