HBO To Film Pilot Episode In Baltimore For Series

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- It's a shot in the arm for Maryland's film industry. HBO just announced it will film a pilot in Baltimore, starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus.

Mary Bubala reports the project could bring millions to the local economy.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus of "Seinfeld" fame and CBS' "The New Adventures of Old Christine" will be in Baltimore in February.

She is filming a pilot for HBO called "VEEP," as in Vice President of the United States. It's comedy about a former senator who becomes the VP.

"Julia Louis-Dreyfus is hilarious, so I think it will be a good show and I hope it's more than a pilot. I hope it actually takes off and we have an opportunity to showcase Baltimore. It's a great thing for the state. We are talking jobs here," said Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.

Just filming the pilot could create 700 temporary jobs and bring in up to $6 million.

If HBO likes the pilot and it gets the green light for a series, Baltimore hopes to be its permanent home, just like it was to two other HBO series: "The Wire" and "The Corner."

"We've had a long successful relationship with HBO," said Jack Gerbes, Maryland Film Office. "They appreciate our crews; that's why they keep on giving us an opportunity to shoot here in Maryland."

Maryland has doubled for Washington, D.C. in several movies, including Chris Rock's "Head of State" and Will Smith's "Enemy of the State."

"I think we double well for them and also shooting in Baltimore, most producers find it a lot easier," Gerbes said.

Filming of "VEEP" will start in late February and last a few weeks. Julia Louis-Dreyfus is starring and producing the pilot. The actress, who turns 50 on Thursday, attended school in the Washington area.

Filming in Maryland brought in $39 million last year. That is down from a high of $158 million back in 2006.