Jan 07, 2009
Word of the Day: Title ruse
Categories: Daily Advice
TITLE RUSE – Using a fake working title to keep a high profile film’s production a secret, which can be essential when a film’s fans threaten to disrupt the filming process. For example, while filming in Chicago, The Dark Knight was given the false title “Rory’s First Kiss” to lower the visibility of production. But once the local media uncovered the ruse, the truth spread like wildfire and the set was flooded with fans!
By Alisha, InstantCast assistant editor
I pieced together the definition but never understand why this was necessary, Now, I do. Thanks.
Knowing first hand about “Rory’s First Kiss”, it was too funny. I for one could not be bs’d in what was happening, my office was located at 180 N. LaSalle Street. You’ll probably see me in “The Dark Knight” (uncredited) as for the scene of the funeral on LaSalle Street where Jim Gordon was killed (as a ruse) I was there. TPR Casting did the principles casting and Joan Philo handled the extras. Chicago from Batman Begins where they shot on top of my favorite old martini bar across from my old office at 333 W. Wacker (The Nuveen Building) is now to be put in the books as “Gotham.”
Janet Holmes was with me in Chicago for the audition of “A Chicago Christmas” and I showed her the filming spots. If I can find it, I do have a picture of the burning fire engine on Wacker Drive. It was great. As to “Ruse”, they tried, but with GPD squad cars parked in the lots on Randolph and Franklin, alot with Gotham buses and the Tumbler parked under a tarp near Michigan Avenue, trust me, this “Title Ruse” didn’t work.
All of the underground scenes you see were shot on the legendary and historic “Lower Wacker Drive” as well as the bat pods my daughter loved when I had her on the set, one of the highspeed scenes is through the underground pedway conneting the train stations.
You can see me on the set of “Batman Begins” in my book, “The Diary of a Patient Man, A Father’s Struggle” available at http://www.lulu.com/stoneking
You can also see me on the set of “The Dark Knight” if you request a copy in fanmail or email.
Enjoy. Title Ruse, NOT. We knew Batman was shooting. But, hey, they tried. Gotta give them credit.