Janis Burklund, head of the Dallas Film Commission, breaks the big news: "We have landed the Fox TV Studios production Jack and Dan." Which, for those who don't read The Hollywood Reporter, is the latest series from Burn Notice creator and exec producer Matt Nix. And it's set to star Bradley Whitford, ex of The West Wing and Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, and son-of-Tom Colin Hanks. What else says THR?
It centers on Jack (Hanks), an ambitious, by-the-book detective whose habit of undermining himself has resulted in a dead-end position at the Los Angeles Police Department. Worse, he has been partnered with Dan (Whitford), a drunken, lecherous, wild-card cop who hangs onto his job only because of a heroic act years before.Only, hold up. Burklund says one of the reasons the series is being shot in Dallas is because it's actually set in Dallas -- unlike ABC's The Deep End, which will still be "set" in Los Angeles. Pre-production's under way at this very moment, with shooting set to begin around town in January.
"This is a big deal," Burklund tells Unfair Park. "I've been chomping at the bit to get this one out there. This was not easy. We were up against Atlanta, which has a 30-percent tax credit -- almost double ours." Word is, an official press release is forthcoming; we'll update accordingly.
Update at 1:05 p.m.: The Official Press Release concerning today's announcement follows. A preview: Says Mayor Tom Leppert, "Hollywood is catching on that Dallas has a lot to offer including incentives, an affordable economy, mild climate, interesting architecture and skyline, and a welcoming attitude towards their creative efforts."
Jack and Dan from Fox TV Studios Series to Air on FOX
DALLAS - Fox Television Studios has selected Dallas to be the location for Jack and Dan, its new one-hour, action/comedy series to air on FOX. Created by Matt Nix (Burn Notice) who is executive-producing along with Mikkel Bondesen, Jack and Dan will be set in Dallas and filmed at locations throughout the city. Fox Television Studios' production offices for the series also will be based in Dallas.
"Hollywood is catching on that Dallas has a lot to offer including incentives, an affordable economy, mild climate, interesting architecture and skyline, and a welcoming attitude towards their creative efforts," said Mayor Tom Leppert.
Bradley Whitford (West Wing) will star alongside Colin Hanks (Mad Men, Roswell). Hanks will play "Jack," a by-the-book police detective who is partnered with the wild-card cop "Dan," played by Whitford. The series will air on FOX (Channel 4 locally).
This was a hard-fought win for Dallas, with the city of Atlanta its primary competition (Georgia's incentive program provides for a 30% tax credit, nearly double Texas' program).
Bob Lemchen, senior vice president, production, Fox TV Studios, said, "Creatively, Dallas offered us terrific shooting locations, as well as a great crew base. The city also extended itself to us with enormous hospitality and commitment to making it all work. So for us, Dallas is simply a great place to shoot."
Jack and Dan has been picked up by FOX for 13 episodes and is expected to shoot 96 days total in its first season. The show will have a significant financial impact on the city and create many jobs for crew, actors, extras and vendors during the course of production. The producers are currently interviewing crew and looking for office space. Pre-production will begin immediately with shooting set to begin in January.
