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Indiana Seeing Growth in Film Industry with “Little Big Top”

PERU, Ind. (August 17, 2005)—In the past, selling Indiana to the film industry was about as treacherous as the job of a high-flying trapeze artist. “Little Big Top”, a Fly High Films production, wrapped up filming last week in Peru, Ind., setting the stage for future growth of Indiana’s film industry.

“The bulk of the film industry is in the production of commercials, music videos and low budget films and our goal is to aggressively tap into these lucrative business opportunities for the state,” said Governor Daniels. “Little Big Top” is a step forward in our efforts to expand the film industry as a tool for economic growth.”

Sid Haig, who has starred in Jack Hill’s classic “Spider Baby”, “Galaxy of Terror” and numerous other films, will play the lead role in this project written and directed by Ward Roberts. Produced by Christina Mauro and Jessica Petelle-Slagle, “Little Big Top” follows the troubling life of a down-and-out circus clown and utilizes the famous Peru Circus (www.perucircus.com) and its performers as the setting for the film.

“It has been an amazing experience to come back to my home town and make this film,” Roberts said. “The city of Peru and the Peru Amateur Circus has embraced our production with open arms. Filming here was an experience I hope to have over and over with other projects we plan to produce in the state.”

Petelle-Slagle, one of the film’s producers, is a member of the newly created Indiana Media Industry Network (IMIN) task force which consists of local entertainment industry representatives. The IMIN works closely with the Indiana Economic Development Corporation’s (IEDC) newly created Office of Film Development to pursuer a variety of entertainment businesses and persuade them to come to Indiana for their next project.

Without the state’s involvement and the openness of the city of Peru, we would not have been able to accomplish half of what we have done,” said Petelle-Slagle. “The result—an economic boost for Peru, a powerful medium showcasing this beautiful city and the very unique and world famous Peru Amateur Circus, not to mention the hiring of Indiana crew members and university interns to be involved in a production of this caliber. We are truly proud of what we have done and hope to do it over and over again for years to come.”

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Little Big Top/Add One

It is estimated that the entertainment industry in Indiana generates approximately $350 million per year. Of that figure, $7 to $10 million is brought in by the filming of major motion pictures in the state. The industry also employs more than 2,000 people.

“I was truly impressed with the crew’s professionalism and the respect shown to the citizens of Peru.  If they would like to return to Peru to make future films, we would indeed welcome them,” said Peru Mayor Jim Walker. “We wish them the very best as they go forward with this film project.”

As part of Indiana’s initiative to market the state to the film industry, the IEDC is creating a Website database of digital photographs to promote individual areas of the state for this type of investment. Hoosiers from throughout Indiana are being asked to submit digital photographs to IEDC’s Office of Film Development at woverturf@iedc.in.gov.

For more information regarding the IEDC Film Office, please contact:

Whitney E. Overturf, (317) 232-8853

For more information on Little Big Top”, please contact:

Jessica Petelle-Slagle, Jessica@flyhighfilms.com, (323) 309-6434 or

Susan L. Oberg, sashvamp@aol.com

As a result of legislation passed by the Indiana General Assembly in Feb. 2005, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation replaced the Department of Commerce as the premier entity charged with state economic development. The IEDC has a 12-member board chaired by Gov. Mitch Daniels. Patricia R. Miller, chief executive officer and secretary of commerce of the IEDC, serves on the board and in a cabinet level capacity.

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