TV show 'Empire' films in Joliet

JOLIET — Filming for the Fox TV series “Empire” took place Wednesday at the Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet, and some of the crew enjoyed the sight of the location.

The filming followed a call last week for hundreds of extras to be shown in a concert scene for the drama series about a hip-hop music company named Empire Entertainment. The second season of the show has been airing since September and the next episode will air Nov. 25.

Not much activity took place Wednesday outside the Rialto, as the cast and crews worked inside.

4 Star Casting, which interviewed the extras, were looking for – among many of several qualifications – people with a “young, hip vibe, who are fashion forward,” according to a news release. Illinois residents were preferred.

For the first part of Wednesday’s filming, 317 extras were used, said Jess Gisin, co-owner of 4 Star Casting of Chicago.

“It allows them to get their feet wet as extras,” Gisin said.

Gisin said the filming for Wednesday’s scene would be used for an episode that will air next spring.

Besides the Rialto, the crews also filmed two weeks ago at the old Joliet prison on Collins Street. Gisin has said the filming there will be used for an episode that will be in the fall finale for “Empire” in December.

She said the Rialto is a “beautiful space,” and some of the crew Wednesday were impressed with the location.

“It fits right into our storyline,” said Michael Gianneschi, prop master.

He said filming was going great, although the Joliet location is a tough one, he said, because it’s “not around the corner.” Much of “Empire” is filmed in Chicago.

“We have to get everything we need before we leave the city,” he said.

Jennifer Salim, assistant costume designer, was also impressed with the location. She said after coming to the theater and doing work with the crew, she took a moment to sit back and observe.

“I was noticing all the beauty and nuances of it,” she said.