U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer is urging filmmaker Steven Spielberg to shoot portions of an upcoming movie about President Abraham Lincoln at the Seward House in Auburn.
In a personal letter to the film director, Schumer said the residence-turned-museum would provide Spielberg with historically intact items relevant to the subject of the movie.
While the authenticity of the Seward House and its collection would benefit Spielberg, the star aura surrounding the director would boost Auburn's tourism industry, Schumer explained in his letter.
Peter Wisbey, executive director of the Seward House, witnessed its attendance jump by 25 percent following the 2005 publication of Doris Kearns Goodwin's “Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln.” The book, which is the basis of Spielberg's film, closely examines Lincoln's relationship with Seward.
“We think a major motion picture would reach a broader audience,” Wisbey said. “Hopefully with a good portrayal of Seward, the museum will certainly see some benefit and the community will as well.”
Should Spielberg film in Auburn, his production would also qualify for New York state's Film Production Tax Credit, which was increased from 10 to 30 percent in April 2008.
Schumer's letter was prompted by news that Spielberg is in the pre-production stages of his film based on “Team of Rivals.” As a residence of one of those rivals, the Seward House figures prominently into the book at several points.
William Seward challenged Lincoln for the Republican nomination prior to the 1860 election. After Lincoln won the presidency, he asked Seward to serve as secretary of state. Once a rival to Lincoln, Seward became his confidant, adviser and close friend over the next five years.
The Seward House's collection of artifacts, photographs and furniture document this role Seward carried out in Lincoln's cabinet, Schumer said. His letter to Spielberg stresses how well these resources would lend themselves to the film's production. Wisbey also believes the house's collection will make a favorable impression.
“Whether they shoot here or use our objects as references,” Wisbey said, “we're hoping we can be part of it in any way.”
While the authenticity of the Seward House and its collection would benefit Spielberg, the star aura surrounding the director would boost Auburn's tourism industry, Schumer explained in his letter.
Peter Wisbey, executive director of the Seward House, witnessed its attendance jump by 25 percent following the 2005 publication of Doris Kearns Goodwin's “Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln.” The book, which is the basis of Spielberg's film, closely examines Lincoln's relationship with Seward.
“We think a major motion picture would reach a broader audience,” Wisbey said. “Hopefully with a good portrayal of Seward, the museum will certainly see some benefit and the community will as well.”
Should Spielberg film in Auburn, his production would also qualify for New York state's Film Production Tax Credit, which was increased from 10 to 30 percent in April 2008.
Schumer's letter was prompted by news that Spielberg is in the pre-production stages of his film based on “Team of Rivals.” As a residence of one of those rivals, the Seward House figures prominently into the book at several points.
William Seward challenged Lincoln for the Republican nomination prior to the 1860 election. After Lincoln won the presidency, he asked Seward to serve as secretary of state. Once a rival to Lincoln, Seward became his confidant, adviser and close friend over the next five years.
The Seward House's collection of artifacts, photographs and furniture document this role Seward carried out in Lincoln's cabinet, Schumer said. His letter to Spielberg stresses how well these resources would lend themselves to the film's production. Wisbey also believes the house's collection will make a favorable impression.
“Whether they shoot here or use our objects as references,” Wisbey said, “we're hoping we can be part of it in any way.”
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