Ryan, Hanks Choose Virginia for ‘Ithaca’ Film

Meg Ryan has chosen Virginia to make a  film that will tell a coming-of-age  story set in World War II.

Gov. Terry McAuliffe announced the film, “Ithaca,” which is based on the 1943 novel “The Human Comedy” that chronicles the challenges of growing up during wartime, will be shot in the state. The film will star Sam Shepard and Ryan’s son, Jack Quaid. Ryan will also direct and play role in the film.

The film will be produced by Tom Hanks. Ryan and Hanks wooed romantic comedy audiences in the 1990s when they shared the screen in “Sleepless in Seattle” and “You’ve Got Mail.”

“We couldn’t be happier that Meg Ryan has chosen Virginia as the location for her directorial debut,” said Governor McAuliffe in a press release. “Ithaca is a heart-warming story, and we are proud that it will be shot in the Commonwealth.  We are excited to have the opportunity to work with Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks on this film about an important time in American history.”

The movie will be shot in the Richmond and Petersburg area. Filming will begin next month and should wrap up in August. The production will be eligible for the Virginia Film Credit – the exact amount of the credit depends on how many workers the film brings to the state, as well as services purchased during the production.

The film and television industry in Virginia totaled $328.4 million and provided 3,061 jobs and $50.5 million in tax revenue in 2012, according to McAuliffe.

This is not the first time Hank’s production company, Playtone, has shot a film in Virginia. Much of 2008’s John Adams which was shown on HBO was shot in the state.

The Virginia State Capitol was a location used during filming of 2012’s “Lincoln.”