Baltimore buzzing over 'Veep' pilot shoot

BALTIMORE, March 6 (UPI) -- Baltimore's film production industry had rave reviews for "Veep," the HBO pilot starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus that wrapped up a week of shooting in the city.

The Baltimore Sun said Sunday that the project provided a gig for about 200 performers and 500 crew members based in the area, and also provided a shot in the arm for an industry that had languished since "The Wire" ran its course.

"We've never had a negative experience with an HBO production," said Jack Gerbes, director of the Maryland Film Office. "And 'Veep' reminded everyone this week how great it can be working with them."

Gerbes and other Maryland boosters said they were excited about the possibility of "Veep" being picked up as a series since Baltimore would most likely be a stand-in for Washington in plenty of scenes.

"It would be set in D.C., of course, but everybody in the industry would know where it's coming from," said casting director Pat Moran.