A new reality television series is filming in Chicago for six days, officials said.
But while "Swab Stories" is a small production, the show will bring another spotlight to the city which could translate into more exposure and national attention, said Rich Moskal, the director of the Chicago Film Office.
"We welcome films and TV productions of all kinds because all of it is good economic development for the city," Moskal said.
In 2013, the city generated an estimated $358 million in local job creation from film and TV productions like "The Transformers: The Movie,""Chicago Fire" and Chicago PD," he said.
According to VH1, "Swab Stories" follows a mobile DNA testing service as it travels to different neighborhoods in various cities offering tests to residents.
The test results give guests a chance to learn more about their own background and understand how they are connected to their relatives. The DNA tests are given with a simple swab of the mouth, the network's website reports. Basically, participants get to research their family tree using the science.
The show filmed in Ravenswood on Wednesday and set up in Lakeview on Thursday. It will film on the Near North Side on Friday and appear in Lincoln Park on Saturday. On Monday, the last day of shooting, the show plans to set up outside of Willis Tower, the permits show.
The series is scheduled to premiere in September.
lbowean@tribune.com