Lincoln movie crew to visit Governor's Mansion

Next week, Gov. Bob McDonnell will host members of the Hollywood crew filming a movie about former President Abraham Lincoln in Virginia at his official state residence in Richmond.

McDonnell mentioned the gathering during a radio interview Thursday morning.

He said those in attendance at the private Governor's Mansion reception Monday evening would include director Steven Spielberg, and actors Daniel Day-Lewis and Sally Field, cast as Abraham Lincoln and his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln, respectively.

A spokesman for McDonnell later said Spielberg and his production team are expected be present during the welcome event at the Governor's Mansion, but the headlining actors won't be there.

Last spring, state officials announced a $4.6 million package of tax credits and other incentives used to lure the production to Virginia.

Public funds awarded are tied to the number of Virginia workers hired and local goods and services purchased by a production operation.

Filming for the movie -- its based on the book "Team of Rivals" -- is to occur in Richmond and Petersburg this fall.

-- Julian Walker

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