Batman movie meant $40 million for Ill.

CHICAGO Governor Rod Blagojevich said Wednesday that the movie, which filmed in the Chicago area last year, created about 4,500 jobs. That meant more than $17 million in wages from jobs like set construction, electrical work, makeup and hairstyling, and truck driving.

He says more than 300 Illinois vendors including security providers, cleaning companies and catering services got another $22 million in sales.

Officials say that in 2007, film productions in Illinois created more than 26,000 jobs.

"The Dark Knight" opens nationwide on Friday. Some actors from the movie and its director were in Chicago Wednesday for its city premiere.