Now that filmmakers have rediscovered Boston, the city wants to take advantage of it by building a movie studio in Weymouth, the Herald's Scott Van Voorhis reports:

Seeking to build political support and persuade the state to expand existing tax credits, a team of Hollywood film moguls is flying into the Hub this week for meetings with state lawmakers and the development firm that controls the former naval air station in South Weymouth, industry sources said.

One consultant already has stars in his eyes and is saying "top Hollywood movie producers and actors" might move back to the area. Settle down, there, buddy, with your fantasies of Dane Cook moving home. While we love reporting on Hollywood irritating the locals (Cheezus Crust!) and making the rounds (does Paris Hilton count?), the main issue is jobs.

Van Voorhis addresses that: "The studio complex could employ 1,200 to 1,500 technicians, producers, directors and other specialists, with salaries in the $75,000 to $150,000 range, industry experts said."

Massachusetts needs an economic jolt. Prestige is nice. Being known as the "new Toronto" is nice (or is it?). But has the current burst of filmmaking boosted the economy, or has it been nothing more than studio hype?

Image of Bachelor No. 2/My Best Friend's Girl photoshoot by sissnitz from photos tagged "Bostonist" on Flickr.