MADISON, Wis. -- "Public Enemies," the Johnny Depp-led movie currently being filmed around Wisconsin, isn't even close to taking tickets at the box office, but it's already making money. Not for the filmmakers but area businesses.

The film, which is currently being shot north of Madison in the city of Columbus, is proving a boon for area businesses, WISC-TV reported.

Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton was on the set on Thursday to visit local businesses that have benefited from the filming there. Places like lumberyards and eateries are having very good months when the economy is otherwise struggling nationwide.

"This is a very important introduction of new energy and new money into Wisconsin's economy," Lawton said.

She said she has hopes that this film will lead to long-term benefits as well, such as other movies shooting in the state.

"There's a sense of optimism and as I said, a new way of looking at ourselves and what we have to offer here on the 'Third Coast,' as I call it," Lawton said.

Lawton didn't get to meet Depp, but did meet the film's director Michael Mann, who's a University of Wisconsin graduate.

The shooting is expected to continue in Madison, Milwaukee, Oshkosh and Darlington.