WOOD RIVER – Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to break ground on Hollywood River Studios, Metro East’s new premier production facility. Bolstered by its Film Production Tax Credit and other programs, Illinois is growing its reputation as a top destination for film productions with world-class facilities across the state. Illinois’ film industry continues to grow at a record pace, with film production expenditures reaching a record-breaking high of $703 million in 2025, supporting an estimated 18,000 in industry hires.
“Last year, Illinois had more than $700 million in film and television production spending: real dollars going to Illinois businesses and workers, supporting our economy,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Hollywood River Studios is adding an important piece to that ecosystem, projecting hundreds of permanent jobs once the development is fully built out, and hundreds more as the campus is developed. That means more people working in the entertainment industry without having to leave the region to tell their stories.” \u200b
“Television and film have found a home in Illinois, and the industry growth into the Metro East is an exciting development,” said Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. “Hollywood River Studios will be a huge economic driver in the region, all while supporting our ever-growing arts community.”
“I am extremely excited to bring this investment to the state of Illinois and the city of Wood River,” said Chris Breakwell, President and CEO of Hollywood River Studios. “Because of the foresight of Governor Pritzker and the backing of the state legislature, we have a chance to build on an already booming film industry in Illinois. The enhanced film tax credits allow us to make the commitment and investment in the region and make Illinois a destination for all things media.”
The studio will house six state-of-the-art, scalable sound stages, offering versatile production spaces equipped with the advanced acoustics, lighting, and infrastructure needed to attract high-profile projects to Illinois and accommodate the state’s growing film and television industry.
Hollywood River Studios will be a major economic driver in the region, projected to create more than 1,000 jobs, with each production generating 300-500 temporary jobs and opportunities for local crew, vendors, and contractors. \u200b
The 110-acre site will be developed using innovative, sustainable approaches that align with the State of Illinois’ mission to lower emissions as the studio prepares to bring a spotlight to Metro East as a competitive hub for film production. \u200b
These strategic investments drive continued growth in the sector while supporting thousands of jobs for Illinois workers and generating economic activity for businesses across the state, including local caterers, hotels, drivers, and skilled union workers.
“As the growth of Illinois’ world-class film industry continues to break records, Hollywood River Studios will further this trajectory by establishing Southwestern Illinois and neighboring regions as a premier destination for productions,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “The Illinois Film Office’s competitive tax credit and innovative first-in-the-nation sustainability incentive were essential to Hollywood River Studios’ decision to choose Illinois for its state-of-the-art production facility.”
Since taking office, Governor Pritzker has prioritized investments to grow Illinois’ film industry and strengthen the state’s competitiveness for major productions. \u200b
These efforts include the following:
Additionally, DCEO’s Illinois Film Office launched the first-in-the-nation incentive to promote environmentally sustainable film and television production earlier this year. Under the expanded program, productions recognized as a “certified green production” through the Illinois Film Office will be eligible for an additional 5% tax credit – making Illinois the first state to incentivize film and television productions meeting certain sustainability standards. \u200b
As part of the State’s efforts to help diversify the film industry outside of Chicago while boosting economic and workforce development across Illinois, the expanded Illinois Film Production Tax Credit offers a 5% additional credit on Illinois resident salaries for productions filming outside of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties. \u200b
According to an independent analysis, the State's tax credit has resulted in a $6.81 return on investment for every dollar spent on the incentive, resulting in over $4.5 billion in economic activity between FY17 and FY24. Notably, 94% of this growth has been attributed to the impact of Governor Pritzker’s enhanced tax credits and investments. \u200b
“Hollywood River Studios is an exciting development for our region, an effort supported by smart state incentives that will spur jobs and attract additional economic investment,” said State Rep. Jay Hoffman (D-Swansea). “I appreciate the strong commitment from Chris Breakwell and the development team who recognized the potential of this site. It’s going to open doors for a new local industry, and I look forward to soon watching the Metro East on the big screen and at home.”
“I'm so excited to see all the joy this studio will bring to our community,” said State Rep. Katie Stuart (D-Edwardsville). “Having a film studio right in our back yard will provide opportunities to our local artists and will bring so many others into our community. I can't wait to see our community and local media landscape truly thrive from this addition.”
“This is an exciting opportunity for the Metro East and for Illinois,” said State Rep. Amy Elik (R-Godfrey). “A major film and television studio in Wood River has the potential to bring new jobs, investment and economic activity to our region while putting the Metro East on the map for future productions. I’m encouraged by the progress being made and look forward to seeing this project come to life.”
“Hollywood River Studios is bringing a major new investment to Wood River and the Metro East,” said State Senator Erica Harriss (R-Glen Carbon). “It means new jobs, more economic activity and a new industry putting down roots in our region. That is good news for the people who live and work here, and I’m glad to see this project moving forward.” \u200b
“We commend this investment for Hollywood Studios and look forward to building a strong, collaborative partnership,” said Eric Oller, Southwestern Illinois Building & Construction Trades Council Executive Secretary-Treasurer. “True economic progress happens when management and organized labor work together.”
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