Gov. Pritzker Highlights Champaign County’s Film Industry Success

RANTOUL – Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) joined local leaders at Flyover Film Studios to celebrate the growth of the film industry in Central Illinois. In 2025 alone, the film industry generated $12.3 million in economic activity in the Champaign County region. With its sound stage, standing sets, and production spaces—supported by universities, businesses, and residents—Flyover Film Studios has become a hub of film creation. ​ 

“Champaign County is at the forefront of our state’s expanding entertainment industry, one that continues to spur innovation, creativity, and positive economic impacts,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Because of trailblazers like Flyover Film Studios, our state is a premier destination for film production. We welcome writers, producers, cast and crew, and anyone with a story to share onscreen to bring their films to life in Illinois.” 

Operating out of the decommissioned Chanute Airforce Base, the six-acre studio has used its extensive grounds and empty hangars to film and produce everything from a tornado documentary to a heavy metal music video. These offerings and the resulting boom in local job creation and economic impact made Flyover Film Studios the 2025 Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year. 

According to data released by Film Champaign-Urbana, film productions based in Champaign, Ford, and Piatt Counties generated $12.3 million in statewide business sales in 2025, driven by $6.3 million in direct in-state production spending at hotels, catering, transportation providers, rental housing, equipment vendors, and post-production services. This economic activity added $7.8 million to Illinois’ gross domestic product and $1.61 million in paychecks for Illinoisans. 

 “The film industry is discovering what we’ve known for a long time: Illinois is the best place to live and work.” said Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. “From world-class talent and diverse locations to strong infrastructure and supportive communities, Illinois offers everything creatives need to bring their vision to life. We’re proud of the investments that have made our state a destination for film, and we’re excited to welcome artists, crews, and storytellers to experience all that Illinois has to offer.” 

“Investing in our local film industry has strengthened our community’s economy both directly and indirectly, from creating new, diverse jobs in production and creative fields to driving business for our small businesses, hotels, and local services," said State Senator Paul Faraci (D-Champaign). “As a resident of Champaign County for over 45 years, it’s been incredible to witness the impact of a company like Flyover Film Studios on our region, expanding on the state’s footprint in film production and, in turn, allowing us to compete on the world stage of filmmaking right here in Central Illinois.” 

The State of Illinois has directly supported the expansion of filming in the region, including a $1.1 million grant as part of the ​ Illinois Soundstage Program in 2024. Additionally, state grants support the Central IL Film & TV Production Training, which offers tuition-free training for high-demand film trades and boasts a 100% placement rate for the program’s graduates finding jobs with independent films in the region in 2024. 

“Illinois’ film industry is booming, and Champaign County’s achievements are a testament to the positive effects felt in every corner of the state from Governor Pritzker expanding the Film Production Tax Credit,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “DCEO’s Illinois Film Office grant programs are fueling success at Flyover Film Studios as they maintain a strong workforce training program while serving as a premier destination for film productions.” 

“At Flyover Film Studios, we believe that it truly takes a village,” said Jennifer Shelby, President and Co-Owner of Flyover Film Studio. “Film is the industry of industries. We understand the importance of education as we grow the film industry in Central Illinois. We are fully committed to high quality work and to training future leaders in the industry.” 

“Governor Pritzker’s leadership has allowed communities like Champaign County to turn film production into real economic impact,” said Jayne DeLuce, President & CEO of Experience Champaign-Urbana. “Through the Champaign County Film Office and in partnership with Flyover Film Studios, we help productions film efficiently, connect with local businesses and residents, and ensure the benefits of Illinois’ film incentives are felt right here in our community.” 

Central Illinois’ growing film industry has contributed significantly to the overall success of Illinois’ film production ecosystem. Film production expenditures reached $653 million in 2024—the second-highest expenditure total in state history—along with estimated wages of $351 million and 18,200 estimated hires in the industry, excluding extras. The high expenditures demonstrate Illinois’ ability to bounce back in the wake of the strikes that halted production in 2023. ​ 

Additionally, according to MovieMaker’s annual ranked list of “Best Places to Live and Work as a Moviemaker in 2026,” Chicago is now the third best big city for those who work in the film industry. This list takes into account a location's industry investment, tax incentives, and other indicators of development, as well as cost of living and general livability—factors that Governor Pritzker has prioritized in his commitment to make Illinois the best place to live, work, and raise a family. 

This significant growth was fueled by Governor Pritzker’s efforts to grow Illinois’ world-renowned film industry by expanding the Film Production Tax Credit, extending the credit through 2039, and launching the Film & TV Workforce Training Program. Since its launch, the Illinois Film Office has partnered with various organizations across the state to train and hire over 200 individuals annually from historically underrepresented communities. 

Illinois’ incentive program, which offers tax credits for local labor and production expenditures, has been a key factor in Illinois landing major productions. 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 Illinois' current film industry economic impact is attributed to the impact of the tax credit enacted by Governor Pritzker. 

###