Gov. Pritzker Announces Illinois Breaks Film Industry Record with $703 Million in Expenditures

CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), and Illinois film industry leaders announced that film production expenditures in Illinois reached a record-breaking high of $703 million in 2025, supporting an estimated 18,000 in industry hires. This represents a 25 percent increase in film expenditures since before the pandemic in 2019. ​

“For nearly 120 years, Illinois has helped shape the film and television industry — from the early days of Charlie Chaplin to today’s hit productions like Chicago Fire, The Bear, and The Chi,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “By investing in our workforce, expanding our film tax credit, and building world-class production infrastructure, Illinois is creating good union jobs and attracting major productions from across the industry. With more than $700 million in film production in 2025, the message is clear: Illinois is a top destination to make movies and television.”

“Illinois’ film and television industry is creating real opportunity for workers, businesses, and communities across our state,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “From skilled union crews to small businesses that support production, this growth reflects the strength of our workforce and the impact of continued investment in Illinois’ creative economy. As more productions choose Illinois, we’re proud to see our communities benefit from the jobs and economic activity the film industry brings.”

The milestone reflects Illinois’ continued momentum as one of the nation’s leading destinations for film and television production and underscores the impact of strategic investments made by the Pritzker administration to grow the state’s film industry.

ILLINOIS FILM INDUSTRY GROWTH

Since taking office, Gov. Pritzker has prioritized investments to grow Illinois’ film industry and strengthen the state’s competitiveness for major productions. These efforts include expanding the Illinois Film Production Tax Credit multiple times, extending the incentive until 2039, and launching the Film & TV Workforce Training Program to connect more Illinois residents with careers in the industry. The Governor also launched the Illinois Soundstage Capital Grant Program in 2024, which funds studio infrastructure projects to help attract large scale projects to Illinois

These strategic investments help drive continued growth in the sector while supporting thousands of jobs for Illinois workers and generating economic activity for businesses across the state — from local restaurants and caterers to hotels, drivers, and skilled union workers. As a result, Chicago now ranks as the third best big city for those who work in the film industry.

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 Gov. Pritzker’s enhanced tax credits and investments. ​

Additionally, since the launch of the Film & TV Workforce Training Program, the Illinois Film Office has partnered with various organizations across the state and successfully trained over 550 individuals. More than 60% of these participants have secured short-term or long-term job opportunities, including roles with Somebody Somewhere; The Bear; The Deli Boys; Chicago Med, Fire, and PD; along with independent film productions and commercials.

“State investments to bolster Illinois’ award-winning film industry are paying off in dividends as we celebrate record-breaking film production expenditures in 2025,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “The recent expansion of the Illinois Film Production Tax Credit will allow productions to build upon this momentum and take advantage of major enhancements such as a downstate film production credit and first-of-its-kind initiatives like the sustainability credit.” ​

The governor and the legislature focusing on and enhancing the Illinois film tax credit is the main reason My group is investing In Downstate Illinois,” said Christopher Breakwell, Wood River Studios. “We look forward to adding to all the exciting hard work that has already been done in Illinois and want to add to the diversification in locations and to spread the economic development across the state.”

“Last year's record-breaking production numbers injected nearly $4 million directly into Champaign County proving film is a massive driver of local economic growth,” said Brett Hayes, Flyover Studios. “Now with the strategic expansion of the Illinois Film Production Tax Credit, we have the tools to make this level of investment the new normal. ​ The enhanced base rate, and the targeted downstate incentives give Illinois a distinct competitive advantage, creating a proven blueprint to support skilled workers and strengthen the infrastructure of communities far beyond the Chicago Metro area.”

“In meetings for the new Rock Line film studio, the Illinois tax credit extension and expansion along with extra incentives for Western Illinois — totaling 40% — is one of the biggest drivers creating excitement and momentum to bring productions to the Quad Cities,” said Kelli Feigley, Rockline Studios. “The local community is encouraged by the significant economic and job impacts the tax credit will bring.”

“The success of the Illinois film sector is a testament to the importance of strategic investments in the state's creative industries,” said Senator Elgie Sims (D – Chicago). “This most recent expansion of the Illinois Film Production Tax Credit will increase job opportunities while bolstering our local economy throughout the state.”

“"The Illinois Film Production Tax Credit has played a critical role in cementing Illinois as a leader in the film and television industry,” said House Assistant Majority Leader Marcus C. Evans, Jr. (Chicago). “The success of the program continues to stimulate the economy within the film industry and beyond increasing job opportunities for hard-working Illinoisians across the state.”

Illinois is home to NBC’s top-rated Wednesday night dramas — “Chicago Fire,” “Chicago Med,” and “Chicago P.D.” — along with acclaimed productions including FX’s “The Bear,” Paramount+’s “The Chi,” Hulu’s “Deli Boys,” and “Power Book IV: Force.” Chicago has hosted major comedy specials such as Sebastian Maniscalco’s Hulu special “It Ain’t Right” and Bill Maher’s HBO special “Is Anyone Else Seeing This?” Productions have also brought cameras to communities across the state, including “Moses the Black,” filmed in Central Illinois; Hulu’s “Christmas on the Ranch,” filmed in Chicago’s northern suburbs; and Netflix’s “Monster: The Ed Gein Story,” which filmed throughout northeastern Illinois, including the historic Hotel Florence at Pullman National Historical Park on Chicago’s South Side. ​

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