CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) — Film production expenditures in Illinois hit a record $703 million in 2025, Governor JB Pritzker announced, marking a 25% increase since 2019 and supporting an estimated 18,000 industry hires.
The milestone reflects years of state investment in the film sector, including multiple expansions of the Illinois Film Production Tax Credit — now extended through 2039 — and the launch of a Film & TV Workforce Training Program that has placed more than 550 people in industry jobs.
An independent analysis found the tax credit generates $6.81 for every dollar spent, producing more than $4.5 billion in economic activity between fiscal years 2017 and 2024.
“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,” Pritzker said.
Illinois is currently home to NBC’s “Chicago Fire,” “Chicago Med,” and “Chicago P.D.,” along with FX’s “The Bear,” Paramount+’s “The Chi,” and several other nationally recognized productions. Chicago now ranks as the third best big city for film industry workers.
State officials also highlighted growing interest in downstate production, with studios in the Quad Cities, Wood River, and Champaign County pointing to expanded tax incentives — including a new downstate film production credit — as key drivers of investment outside the Chicago metro area.