Illinois Breaks Film Industry Record with $703M in Expenditures

State investments and tax credits drive 25% increase in production since 2019.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 9:48pm

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Illinois film production expenditures reached a record-breaking $703 million in 2025, supporting an estimated 18,000 industry hires, according to state officials and industry leaders. This milestone reflects Illinois' continued momentum as a leading destination for film and television production, driven by strategic investments made by the Pritzker administration to grow the state's film industry through expanded tax credits, workforce training programs, and new production infrastructure.

Why it matters

Illinois' success in attracting major film and TV productions underscores the economic impact of the industry, which generates thousands of union jobs and billions in economic activity. The state's investments in tax credits, training, and studio infrastructure have strengthened its competitiveness and made it an increasingly attractive hub for the film industry.

The details

The $703 million in film production expenditures in 2025 represents a 25% increase from 2019, prior to the pandemic. Since taking office, Governor JB Pritzker has prioritized growing Illinois' film industry, including expanding the state's film production tax credit, launching a workforce training program, and funding new studio infrastructure projects.

  • In 2024, Pritzker launched the Illinois Soundstage Capital Grant Program to fund studio infrastructure projects.
  • Since 2017, the state's film tax credit has resulted in over $4.5 billion in economic activity, with 94% of this growth attributed to Pritzker's enhanced incentives.
  • The Illinois Film & TV Workforce Training Program has trained over 550 individuals since its launch, with more than 60% securing industry jobs.

The players

JB Pritzker

The Governor of Illinois who has prioritized investments to grow the state's film industry, including expanding tax credits, launching workforce training, and funding new studio infrastructure.

Illinois Film Office

The state agency that has partnered with various organizations to train over 550 individuals through the Film & TV Workforce Training Program.

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What they’re saying

“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. 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.”

— JB Pritzker, Governor of Illinois

What’s next

The state plans to continue investing in workforce development and production infrastructure to further strengthen Illinois' position as a leading film and television production hub.

The takeaway

Illinois' record-breaking film production expenditures demonstrate the success of the state's strategic investments in tax credits, training programs, and studio infrastructure. These efforts have positioned Illinois as an increasingly attractive destination for major film and TV productions, generating thousands of union jobs and billions in economic activity.