|
Last week, Pritzker was in Chicago at the Chicago Filmmakers
campus alongside state lawmakers and members of the Illinois
film industry. The film industry in Illinois had its best year
ever in terms of expenditures in 2022, generating nearly $700
million, up from $560 million in pre-pandemic 2019.
"Our success in the film and TV production industry is more than
just a set of revenue numbers, it means thousands of good-paying
jobs," Pritzker said. "I was proud to extend the Illinois Film
Production Tax Credit through 2033, guaranteeing a prosperous
decade ahead for producers, writers, directors, designers,
editors, actors, camera operators, and production assistants
alike."
The Illinois Film Production Tax Credit offers movie producers a
credit of 30% of all qualified expenditures, including
post-production.
Pritzker said thanks to the tax credit, Illinois saw record
numbers in the film industry.
"Thanks to those expansions, we made history in 2022," Pritzker
said. "We garnered a record setting $691 million in film
production expenditures."
According to Pritzker, not only did the state see an extra $60
million in expenditures in 2022 from 2021, Illinois also had an
increase in jobs and wages for the industry as the state added
nearly 1,600 jobs in the field.
"We generated more than $400 million in wages for our workers.
That is $50 million more than pre-pandemic levels," Pritzker
said.
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
Director Kristin Richards said a booming film industry can help
other industries across the state.
"Film production means investment in communities and small
businesses, from catering to hotel stays and everything in
between," said Richards. "Productions are booming thanks to
Illinois Film Office's efforts to promote our expanded
incentives and programs further solidifying Illinois' reputation
as an iconic filming location."
According to city of Chicago numbers, Chicago hosted 13 TV shows
that were filmed in 2022, including The Chi, Chicago Fire,
Chicago Med, Chicago PD, and Dark Matter.
Andrew Hensel reports on issues in Chicago and
Statewide. He has been with The Center Square News since April
of 2021 and was previously with The Joliet Slammers.
|
|
