Illinois Film Industry Hits Record $703 Million in 2025, Pritzker Announces (Chicago, IL) – Illinois’ film and television industry reached a new milestone in 2025, generating a record $703 million in production expenditures and supporting an estimated 18,000 jobs, Gov. JB Pritzker announced Thursday.
The total marks a 25% increase from pre-pandemic levels in 2019, underscoring the state’s growing prominence as a hub for film and television production.
“For nearly 120 years, Illinois has helped shape the film and television industry,” Pritzker said. “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.”
State officials credited the surge to a series of policy moves aimed at strengthening the industry, including multiple expansions of the Illinois Film Production Tax Credit, which has been extended through 2039. Additional initiatives include a workforce training program and a capital grant program launched in 2024 to support the development of soundstages and studio infrastructure.
According to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), production expenditures have grown from $560 million in 2019 to $703 million in 2025. Estimated wages increased from $350 million to $401 million over the same period, while industry hires rose from about 15,200 to more than 18,000.
Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton said the industry’s growth is benefiting communities across the state.
“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,” Stratton said.
Chicago has emerged as a major production center, now ranking as the third-best large U.S. city for film industry workers. The state continues to host high-profile productions, including NBC’s “Chicago Fire,” “Chicago Med,” and “Chicago P.D.,” as well as acclaimed series like “The Bear” and “The Chi.”
Officials say the economic impact extends beyond studio sets, boosting local businesses such as restaurants, hotels, transportation services and construction trades.
An independent analysis found the state’s film tax credit generates $6.81 in economic activity for every dollar spent, contributing more than $4.5 billion between fiscal years 2017 and 2024. State leaders say 94% of that growth is tied to enhancements made under the Pritzker administration.
Workforce development has also played a key role. Since its launch, the state’s Film & TV Workforce Training Program has trained more than 550 individuals, with over 60% securing jobs in the industry, including roles on major productions and independent projects.
DCEO Director Kristin Richards said the latest expansion of the tax credit includes new incentives designed to spread growth beyond Chicago, including a downstate production credit and sustainability initiatives.
Industry leaders say those incentives are already encouraging investment statewide.
Christopher Breakwell of Wood River Studios said expanded tax credits were a major factor in his group’s decision to invest in downstate Illinois, while Brett Hayes of Flyover Studios pointed to growing economic impacts in central Illinois communities.
In western Illinois, Rockline Studios’ Kelli Feigley said enhanced incentives totaling up to 40% are helping attract productions to the Quad Cities region.
Lawmakers also praised the program’s continued expansion. State Sen. Elgie Sims said the investments are “bolstering our local economy throughout the state,” while House Assistant Majority Leader Marcus C. Evans Jr. called the tax credit “critical” to Illinois’ leadership in the industry.
As production activity expands beyond Chicago into suburban and downstate communities, officials say the state is positioning itself to sustain long-term growth in the sector.
For Pritzker, the record-setting year sends a clear signal.
“With more than $700 million in film production in 2025,” he said, “the message is clear: Illinois is a top destination to make movies and television.”
Illinois Film Industry Hits Record $703 Million in 2025, Pritzker Announces
