Diversity in Action

As our industry grows, diversity grows with it.

The IPA believes strongly in a diverse working community. In order to improve opportunities for training and increase the number of jobs for all diverse workers, we need a robust production community.  Your awareness and continuing support are an important part of that effort.

The goal is to create a more diverse visual media workforce in Illinois.

 What is the Diversity Committee’s agenda in the coming year?

The diversity committee continues to promote diversity within the Illinois visual media community. In accordance with the requirements of SB785 and with the needs of our industry, the committee worked with the board of directors, other IPA committees, and governmental leaders to create training programs, scholarships, seminars, and panel discussions.

Tax Credit Diversity Guidelines


In order to increase minority participation in the film industry, the Illinois Film Service Tax Credit requires production companies to make "good faith" efforts to hire minority and female owned businesses that are certified with the State of Illinois' Central Management Services. Names in the directory with a (**) denotation are minority or female crew or vendors. Please know that some businesses and crew members may fall into these categories and have chosen not to have this denotation.
 


According to the Film Service Tax Credit Rules:
"Minority" shall mean a person who is a citizen or lawful resident of the United States and who is: (i) African American (a person having origins in any of the black racial groups in Africa); (ii) Hispanic (a person of Spanish or Portuguese culture with origins in Mexico, South or Central America, or the Caribbean Islands, regardless of race); (iii) Asian American (a person having origins in any of the original peoples of the Far East, Southeast, Asia, the Indian Subcontinent or the Pacific Islands); or (iv) Native American or Alaskan Native (a person having origins in any of the original peoples of North America). [30 ILCS 575/2 (A) (1)].
 


"Minority Owned Business" means a business concern that is at least 51% owned by one or more minority persons, or in the case of a corporation, at least 51% of the stock is owned by one or more minority persons; and the management and daily business operations of which are controlled by one or more of the minority individuals who own it. [30 ILCS 575/2 (A) (3)].
 


"Female Owned Business" means a business concern which is at least 51% owned by one or more females, or, in the case of a corporation, at least 51% of the stock in which is owned by one or more females; and the management and daily business operations of which are controlled by one or more of the females who own it. [30 ILCS 575/2 (A) (4)].