IPA partnered with business, industry and labor in support of legislation to expand and extend the Film Incentive program, or as we refer to it, Illinois Production+. The legislation was passed by both the House and Senate and was signed by Governor Pritzker.

“In the past decade, Illinois' film and television industry has grown to be a nationwide competitor, and that is largely thanks to the Illinois Film Production Services Tax Credit. This highly-effective incentive has brought millions in direct spending, as well as numerous job opportunities, to our communities. Thanks to the good work of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce and the Illinois Production Alliance, the new expanded tax credit will meet the needs of a competitive market, and help Illinois remain a high-profile hub of film and television.” - State Representative, Margaret Croke (12th District)

Highlights of the expanded program include (effective July 2022):

• Extended for another decade. New Sunset Date: Dec 31st, 2032

• A expansion to allow for a *limited number of 9 (nine) non-resident wages to qualify for the credit

  • *Qualifying Non-resident wages are limited to, Director, Writer, Director of Photography, Production Designer, Costume Designer, Production Accountant, VFX Supervisor, Editor, Composer

• In qualified productions of $25,000,000 or less, no more than 2 non-resident actors qualify

• In qualified productions of more than $25,000,000, no more than 4 non-resident actors qualify

• $500,000 cap on each qualified resident and non-resident wages

• Creates the Illinois Production Workforce Development Fund which is funded entirely by the qualified productions, to allow the Department of Commerce and Economic Development make grants to qualified organizations that provide film production workforce training programs. 50% of the grant funds must be allocated to minority owned organizations, or educational/training programs whose participants represent a minimum of 50% minorities.

• NEW (effective July 2024): Qualified productions now also include: national talk shows, contest-based shows and game shows.

In terms of the long game, experts predict this legislation will put Film in Illinois on the trajectory to become a billion-dollar business, creating opportunities for diverse good paying jobs. Our efforts over the past several years have elevated awareness and identified film production as an important and fast-growing sector of the state’s economy. And amplified the industry’s commitment to the development and training of an equitable and skilled workforce which provides access and opportunity to minority and underserved communities.

The IPA continues to be engaged in lobbying, advocacy, and outreach with the media, legislators, and government officials.

• Minimum Qualifying Spend: $50,000 for projects less than 30 minutes; $100,00 for projects equal to or more than 30 minutes

• No per project cap and no program cap

• 30% credit on qualified Illinois Production Spending

  30% credit on Illinois resident wages up to $500,000 per worker

  30% credit for *9 (nine) qualified non-resident wages up to $500,000 per worker

  • *Qualifying Non-resident wages are limited to, Director, Writer, Director of Photography, Production Designer, Costume Designer, Production Accountant, VFX Supervisor, Editor, Composer, **Actor

• In qualified productions of $25,000,000 or less, no more than** 2 non-resident actors qualify

• In qualified productions of more than $25,000,000, no more than **4 non-resident actors qualify

• Illinois Tax Credits are transferable for up to 1 year from issuance by the IFO/Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity

• Tax credits can be carried forward 5 years from when originally issued

• The Illinois Film Production Tax Credit has been renewed through 2033

Please Note, applications for the FTC must be submitted prior to principal photography:

• For TV/Film:

  • Applications must be submitted 5 days prior to principal photography for Commercials

• For Commercials:

  • Applications must be submitted 24 hours prior to principal photography

More information can be found at the Illinois Film Office’s website, or by contacting them via email: film@illinois.gov

Source: Illinois Film Office