Illinois is making a long-term play for film and television production.

Gov. JB Pritzker has signed SB 1911, a sweeping expansion of the state’s film production tax credit program that raises incentive levels, broadens eligibility for non-resident talent and crew, and extends the program through 2039. The changes, which take effect immediately and apply retroactively to qualified applications submitted on or after July 1, 2025, are designed to sharpen Illinois’ competitive edge as states and countries increasingly compete for production dollars.

At the core of the overhaul is a boost to credits tied directly to in-state economic activity. Productions will now receive a 35% tax credit for hiring Illinois residents, up from 30%, and a matching 35% credit for engaging Illinois-based vendors. The program remains uncapped annually — a key differentiator as other jurisdictions grapple with budget ceilings.

Industry leaders say the expansion reflects an unusually coordinated effort between labor, government, and the private sector.

“The entire Illinois film community, union members, MPA, and the government should be proud of what we jointly accomplished,” said Shawn Papazian, President of The Fields Studios in Chicago. “The carefully crafted legislation meets the needs of these various stakeholders and highlights the collaborative fashion in which the industry banded together to protect Illinois’ long history and and showcase our bright future in media production.”

The legislation also loosens restrictions on non-resident participation. Productions may now employ up to 13 non-resident crew members, an increase from nine, each eligible for a 30% credit on the first $500,000 of qualifying salary. For series productions, those limits apply on a per-episode basis. “Non-resident actors remain eligible for the same credit, with allowable counts tied to project budgets: four actors for projects under $20 million, five actors for projects between $20 million and $40 million, and six actors for projects exceeding $40 million. For television series, those limits apply on a per-episode basis.

To further incentivize geographic spread and long-term commitments, lawmakers added several 5% stackable bonuses. Productions filming outside the greater Chicago-area counties of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will are eligible for an additional 5%, as are television series relocating to Illinois for their first season. Another 5% bonus is available for productions that adopt the state’s certified sustainability, or “green,” production plan.

The program’s entry threshold remains relatively accessible, with minimum spend requirements set at $100,000 for projects with runtimes of 30 minutes or more and $50,000 for shorter-form productions. Credits are fully transferable and may be carried forward for five years from issuance by the Illinois Film Office.

For investors and producers weighing location decisions, the changes significantly reposition Illinois on the national incentive map.

“These much needed changes makes Illinois as the most economical place in the United States for film and television production,” said Zain Koita, Managing Partner of Chicago based KickPoint Ventures, “while growing local jobs, supporting small businesses, and creating a tremendous spillover effect in the broader economy.”

Gov. Pritzker framed the expansion as both an economic and cultural investment.

“The Film Production Tax Credit continues to fuel an industry that is central to Illinois’ cultural and economic vitality,” Pritzker said in a statement following the bill’s signing. “With this expansion, we are doubling down on our commitment to building a world-class creative workforce and ensuring that productions from around the globe choose Illinois as their home.”

The update was announced by the Illinois Production Alliance on December 17 and positions the state as one of the most aggressive Midwestern contenders for film and television production at a moment when incentive programs have become a defining factor in where cameras roll. By extending the program through 2039, Illinois is signaling that its bid for Hollywood’s attention is not a short-term experiment — but a durable pillar of its long-term economic development strategy.

“The entire Illinois film community, union members, MPA, and the government should be proud of what we jointly accomplished.  The carefully crafted legislation meets the needs of these various stakeholders and highlights the collaborative fashion in which the industry banded together to protect Illinois’ long history and and showcase our bright future in media production.”