Fall in Chicago means cooler temperatures, the changing leaves, and, of course, the familiar sight of film crews setting up around town. With its iconic skyline, diverse neighborhoods, and rich history, Chicago continues to be a favorite for filmmakers across genres. But it’s not just the city’s aesthetic appeal drawing these productions—Illinois offers one of the most attractive tax incentives for film and TV in the country, making the Windy City a prime filming location.

Thanks to the Illinois Film Production Tax Credit, producers can save big while tapping into Chicago’s skilled local workforce and unique locations. Let’s dive into the productions filming in Chicago this fall and take a closer look at why the Illinois tax incentive is a game-changer for the industry.

Illinois Film Services Tax Credit: Making Chicago a Top Destination

The Illinois Film Production Tax Credit is a 30% credit on all qualified expenses for film and TV productions, including post-production. This generous incentive has been a huge draw for producers, making Illinois one of the most competitive states for film production in the U.S.

Tax Credit Highlights:

• 30% credit on Illinois production spending.

• 30% credit on Illinois salaries up to $500,000 per worker.

• 30% credit on non-resident labor** for up to nine key non-resident positions (e.g., Director, DP, Production Designer) with additional limitations for non-resident actors.

• 15% additional credit for salaries paid to individuals living in economically disadvantaged areas.

• Carry forward for 5 years on unused credits.

The credit is valid through 2032, giving productions long-term confidence in Illinois as a filming hub.

Now, let’s see how the Windy City is being put to work this season.

Dark Matter – Apple TV Series

Returning for Season 2, Dark Matter brings its mind-bending sci-fi narrative back to Chicago. In Season 1, audiences followed Jason Dessen (played by Joel Edgerton), a physicist abducted into alternate versions of his life. The second season promises to unravel even more realities, with Chicago’s distinct urban landscape as the perfect setting.

Key Players:

• Producer: Matt Tolmach, Joel Edgerton, Jacquelyn Ben-Zekry

• Showrunner: Blake Crouch

• Director: Jakob Verbruggen

• LP: Don Kurt

• PM: Dustin Bernard

• CD: Mary Vernieu, Raylin Sabo

Monster: The Ed Gein Story – Netflix Limited Series

Netflix’s Monster series is back for its third installment, this time focusing on the chilling crimes of Ed Gein. Filming in Chicago for a few days this fall, this true-crime series has continued to captivate audiences, offering gripping narratives rooted in real-world horrors.

Key Players:

• Producer: Alexis Martin Woodall, Eric Kovtun, Evan Peters, Janet Mock, David McMillan, Scott Robertson, Louise Shore

• Writer/Producer: Ryan Murphy, Ian Brennan

• Director: Max Winkler

• LP: Erik Holmberg

• PM: Sally Brunski

The Up and Comer – Feature Film

Set to film through late October into November, The Up and Comer follows Philip Randall, an ambitious lawyer navigating the risks of a dangerous affair. As he tries to cover up his secrets, he finds himself at the center of a deadly game, with Chicago’s architecture adding tension to the film’s high-stakes drama.

Key Players:

• Producer: Jeremy Alter, Gary Goldman

• Writer/Producer: Howard Roughan

• Director: Chris Long

• CD: Sheila Jaffe, Bryan Riley

Love Language – Feature Film

Love Language centers on Lou, who finds herself in a tricky situation when an old crush becomes one of her wedding vow-writing clients. This rom-com will shoot from October through November, utilizing Chicago’s charming settings to bring the love story to life.

Key Players:

• CD: Wendy O’Brien

The Chi – SHOWTIME Series

Filming for Season 7 of The Chi wraps up this October. Since its premiere in 2018, The Chi has painted a vivid and honest picture of life on the South Side of Chicago, capturing the complexity and vibrancy of the community. With each season, it continues to showcase the city’s cultural richness.

Key Players:

• Producer: Aaron Kaplan, Common, Lena Waithe, Derek Dudley, Shelby Stone, Rick Famuyiwa, Rishi Rajani

• Showrunner: Justin Hillian, Jewel Coronel

• LP: Michael Pendell

• PM: LouAnn Wu

• CD: Carmen Cuba

Chicago Fire – NBC Series

Season 13 of Chicago Fire is well underway, continuing to film through fall. This long-running series captures the personal and professional lives of the firefighters at Firehouse 51, giving viewers plenty of action and heartwarming moments.

Key Players:

• Producer: Dick Wolf, Peter Jankowski, Danielle Gelber, Michael Brandt, Matt Olmstead, Reza Tabrizi

• Showrunner: Andrea Newman

• LP/PM: Demetra Diamantopoulos

• CD: Jonathan Strauss, Jenny Ravitz

Chicago P.D. – NBC Series

Filming its 12th season, Chicago P.D. continues to tell the gripping story of the Intelligence Unit of the 21st District. The show remains a staple of NBC’s lineup, with the streets of Chicago serving as the perfect backdrop for its intense crime stories.

Key Players:

• Producer: Dick Wolf, Matt Olmstead, Peter Jankowski, Derek Haas, Michael Brandt, Rick Eid, Eriq La Salle

• Showrunner: Gwen Sigan

• LP: Craig Cannold

• PM: Chip Touhey

• CD: Jonathan Strauss, Jenny Ravitz

Chicago Med – NBC Series

As Chicago Med enters its 10th season, filming continues throughout the fall. This hospital drama pulls audiences into the fast-paced, chaotic world of Chicago’s most intense medical emergencies, and familiar faces from the Chicago franchise often make appearances.

Key Players:

• Producer: Peter Jankowski, Dick Wolf, Danielle Gelber, Michael Brandt, Derek Haas, Matt Olmstead

• Showrunner: Allen MacDonald

• LP: Niki Delone

• PM: Rick Clark

• CD: Jonathan Strauss, Jenny Ravitz

With so many exciting productions filming in Chicago, the city continues to solidify its status as a film and television powerhouse. Thanks to the state’s competitive tax credit and Chicago’s unmatched urban landscape, producers keep coming back, and we’re excited to see what comes next.

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