The Independent Film Alliance of Chicago (IFA) announces its 2023 fundraiser, Magic Hour. on Thursday, November 30, at Wildman Boiler & Tank Co. and will celebrate Chicago’s independent filmmakers.
The gala aims to invigorate support for its rapidly growing community by naming two recipients of this year’s Visionary Leadership Award, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Film Office.
The Film Office and the Governor have worked in tandem to ensure Chicago remains a top choice for filmmakers to work and build a career. More than 400 film professionals and civic leaders are expected to attend the “who’s who” event to recognize the importance of Illinois leaders’ steadfast support of the film workforce and creative entrepreneurs in our state.
“Thanks to organizations like the IFA, Illinois’ community of creators can continue to grow and find work at home. The Illinois Film Tax Credit is an invaluable tool that keeps filmmakers and content creators busy working, creating, and forging sustainable careers. By keeping this mechanism in place, the local film industry has grown 50% in the last four years,” said Governor Pritzker. “I’m humbled to be named as a recipient of the IFA’s Visionary Leadership Award and share it proudly with my hard-working colleagues at the Illinois Film Office.”
Since taking office in 2018, Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Film Office have brought in more than $2 billion in revenue for the state stemming from the economic activity of film and television production in Illinois. The expanded Illinois film tax credit, enacted in 2022, is among the most successful in the nation, attracting businesses from across the country while protecting and creating Illinois jobs. In addition, the film tax credit also includes a Workforce Development Fund training program to increase diversity across film industry jobs. The Illinois Film Office, headed by Peter Hawley, implements the film tax credit and assists filmmakers with location scouting and production, and is an integral part of Illinois’ workforce development program within the film production industry.
“Governor Pritzker has always understood the economic and creative power of our community. There is no question that together with the Illinois Film Office, he has delivered for our industry as we strive to become more diverse and self-sustaining”, said IFA Board Chair Michael Scott, Jr.
Magic Hour Event Details
Thursday November 30, 2023
6:00 PM – 10:00 PM CST
Wildman Boiler & Tank Co.
3022 W Carroll Ave, Chicago, IL
Current sponsors of Magic Hour include Cinespace Studios, DePaul University, CineCity, Wolf Entertainment, Alexander S. Pissios Family Foundation, Jason Stephens and Ken O’Keefe, and Illinois Production Alliance. The event will be hosted at Wildman Boiler & Tank Co. at 3022 W Carroll Avenue in Chicago. Cocktails begin at 6 PM with VIP tickets available for $200 per person, general admission is $140, and early bird tickets are $115 through October 13th. All proceeds will support the mission of IFA Chicago.
IFA Chicago will donate 50% of the proceeds from our silent auction to support crew members impacted by the industry strikes. For more information on sponsorships or tickets, visit ifachicago.org/magichour
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