Illinois filmmakers received a major boost today as Governor JB Pritzker signed SB 1911, a comprehensive update to the Illinois Film Production Services Tax Credit Act.
The legislation, which passed during the General Assembly’s fall veto session, modernizes the state’s incentive structure, expands eligibility, and reinforces the industry’s long-term stability through 2039. The signing concludes a months-long push by industry advocates, including the Illinois Production Alliance (IPA), and solidifies Illinois’ position as one of the most competitive production environments in the United States.
Legislative Timeline and Vote Outcome
SB 1911 advanced quickly through the Illinois General Assembly during the late-October veto session. The House approved the bill on October 30 with a 76–33 vote, demonstrating broad support for updating the incentive. One day later, on October 31, the Senate concurred 37–19, with one member voting present, clearing the measure for the governor’s signature.
Gov. Pritzker signed SB 1911 into law on December 12, 2025, enacting the most significant upgrade to the film tax credit in more than a decade. The strong vote margins reflect a bipartisan acknowledgement of the film industry’s statewide economic impact, from Chicago’s major studio infrastructure to the rapidly growing production activity in downstate and rural communities.
Key Enhancements for Illinois Filmmakers
SB 1911 implements several changes designed to reduce production costs, strengthen local hiring, and give the Illinois film community a more predictable future.
Higher Core Credit Rates
- 35% credit on qualified Illinois production spending
- 35% credit on Illinois resident wages, up to $500,000 per worker
- 30% credit on non-resident wages, up to $500,000 per worker, with expanded eligibility for up to 13 non-resident technical positions
New and Expanded Bonus Credits
SB 1911 introduces several stackable bonuses that make the program more responsive to industry needs:
- 5% regional bonus for productions shooting outside Chicago’s core counties
- 5% relocation bonus for TV series that move their production to Illinois
- 5% sustainability bonus for certified green productions
- 15% economic-disadvantaged worker bonus, encouraging hiring in underserved communities
These “plus-ups” are among the most sought-after updates by local producers and labor groups.
Broader Eligible Expenses
The bill expands the definition of qualifying expenditures to include airline tickets purchased from airlines headquartered in Illinois, aligning transportation spending with the state’s goal of keeping more production dollars in-state.
Long-Term Stability
The program’s extension through 2039 offers filmmakers, studios, and streaming partners the long-range certainty needed for multi-season planning and infrastructure investment.
Why This Matters for Illinois’ Production Ecosystem
Illinois has experienced significant production growth in recent years, generating more than $650 million in film and television spending in 2024 and tens of thousands of hires across crew, talent, and support sectors. The updated credit positions the state to retain and expand that momentum.
For independent filmmakers, the bonus credits and broader expense categories make regional shoots and smaller-budget projects more attainable. For larger productions, including returning network series and streaming originals, the strengthened incentive keeps Illinois competitive.
The bill also reinforces the value of Illinois’ workforce pipeline, studio infrastructure, and vendor ecosystem.
Looking Ahead
With SB 1911 now law, Illinois enters 2026 with one of the strongest production incentive packages in the country. The enhancements reflect the industry’s evolving needs and demonstrate the state’s commitment to growing its film, television, and commercial sectors.
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