Versatile 25-year
vet is the first
African-American
appointed to
vital and visible
leadership role
The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) today announced Kwame Amoaku as Director of the Chicago Film Office.
Amoaku replaces longtime director of the Chicago Film Office, Rich Moskal, who retired last November. The first African American to hold this position Amoaku, brings 25 years of experience as an executive producer, director, assistant director, production manager, location manager, actor, and writer to the position.
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“Chicago’s film industry is thriving and shows no signs of slowing down as we continue to welcome more new TV and movie projects to film in our iconic city neighborhoods every year,” said DCASE Commissioner Mark Kelly. “Kwame Amoaku is a highly respected member of our own film community who has proven he is ready to advance the production of film and media in Chicago, creating jobs for our communities and spurring new economic activity for all of Chicago.”
ALSO READ: Film Office Director Rich Moskal, a tough act to follow
Prior to joining the Chicago Film Office, Amoaku was location manager for the NBC series, Chicago Fire (since 2014) and for the Netflix movie based on Chicago’s hip-hop scene, Beats (2019). His acting credits include Chicago Fire, ER, and Prison Break. He attended Southern Illinois University.
“I’m honored to join Chicago in this pivotal role to showcase the talent, creativity and beauty found here,” said Amoaku. “The entire city is a show-stopping stage for amazing productions in both TV and movies and I’m excited to lead this office and continue to bring significant projects that impact Chicago both artistically and economically.”
Tax credit partnership
The City of Chicago partners with the Illinois Film Office to award a 30 percent tax credit for film, television and advertising productions that can demonstrate qualified expenditures on local crew, goods and services.
According to recent data, projects in 2018 employed 13,848 non-extra job hires and generated more than $282 million in wages. Women and minority hires made up 46 percent of reported crew employees. Last year alone, 520 film and media projects took place in Chicago, resulting in an estimated all-time high $474 million local economic impact, according to data from the State of Illinois.
About the Chicago Film Office
The Chicago Film Office, part of DCASE, leads the City’s efforts to attract and enhance the production of feature films, television series, commercials, documentaries and all forms of local screen entertainment. For filmmakers, it is a one-stop liaison for all City of Chicago production needs, including permits, City services and logistical support.
Send your film news to Reel Chicago Editor Dan Patton, dan@reelchicago.com.
