Well, we knew this already, but now it’s been confirmed, Illinois is quietly becoming one of the more reliable production hubs in the country and the numbers back it up.
Film and TV spending in the state reached $703 million in 2025, an all-time high and a significant jump from pre-pandemic levels. At a time when other major markets are seeing slowdowns, Illinois is doing the opposite, growing its share of projects across features, streaming, and television.
A big part of that stability comes from something every production economy wants: long-running shows that don’t leave. Chicago continues to anchor three of network TV’s most durable hits with Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, and Chicago P.D., all still pulling strong ratings more than a decade in. Add in American Blue and Dark Matter, and you’ve got a pipeline of consistent, returning work.
And it’s not just volume. It’s jobs.
“For nearly 120 years, Illinois has helped shape the film and television industry — from the early days of Charlie Chaplin to today’s hit productions like Chicago Fire, The Bear, and The Chi,” Gov. Pritzker told THR. “By investing in our workforce, expanding our film tax credit, and building world-class production infrastructure, Illinois is creating good union jobs and attracting major productions from across the industry. With more than $700 million in film production in 2025, the message is clear: Illinois is a top destination to make movies and television.”
Industry wages in Illinois climbed to $401 million, while total hires, including extras, grew to more than 18,000. That’s real growth across the board, especially for below-the-line crew and background talent, which often reflects how active a market really is.
The state’s incentive program is doing a lot of the heavy lifting. Illinois offers a 35% tax credit on qualified spend, recently extended through 2039, giving producers long-term confidence to plant roots. It’s also fueling infrastructure expansion, with new studio developments popping up across the state such as the Flyover Studios in Southern Illinois.
What’s interesting is the timing.
While Illinois is ramping up, traditional powerhouses are feeling pressure. Georgia has seen a notable drop in production spending over the past few years. New Mexico has cooled after its streaming-era peak. Even California, still the giant, is dealing with declining stage occupancy and increasing competition despite aggressive tax credits.
Illinois isn’t trying to outspend those markets. It’s playing a smarter game, steady incentives, reliable crews, and shows that keep coming back.
That consistency matters.
Because in today’s production landscape, it’s not just about landing the next big project, it’s about keeping the cameras rolling once they get there.
And right now, in Chicago and across Illinois, they are.
| State | TV and Movie Filming Count | Filming Count Y-o-Y % | Production Spend | Production Spend Y-o-Y % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | 71 | −20% | $1,356,000,000 | −22% |
| New York | 63 | 31% | $1,075,000,000 | 23% |
| New Jersey | 21 | 75% | $344,000,000 | 12% |
| Georgia | 20 | −31% | $291,000,000 | −27% |
| Illinois | 17 | 70% | $240,000,000 | 46% |
| New Mexico | 7 | −30% |
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