A year in review is not defined by clicks or traffic alone. Reel Chicago’s most important stories are measured by moments that marked change, documented turning points, and gave voice to what mattered within Chicago’s production community. Some stories celebrated progress and opportunity. Others confronted uncertainty, or difficult transitions. Each one served a purpose beyond performance, reflecting an industry that continues to evolve in real time.
Taken together, this year’s coverage represents more than headlines. It captures the conversations that shaped the local production landscape, the milestones worth pausing for, and the challenges that demanded attention. These are the stories that helped define the year not by volume or velocity, but by relevance. Stories that informed, connected, and made a difference.
Top Stories of 2025
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