Illinois Legislators Strengthen Film Incentives for State

Governor JB Pritzker has officially signed Senate Bill 1911, a major expansion and extension of Illinois’ Film Production Tax Credit Program, marking a significant win for the film, television, and commercial production industry across the state — and a game-changer for regions like the Quad Cities.

The legislation increases Illinois’ base film tax credit to 35%, adds new incentive bonuses, and extends the program through 2039, providing long-term certainty for producers considering Illinois as a filming destination.

Higher Credit Percentages:
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 Credits:
5% regional bonus for productions shooting outside Chicago
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

What This Means for the Quad Cities area: 

Because the Quad Cities are located outside the Chicago metropolitan counties, the region is uniquely positioned to benefit from the bill’s enhanced incentives:

• Additional 5% ‘Downstate’ Labor Credit -Productions filming in the Quad Cities qualify for an extra 5% tax credit on Illinois labor, making the region more cost-effective than filming in Chicago or other major markets.
• Long-Term Stability Through 2039 - The extension of the program gives studios and producers confidence to plan multi-year projects, including television series and recurring commercial work.
• Increased Attractiveness for TV Series and Larger Project - New bonuses for relocating or newly based television series increase the likelihood of sustained production activity — bringing long-term jobs and consistent economic impact to the region.
• Green Production Incentives - Productions that meet sustainability standards can earn an additional 5% credit, aligning with the Quad Cities’ growing emphasis on environmentally responsible practices.
• Expanded Eligibility for Non-Resident Labor - The bill allows greater flexibility for productions to bring in specialized crew while continuing to build and hire a local workforce.

With SB 1911 in place, the Quad Cities can position itself as Illinois’ premier downstate filming destination that will have an economic benefit to the region. By positioning the Quad Cities as a hub for mid-to-large budget feature films, commercials and TV series, the region will be able to:
    •    Create good-paying, project-based jobs
    •    Expand opportunities for local crew, students, and creatives
    •    Support small businesses and hospitality sectors
    •    Encourages workforce training partnerships with local colleges and the creative community