Chicago, Illinois' film industry is booming.
Chicago has attracted $330 million in film and TV production work in 2015, according to a report by the Illinois Film Office, with 291 productions filming in the state of Illinois.
While that's not the record – $358 million in 2013 – but filming in Chicago has increased by nearly 20%.
From Chicago Business:
The work coming in is somewhat more stable these days, as the local industry relies less on huge “Blues Brothers” or “Transformers” types of movie productions that might or might not come in a given year, and more on TV shoots—especially producer Dick Wolf's “Chicago Fire,” “Chicago P.D.” and “Chicago Med,” the NBC trio that might soon be joined by “Chicago Law.” The Fox hit “Empire” also shoots at the West Side Cinespace complex.
So what's causing the increase in filmmaking in Chicago? Chicago's film tax credits. Illinois has resumed offering its tax incentive of up to 30% off in-state costs, and HOllywood is definitely enjoying that extra cash. Recently, MovieMaker Magazine emphasized earlier this month that Chicago was the sixth-best city in the country in which to shoot, after Los Angeles, Atlanta, New York, Austin and Albuquerque.
“The film industry is an important economic driver,” says Film Office chief Christine Dudley. “Illinois remains popular among filmmakers because they recognize the incredible value our state offers, with a renowned creative community.”
