Illinois incentives fuel film and television production boom in Chicago

Chicago is experiencing a significant surge in film and television production, driven by incentives from the state of Illinois. In the first quarter of 2026, the city hosted the filming of seven series, showcasing its growing appeal as a production hub.

Production expenditures in Illinois reached a record high of $703 million in 2025, as reported by the office of Governor J.B. Pritzker. This increase in spending is largely attributed to the state's film production tax credit, which has attracted more projects to the region and contributed to the local economy.