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Gov. Pritzker Announces Illinois Breaks Film Industry Record with $703 Million in Expenditures

“Last year's record-breaking production numbers injected nearly $4 million directly into Champaign County proving film is a massive driver of local economic growth,” said Brett Hays, Flyover Studios. “Now with the strategic expansion of the Illinois Film Production Tax Credit, we have the tools to make this level of investment the new normal. ​ The enhanced base rate, and the targeted downstate incentives give Illinois a distinct competitive advantage, creating a proven blueprint to support skilled workers and strengthen the infrastructure of communities far beyond the Chicago Metro area.”

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Brett Hays
The Multi-Million Dollar Impact of Film Production in Champaign County

Total Statewide Business Sales: The productions generated $12.3 million in economic activity for businesses throughout Illinois. This figure represents the total sales boost across dozens of sectors—from the camera rental house in Chicago and the lumber yard that supplied our set builders, to the post-production studio that handled our color grading and the local print shop that made our call sheets.

Contribution to State GDP: A total of $6.8 million was added to the Illinois Gross Domestic Product. In simple terms, this is the net new value created within the state by the presence and operations of these projects.

Paychecks for Illinois Households: A staggering $1.24 million went directly into the paychecks of Illinois households. This isn't an abstract economic figure; it's mortgage payments, grocery bills, and college tuition paid for by the wages earned on these productions.

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Brett Hays