When it comes to any entertainment industry production, whether it’s a tentpole film or an independent commercial, creative choices must vie against the ever-important bottom line. Working in a state with tax incentive programs means productions can have the best of both worlds.just signed a 10-year extension for the state’s film-friendly tax incentive program, which guarantees productions 30% back on eligible expenses through Jan. 1, 2033.
The minimum budget for qualified projects under 30 minutes is $50,000 and for over a half-hour it’s $100,000. While Hawley jokes that the application involves a lot of white space, the implication is clear: Illinois wants to make it as easy as possible for productions to come, have a good experience and return in the future.
While the state offers top-notch airports, hotel accommodations and restaurants, that’s actually not the most germane component for application approval. Almost surprisingly, the goal is for productions to note that they’re coming to Illinois specifically for the tax incentives.