New Illinois Film Training Center Boosts Workforce, Incentives

An exciting new training center that will help strengthen Illinois' film industry workforce, while expanding movie production incentives across the state.

Illinois Celebrates Major Investment in Entertainment Workforce

Governor JB Pritzker teamed up with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and IATSE (International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees) Local 2 Stagehands to celebrate the opening of a new state-supported entertainment training center.

According to the press release, the facility is backed by a $5 million grant aimed at strengthening Illinois' fast-growing film and TV workforce.

State leaders say the investment underscores Illinois' position as a cultural hub powered by an increasingly skilled entertainment labor force.

New Training Center Anchors State’s Expanding Film Infrastructure

The new IATSE training center comes as Illinois continues to grow the state's reputation as a top film destination.

With no cap on the state's Film Production Tax Credit, a rarity among U.S. states, Illinois has become an attractive location for producers seeking stable incentives and strong production support.

Get our free mobile app

A recently passed bill further expands the credit, adding bonuses for regional production, incentives to relocate TV series, and increased benefits for using Illinois labor and vendors.

Leaders Emphasize Safety, Skills, and Economic Impact

IATSE President Matthew D. Loeb highlighted the importance of industry training, noting that skilled and safety-focused workers are essential to modern movie and film production.

We are fortunate in Illinois that labor and politics meld in a manner that supports workers. This training center is a great example of our political leadership always putting people first, with innovative initiatives in job creation and development, making Chicago and Illinois a beacon for others to follow. -IATSE Stagehands Local 2 Business Manager Craig Carlson

Illinois Sees Billion-Dollar Returns from Film Incentives

Illinois' incentive program continues to generate strong returns, producing $4.5 billion in economic activity from FY17 to FY24 and a $6.81 return for every state dollar invested.

In 2024, film production expenditures reached $653 million, the second-highest in state history, supporting an estimated 18,200 industry hires.

QUIZ: Can You Identify the Iconic '80s Film From Just a Single Freeze-Frame?

Embark on a journey through '80s nostalgia with kids (and aliens) on bikes, and teens dodging principles (and responsibilities). We've put the proverbial pause on some of the decade's most iconic flicks, and now it's your mission to name them all.

Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz