Illinois Expands Production Tax Credit Program to Cover Talk Shows, Game Shows and Other Unscripted TV Formats
Illinois is hoping to lure more talk show and game show productions to the state now that Gov. JB Pritzker has signed a bill that removes some restrictions that kept unscripted shows from participating in the state’s production tax credit program.
The Illinois Production Alliance announced Monday that Pritzker has signed bill HB 5005 into law, which allows national talk shows, contest-based shows and game shows to participate in the state’s Film Production Services Tax Credit program. The expansion of production tax credits was part of an omnibus economic development bill also includes incentives for quantum computing development and redevelopment zones across Illinois.
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Charles Rivkin, chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association, praised Pritzker as “a champion of the film, television and streaming industry,” and asserted that with his signing of HB 5005, “Illinois will continue to be a global leader in motion picture production.”
Illinois leaders have made the case that production tax credits handed out by the state more than pay for themselves. According to an economic impact study commissioned by the Illinois Production Alliance, the state’s program brings a $6.81 return on investment for every dollar given out in tax credits. Illinois generated more than $3.6 billion in economic activity from 2017 to 2022. About 94% of film and television production that lensed in Illinois took part in the program.
“One thing that everyone agrees on – labor, business, and government alike – is that bringing more film, television and commercial production to Illinois benefits our state’s economy and workforce,” said Christine Dudley, executive director of Illinois Production Alliance. “With the tremendous support that Governor Pritzker has shown the industry, Illinois is well positioned to be a production hub and cultural touchpoint, for many years to come.”
Founded in 2002, the Illinois Production Alliance is a nonprofit organization that works with state and local legislative bodies to promote film and television production within Illinois.
(Pictured: Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker)
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