NEWS
Posted 10 June, 2008 in IL News
The Illinois Film Office is proud to announce that
Governor Blagojevich has signed the
Illinois Film Tax Credit into law.
Please visit the Illinois Film Office on the web at www.illinoisfilm.biz
or call 312 814-3600 for more details.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACTS:
May 27, 2008 Abby Ottenhoff 312/814.3158
Rebecca Rausch 217/782.7355
David Rudduck 312/814.3158
Ashley Cross (DCEO) 312/814.8193
Marcelyn Love (DCEO) 217/558.1542
GOV. BLAGOJEVICH SIGNS FILM TAX CREDIT
LEGISLATION
Illinois film industry reached an all-time record of nearly $155
million in 2007, 80 percent increase over 2006
CHICAGO – Building on his commitment to help the Illinois film industry continue to
achieve record success, Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich today signed House Bill 2482,
legislation that renews the Illinois Film Tax Credit. The Governor was joined at the
signing by Harold Ramis, life-long Chicago actor, writer, producer and director first
made famous by his role as Dr. Egon Spengler in Ghostbusters (1984) and Ghostbusters
II (1989), and by up and coming producer John W. Bosher who is finishing up work on
the movie “Chicago Overcoat,” which was filmed entirely in Chicago. Also joining the
Governor was the star of “Chicago Overcoat” and former “Sopranos” actor, Frank
Vincent.
“The Film Tax Credit put Illinois back on the film industry’s map and helped Illinois
achieve record revenues of $155 million for 2007. I am pleased to bring together two
generations of local filmmakers for this event today to highlight Illinois’ deep talent pool.
By renewing this tax credit, we’re holding on to our competitive position and ensuring
that filmmakers will continue coming here to make their movies. I want to thank the
members of the General Assembly who worked hard to pass this legislation,” said Gov.
Blagojevich.
The Illinois Film Tax Credit brings revenue and jobs to the state by offering a 20 percent
tax credit to filmmakers for money spent for Illinois goods and services including wages
paid to Illinois residents. The bill passed convincingly in both chambers. HB 2482 was
sponsored by Sen. Rickey Hendon (D-Chicago) in the Senate and Reps. Ken Dunkin (DChicago)
and Angelo Saviano (R-River Grove) in the House.
In 2000, Illinois began suffering a mass exodus of the film industry as other states began
enacting film incentives. By 2003, the Illinois film industry had fallen to an all-time low
of $23 million. In response, Gov. Blagojevich enacted the Illinois Film Tax Credit. Since
its passage, the film industry has rebounded dramatically. The film industry reached an
all-time record of nearly $155 million in 2007. This represents the single best year in the
state’s history - and an 80 percent increase over 2006.
“The Film Tax Credit is critical to ensuring that Illinois remains a top filming location. I
applaud Governor Blagojevich and the Illinois Film Office for their work to make Illinois
competitive within the film industry,” said Harold Ramis. “As a life-long Chicagoan, I
love that I can film movies like The Ice Harvest in Illinois, bringing jobs and revenue to
our great state.”
“The Film Tax Credit has helped us through many stages of the production process,”
said “Overcoat” Producer John W. Bosher. “Some filmmakers may not realize that this
legislation not only defrays on-site production and editing costs, but also gives us the
ability to assuage investor concerns by providing a guaranteed 15 to 20% return on their
investment. Essentially, this tax credit has made Illinois the most economically
advantageous option for every aspect of our film including post-production.”
The film industry has a sizable impact on the Illinois economy and brings thousands of
jobs to the state each year. In 2007, Illinois film productions made more than 26,500 hires
in Illinois - a 110 percent increase over 2006. A number of films and television shows
were produced in Illinois in 2007 including: “The Dark Knight” (Batman); “Wanted,”
starring Angelina Jolie and Morgan Freeman; “Fred Claus,” with Vince Vaughn; “Meet
the Browns,” starring Angela Bassett; “ER” (TV show), and “My Boys” (TV show).
“We had a record year in the Illinois film industry in 2007 with nearly $155 million in
profits and over 26,000 job hires. This was possible in large part because of the film tax
credit, and I’m proud to have helped sponsor this bill to maintain that momentum. With
over 40 states providing film incentives, it’s important that Illinois offer an incentive to
remain competitive,” Sen. Hendon said.
“Incentives like the film tax credit go a long way in helping Illinois to maintain an edge
and keep us competitive against other major film production areas. It’s great that we can
utilize these incentives to achieve something even greater – putting more people to work
and bringing in greater revenues across the state,” said Rep. Dunkin.
“Having productions film in the state not only provides an opportunity for us to showcase
what Illinois has to offer, but also brings in much needed revenue and helps provide
employment for thousands of people. If you compare revenues from 2007 to 2003, the
year before the FTC was enacted, it is evident the tremendous impact the credit has had
on the state economy. We look forward to continuing that growth in 2008,” Rep. Saviano
said.
Gov. Blagojevich’s Opportunity Returns regional economic development strategy is the
most aggressive, comprehensive approach to creating jobs in Illinois’ history. Since a
one-size-fits-all approach to economic development just doesn’t work, the Governor has
divided the state into 10 regions – each with a regional team that is empowered and
expected to rapidly respond to opportunities and challenges. Opportunity Returns is
about tangible, specific actions to make each region more accessible, more marketable,
more entrepreneurial and more attractive to businesses. It is about upgrading the skills of
the local workforce, increasing the access to capital, opening new markets, improving
infrastructure, and creating and retaining jobs. Opportunity Returns is about successfully
partnering with companies and communities, both large and small, to help all of Illinois
reach its economic potential.
“We are always seeking innovative ways to promote Illinois as a place to do business.
And while we have had record success, we must do what’s necessary to maintain Illinois’
competitiveness and provide companies with the resources they need to be profitable.
Being able to offer incentives like the film tax credit is critical to that effort. We are
pleased that the General Assembly passed this legislation and look forward to another
successful year in 2008,” DCEO Director Jack Lavin said.
###
Julie Morgan
Public Relations/Special Events
Illinois Film Office
312-814-3204
Posted 29 March, 2008 in IL News
No status change - Still in the Senate, Legislation returns to session on April 1. They are hoping to get the senate vote that day and wrap it up by April 4, 2008
The IFO advises that although the Illinois Film Tax Credit has not yet
been renewed, Governor Blagojevich remains committed to the credit and
we have every confidence that the credit will be extended as soon as the
state’s budget issues are resolved. However, we want to let you know that
the current tax credit expires December 31, 2007.
IMPORTANTNOTICE: If you have a project that you are
considering bringing to Illinois, you must submit an application
(found atwww.illinoisfilm.biz) by December31 ,2007.st Per State
of Illinois rules and regulations, applicants have two years from the
date of application to complete the statutory requirements and receive
the tax credit. As details of a project are often in flux, an application
filed by December 31 , 2007 can be amended after that date provided
that the amendments relate to original project content.st
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