In celebration of Earth Day, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker has added an additional incentive to promote environmentally sustainable film and television production.
Under the expanded program, projects recognized as a “certified green production” through the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Illinois Film Office will be eligible for an additional 5% tax credit – making Illinois one of the few states to incentivize film and television productions for meeting certain sustainability standards.
“Illinois is leading the way toward a greener future – one that promotes economic opportunity and environmentally sustainable productions at the same time,” said Pritzker.
The enhanced tax break comes, he said, as the state’s film industry grows at a record pace, with film production expenditures reaching a record $703 million in 2025 and supporting an estimated 18,000 industry hires with productions like Chicago Fire, The Bear and The Chi. The dollar figure reps a 25% jump from pre-pandemic levels.
The move is also in line with a number of states that have been adding or enhancing production incentives to grow local economies and provide alternatives Stateside to hubs like Los Angeles, which continues to contend with runaway production.
“This expansion reflects our commitment to growing Illinois economy in a way that is both competitive and sustainable,” added DCEO director Kristin Richards. “We are attracting world-class productions while building the infrastructure and workforce needed for a cleaner future.”
A “certified green production” formally commits to and achieves sustainability benchmarks focused on minimizing waste; reducing energy use and emissions through efficient transportation and equipment; utilizing sustainable materials; and implementing responsible food practices. Productions are evaluated using a scoring system developed by the Illinois Film Office.
The hope is that as productions adapt to qualify, demand will increase for infrastructure like battery systems, solar-powered trailers, and renewable energy solutions, helping create jobs across the state.
Other anticipated changes on set include transitioning from paper scripts to digital tablets, replacing single-use plastic water bottles with refill stations, and reducing reliance on diesel in favor of cleaner energy alternatives.
Last year, the production tax credit was expanded and extended to 2039. The current incentive is a credit of 35% of all qualified Illinois spending, including post-production and Illinois resident salaries up to $500k per worker; and 30% on limited non-resident salaries up to $500,000 per worker. Uplifts for specific locations can bring the total to 40%.
Over the past few years, the state also launched the Film & TV Workforce Training Program to connect residents with industry careers and the Illinois Soundstage Capital Grant Program to fund studio infrastructure projects for large-scale productions.