- Published: 22 May 2013
Recently, Illinois has been featured in films and television programs such as “The Dark Knight,” “Barbershop,” and “Chicago Fire.” State Senator Patricia Van Pelt’s (D-Chicago 5th) plan to expand the state’s film tax credit to keep Illinois on film passed the Senate today with bipartisan support.
Last week, the senator was joined in Executive Committee by actor Billy Zane and producer Bob Teitel. Zane, a Chicago native known for his roles in “Titanic” and “The Phantom,” and Teitel, producer of “Barbershop,” were in the Capitol to support Senate Bill 1816.
“This bill is about Illinois jobs and competitiveness. This bill is about labor,” Zane said. “It benefits film producers and actors, but it also creates many blue-collar jobs. This will stop the drain of talent from Illinois to the coasts, keeping actors in Illinois to raise their families.”
The tax credit has been successful in drawing filmmakers to Illinois.
These films hire hundreds of Illinoisans to perform and do behind-the-scenes work. In 2012, Illinois used the credit to attract $184 million in spending in the state. Since its 2004, inception the program has brought more than $1 billion in film spending to Illinois.
“This tax credit brings good jobs to Illinois. This is not just about actors and actresses. These films employ hundreds of talented people to build, design and light sets,” Van Pelt said. “From Chicago to Southern Illinois, our state has great locations to show the world. To remain competitive with other states, we have to give filmmakers a better incentive to come to Illinois.”
Illinois is currently at a competitive disadvantage to other states that offer more generous tax credits, such as New York, Georgia and Louisiana.
The legislation passed out of the Senate and now awaits a vote in the House.
