Mission and Purpose

The mission of the Chicago Film Commission is to attract film, television, and digital media productions to Chicago by providing logistical support, permitting assistance, and access to local incentives. The commission works to stimulate the local economy by promoting the city’s wide array of locations and talented production workforce while ensuring that filmmakers have access to the resources they need for successful projects.

Programs

The Chicago Film Commission offers several key services and programs to support filmmakers in producing high-quality content:

• Film Permitting Assistance: The commission helps filmmakers secure the necessary permits for filming in public and private locations across Chicago, simplifying the process to keep productions on schedule.
• Location Scouting: Chicago’s urban landscapes, waterfront views, historic architecture, and vibrant neighborhoods offer diverse filming environments. The Chicago Film Commission provides location scouting services to help filmmakers find the perfect backdrop for their project.
• Production Resources: The commission connects filmmakers with local production companies, equipment rental services, and skilled crew members, ensuring productions have access to top-tier talent and resources.
• Illinois Film Production Tax Credit: This state-level incentive offers a 30% tax credit on qualified production expenses, including local labor, goods, and services. Productions with significant Illinois expenditures or filming in economically disadvantaged areas may qualify for additional incentives.

Additional benefits include:

• Screen Credit: Productions benefiting from financial incentives are required to provide screen credit to the Illinois Film Office and the Chicago Film Commission.
• Certification Process: Productions must undergo a certification process to ensure they meet the criteria for the Illinois Film Production Tax Credit and other local incentives.

Similar Programs

Other major U.S. cities, such as New York and Los Angeles, offer similar programs with financial incentives, permitting assistance, and access to local production resources. However, Chicago’s combination of infrastructure, tax credits, and unique locations makes it a standout choice for filmmakers.

Navigating VBN for Expanded Lists

The Vitrina Business Network (VBN) offers filmmakers access to a global database of film commissions, incentive programs, and production resources. VBN helps filmmakers explore detailed profiles of the Chicago Film Commission and other city film offices, making it easier to compare services, identify available incentives, and connect with local partners.

Unique Aspects

The Chicago Film Commission offers several distinct advantages that make the city an attractive destination for filmmakers:

• Iconic Filming Locations: From the modern architecture of downtown to historic neighborhoods and the scenic waterfront along Lake Michigan, Chicago provides diverse and dynamic filming locations suitable for a wide range of genres.
• Competitive Tax Credits: The Illinois Film Production Tax Credit offers a 30% rebate on qualified production expenses, making Chicago a cost-effective destination for filmmakers.
• Thriving Production Infrastructure: Chicago boasts a highly skilled production workforce and access to cutting-edge production facilities, studios, and post-production services.
• Midwestern Access: Chicago’s central location in the U.S. provides filmmakers with easy access to major markets and transportation hubs, ensuring smooth logistics for both national and international productions.

Understanding and Navigating with Vitrina

Vitrina Business Network simplifies the process of navigating the Chicago Film Commission’s incentives and services. Through VBN, filmmakers can connect with local production companies, post-production experts, and equipment suppliers, ensuring they meet the requirements for Illinois tax credits while taking full advantage of the city’s resources.

Vitrina’s Project Tracker

Vitrina’s Project Tracker helps filmmakers monitor successful productions that have utilized Chicago’s tax incentives and production resources. By reviewing past projects, filmmakers can better plan their own productions to take full advantage of the city’s support services and tax credits.

Finding Local Partners with VBN

Through VBN, filmmakers can connect with trusted local partners in Chicago, including production companies, location scouts, post-production facilities, and skilled crew members. These partnerships are essential for ensuring smooth production workflows and maximizing the benefits of Chicago’s film incentives.

Explore Chicago Film Commission Projects 

Key Takeaways

• The Chicago Film Commission offers support through film permitting assistance, location scouting, and access to the Illinois Film Production Tax Credit, providing up to 30% in tax credits for qualified production expenses.
• VBN provides detailed profiles and updates on film commissions worldwide, including the Chicago Film Commission, helping filmmakers navigate local resources and financial incentives.
• Vitrina’s Project Tracker helps filmmakers track successful projects in Chicago and understand how to best utilize the city’s tax incentives and production infrastructure.
• Local partnerships through VBN ensure filmmakers have access to Chicago’s diverse filming locations, skilled workforce, and production services to meet the criteria for financial incentives.
• For the latest updates on permits and financial incentives, filmmakers should regularly check the Chicago Film Commission website and VBN.