By ELIZABETH DONALD
Illinois Correspondent
Chicago, IL – Gov. JB Pritzker joined International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 2 to open a new training center here, which was partially funded with a $5 million grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
“Illinois is a prime cultural hub and major tourist destination – thanks in no small part to our skilled entertainment workforce,” Pritzker said. “IATSE’s new training center will further solidify that status while bringing quality jobs, opportunity, and investment to our communities.”
Illinois has a growing reputation for film productions, with state training programs and a competitive tax credit, according to the governor’s office. Illinois does not cap its tax credits on film and television productions.
“With this program, we’re showcasing once again that Illinois is the place where creativity and opportunity meet,” said Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, who is also running for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by the retiring U.S. Senator Dick Durbin. “This helps ensure Illinois artists and stagehands have the skills, opportunities, and support they need to thrive.”
GOOD-PAYING UNION JOBS
House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Westchester) said the state’s investment in training people for good-paying union jobs is an investment in “advancing careers, creating culture, and strengthening communities. As we open this training center, we’re opening doors to opportunity, because the training that will happen here and the union jobs that will come from that are the difference between just getting by and actually getting ahead,” he said.
The Illinois state legislature recently passed a bill to expand the Illinois Film Production Tax Credit with numerous enhancements, including an increased tax credit for local labor and Illinois vendors, incentives to relocate TV series to Illinois, regional production bonuses, and more.
“The importance of training in the entertainment industry cannot be understated. It goes to the heart of safety at work, and ensures workers have the skills required to succeed in their crafts,” said IATSE President Matthew D. Loeb. “By supporting the training center Governor Pritzker has proven he understands the economic and cultural significance of our business, and the contribution IATSE members make to it.”
‘RAISES THE BAR’
Illinois AFL-CIO President Tim Drea joined with the groundbreaking, saying the training center “raises the bar” for Illinois’ entertainment and creative industries.
“As the first of its kind in the state, it proves what we can achieve when we put workers and the future of our workforce first,” Drea said. “With this $5 million grant, we’re training the next generation of entertainment professionals for good, safe, union jobs in Illinois’ world-class venues — from Broadway blockbusters and sold-out concerts to the behind-the-scenes crews driving our film and television industry. Thank you, Governor Pritzker, for standing with workers and ensuring that Illinois continues to lead the nation in building a stronger, safer, and more skilled union workforce.” The training center is open to any individuals looking to join the industry.
Others who spoke at the event included Chicago Federation of Labor President Bob Reiter, DCEO Director Kristin Richards, and several Chicago-area legislators.
Illinois’ film production expenditures reached $653 million in 2024 – the second-highest expenditure total in state history – along with estimated wages of $351 million and 18,200 estimated hires in the industry (excluding extras). The high expenditures demonstrate Illinois’ ability to bounce back in the wake of the strikes that halted production in 2023.