Chicago Made — TV + Film
Our roots run deep.
With roots in five-cent theaters and race-film firms, Chicago has a rich history with cultural impact. In the early 20th century, Chicago was the center of the independent film movement. It had the highest grossing market for Black audiences, and the industry used its voice to address the city’s labor issues. The 1980s brought us iconic cult classics like Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, The Untouchables, The Hunter and Blues Brothers, beginning the tradition of modern filming in Chicago.
Today, Chicago’s TV and Film industry continues to make globally renowned work while being a cultural and economic force for the city’s communities.
Our impact goes beyond the screen.
Illinois has the third largest movie and recording workforce in the country and is the number one state for film production in the Midwest.
The Illinois film industry made 20,000 hires across the state in 2019. 51% of crews in accredited productions in the state are made up of women and people of color.
Illinois' film industry generates $700 million in economic impact (estimated in 2021). Chicago TV and Film is 50 wards wide, 20K+ jobs strong.
Industry Resources
Check out the Chicago Made TV + Film Career Guide — and start using our Chicago Made TV + Film Marketing Toolkit
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