SPRINGFIELD - Illinois is making a big deal about the state’s film tax credit bringing another Hollywood production to Chicago. But one movie industry insider says Illinois’ film tax credit actually might prevent more movies and TV shows from being shot on the lakefront.
Jeff Steele (photo right) is a veteran film financier who moved to Chicago in August. He said Chicago should be on par with Los Angeles and New York when it comes to movie and television production. Instead, Steele said, Chicago is little more than a nice location.
“Chicago has all of the resources,” Steele said Monday. “World-class crews, great supporting actors, it has all the stages and equipment you could need. It’s a one-stop shop.”
But because Illinois’ film tax credit limits spending to Illinois labor, Chicago cannot attract top-notch behind-the-scenes players from Los Angeles or New York City, he said. ...More HERE
