In celebration of Earth Day, Gov. JB Pritzker announced on Wednesday, April 22, the launch of the first-in-the-nation incentive to promote environmentally sustainable film and television production.
Under the expanded program, productions recognized as a “certified green production” through the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s (DCEO) Illinois Film Office will be eligible for an additional 5% tax credit – making Illinois the first state to incentivize film and television productions for meeting certain sustainability standards.
“Illinois is leading the way toward a greener future – one that promotes economic opportunity and environmentally sustainable productions at the same time,” said Gov. JB Pritzker.
The launch comes as Illinois’ film industry continues to grow at a record pace with film production expenditures reaching a record-breaking high of $703 million in 2025, supporting an estimated 18,000 in industry hires.
Film industry growth supports thousands of jobs for Illinois workers and generates economic activity for businesses across the state including local caterers, hotels, drivers and skilled union workers. As a result, Chicago now ranks as the third best big city for those who work in the film industry.
A “certified green production” is one that formally commits to and achieves recognized environmental sustainability benchmarks. These standards focus on minimizing waste, reducing energy use and emissions through efficient transportation and equipment, utilizing sustainable materials, and implementing responsible food practices. Productions are evaluated using a comprehensive scoring system developed by the Illinois Film Office to measure and report their environmental impact across all phases of production.
The new incentive is also expected to drive growth in Illinois’ clean energy and green vendor sectors. As productions adapt to meet certification requirements, demand will increase for infrastructure such as battery systems, solar-powered trailers, and renewable energy solutions – in turn creating new, good-paying jobs across the state.
In addition to long-term infrastructure growth, more immediate changes on set are anticipated such as transitioning from paper scripts to digital tablets, replacing single-use plastic water bottles with refill stations, and reducing reliance on diesel in favor of cleaner energy alternatives. By embedding sustainability into one of its fastest-growing industries, Illinois is setting a new national standard demonstrating that economic development and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.
