Governor Pritzker Cuts Ribbon at IATSE Local 2’s New Training Center

Governor Pritzker Cuts Ribbon at IATSE Local 2’s New Training Center

State funds support training the next generation of stagehands as Illinois’ film industry continues to grow

CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) joined the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 2 Chicago Stagehands to celebrate the opening of their new training center, which was supported by a $5 million grant from the State of Illinois.

“Illinois is a prime cultural hub and major tourist destination – thanks in no small part to our skilled entertainment workforce,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “IATSE’s new training center will further solidify that status while bringing quality jobs, opportunity, and investment to our communities.”

Illinois continues to bolster its reputation as a top destination for film, due to the state’s growing production infrastructure, state-funded training programs, expanded talent pipeline, and the competitive Film Production Tax Credit. Unlike many other states, Illinois does not have a cap on film and television tax credits.
“This investment in training people for the good-paying union jobs that make events small and large possible is an investment in advancing careers, creating culture, and strengthening communities,” said House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch (D-Westchester). “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.”

The Illinois General Assembly recently passed a bill to strengthen the state’s film and TV community by expanding the Illinois Film Production Tax Credit. The expansion will support good-paying jobs throughout the state 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.”

“We are fortunate in Illinois that labor and politics meld in a manner that supports workers,” said IATSE Stagehands Local 2 Business Manager Craig Carlson. “This training center is a great example of our political leadership always putting people first, with innovative initiatives in job creation and development, making Chicago and Illinois a beacon for others to follow.”

“IATSE members may work literally behind the scenes, but their talent is essential in bringing major productions to life,” said Chicago Federation of Labor President Bob Reiter. “With support from state investment, IATSE Local 2’s new facility will help train the union workforce that fuels our robust and always expanding entertainment industry.”

Illinois’ incentive program, which offers tax credits for local labor and production expenditures, has been a key factor in Illinois landing major productions. The State's tax credit has resulted in a $6.81 return on investment for every dollar spent on the incentive, resulting in over $4.5 billion in economic activity between FY17 and FY24. 94% of Illinois' current film industry economic impact is attributed to the impact of the tax credit enacted by Governor Pritzker.

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.

In order to build upon the state's reputation as a national destination for film and TV production, in 2022, the state launched the Film and TV Workforce Training Program, which is designed to increase diversity in Illinois' film industry. Since the program’s launch, the Illinois Film Office has partnered with various organizations across the state to train and hire over 600 individuals, mostly women and students of color, that are historically underrepresented in the industry.


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