Craft Services on a Chicago Film Set: Best Practices and Local Vendors
Craft services and catering form the backbone of a safe and functional film set. A well-fed crew works smarter, stays fo...
Resource Library
Latest deep dives and checklists for productions working through Illinois incentives.
Cut Commercial Production Costs with the Illinois Film Tax Credit: A Guide for Out-of-State Producers
Properly structured, this rebate can free up budget to hire premium talent, extend shoot days, or add technical capabili...
Do You Need Insurance for Your Video Production? Here's What to Know
Whether your project is union or non union, high budget or low budget, you will almost always need production insurance ...
Hiring Actors in Illinois: Casting Tips and Legal Requirements for Producers
Illinois has a strong talent pool for both union and non union productions. Whether you are casting for a commercial, a ...
How an EIN and Chain of Title Affect Your Film Production
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a unique identifier for your production entity, essentially your business’s “...
How Do Filmmakers Use a Tax Credit?
A tax credit can act as real capital. For example, a production with $100,000 in qualifying expenses at 30 percent credi...
How to Budget Your Independent Film in Pre-Production
Budgeting an independent film starts with clarity about your financial limits and approach.
How to Raise $15,000 for Your Independent Film
Think of the credit as built-in financing. By structuring your short to qualify, you secure $15,000 toward crew, equipme...
How to Reconcile an Overbudget Film or Commercial
Even experienced producers can face unexpected hurdles that push a production over budget.
How to Register an LLC for Your Film Production in Illinois
Pick a unique name that complies with Illinois rules. Your name must include “Limited Liability Company” or “LLC” and ca...
How to Schedule a Film Shoot Efficiently in Illinois
Scheduling a shoot begins with understanding that both union and non-union crews expect a reasonable, well-structured da...
How to Submit Your Illinois Film Production Tax Credit to the Film Office
Submitting your Illinois Film Production Tax Credit efficiently ensures you capture the full rebate and streamline your ...
Navigating SAG-AFTRA Rules for Low-Budget Productions
As an experienced producer working in Illinois, it is important to understand how SAG-AFTRA contracts apply to lower-bud...
Union vs. Non-Union Crews: What Producers Need to Know
When planning a shoot in Illinois, producers consider both union and non-union crews to balance budget, schedule, and qu...
Why Illinois Is the Best Place to Film Commercials
Why Illinois Is the Best Place to Film Commercials. Learn more about Illinois film production tax credits.
Why Illinois Is the Best State for Independent Filmmakers
Independent filmmakers know every dollar counts. Illinois makes it possible to stretch your budget while accessing quali...