Illinois Film Office Announces "Contagion" Brings in $12.5 Million to State

CHICAGO – As the film Contagion premieres nationwide today, the Illinois Film Office (IFO) highlighted the strong economic impact the movie has had on the state economy.  The movie, partially filmed in Illinois, generated approximately $12.5 million in spending in the state and generated roughly 250 jobs during production, as well as jobs for extras.

“The economic impact of the production of Contagion is far reaching.  The production provided millions of dollars in economic activity in the state and created many jobs for Illinois crew,” said Warren Ribley, director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), where the state film office is housed.  “As we continue our economic recovery, the film industry will continue to be an important part of our efforts to create jobs and grow the economy.”

“Contagion played an important role in 2010 becoming a banner year for the Illinois film industry,” said IFO Deputy Director Betsy Steinberg.  “The increase in television, commercial and independent film production also helped boost the state’s economy.  We are making great progress in marketing Illinois as a world-class film location.”

Contagion was shot in Illinois in late summer and fall of 2010, with locations throughout Chicago and suburban Chicago.  The filming locations include Tellabs in Naperville, Forest City Science & Technology Park in Skokie, Amstutz Expressway in Waukegan, Central Elementary School and Wm. H. Scott Funeral Home both in Wilmette, Sherman Hospital in Elgin, downtown Western Springs, the Palmer House Hilton in downtown Chicago, and Chicago’s Midway Airport.  The film, directed by Steven Soderbergh, stars Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Winslet, and Marion Cotillard.  This is the second film directed by Soderbergh and starring Matt Damon to shoot in Illinois recent years, The Informant shot in Decatur in 2008 was the first.     

According to the IFO, Illinois’ film industry saw a record $161 million in spending in 2010, which topped the $155 million in spending in 2007 and represents a 54 percent increase from 2009.  The film industry suffered along with the national economy during the recession, and Illinois recorded $141 million 2008 and $104 million in 2009.  In addition to Contagion, last year included big budget projects like Transformers 3, The Dilemma, and The Chicago Code, as well as numerous smaller projects and a thriving commercial production industry.

The IFO administers the Illinois Film Tax Credit, which has been instrumental in spurring growth of Illinois’ film industry.  Illinois offers a 30 percent tax credit to filmmakers for money spent on Illinois goods and services, including wages paid to Illinois residents.  Since its inception, the Film Tax Credit has helped bring over half a billion dollars in economic activity to the state and over 10,000 full time equivalent jobs.

For more information about the Illinois Film Office, visit: http://www.illinoisfilm.biz/.