Mark Hackman
Chicago Film Office
Chicago Made
Showing productions worldwide that Chicago was ready.
Illinois introduced a highly competitive film tax credit, creating an opportunity for the Chicago Film Office to evolve from a permitting function into a true business development and promotional engine. At the same time, local residents needed clearer proof that productions could benefit neighborhoods, not just disrupt them.
The Work
We built the Chicago Made campaign to speak directly to both audiences with practical, no-frills messaging. Trade placements in Variety and The Hollywood Reporter highlighted what
productions actually needed to know: locations, infrastructure, crews, seasonal versatility,
and a city ready to move quickly.
Locally, outreach focused on neighborhoods most affected by filming activity. Community notices were redesigned to be clearer and more visible, while flyers and street-level messaging highlighted local hiring opportunities, economic benefits, and ways residents could engage with productions rather than feel sidelined by them.
The Impact
A record-breaking year for the State of Illinois in production revenue - $700 million!
The campaign helped reposition the Film Office as both a production resource and civic partner. It created a clearer value story for studios, producers, and local communities while supporting Chicago’s growing reputation as a major destination for film, television, and live-event productions.
