CHICAGO – March 12, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today announced a new NBC production will be filmed in downtown Chicago. The new daily show, “Steve Harvey,” will be produced at NBC 5 studios and is expected to create around 100 jobs. NBCUniversal estimates that the show could bring approximately 35,000 audience members and visitors to Chicago each year.
“Our commitment to the film industry is helping us bring new shows to Illinois and create jobs for our residents,” Illinois Governor Pat Quinn said. “We are pleased to welcome Steve Harvey to the great state of Illinois, and look forward to a long-lasting relationship with the show, NBCUniversal and Endemol USA.”
In the one-hour show debuting this fall on NBC, actor, comedian and best-selling author Steve Harvey will cover a variety of topics, ranging from relationships and parenting to navigating today’s workplace, while incorporating his comedy roots. NBCUniversal estimates that production will bring millions of dollars to Chicago-area merchants and businesses.
“I commend the state of Illinois - the Governor’s Office, the Film Office and Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity - in their proactive efforts to attract film and television production to their state, and in particular making it possible to bring the ‘Steve Harvey’ production to Chicago,” said Barry Wallach, president, NBCUniversal Domestic Television Distribution. "Chicago is an outstanding, multicultural city that offers access to talented production crews, the best audiences in the country and is the perfect home for ‘Steve Harvey’."
With many unique locations, talented crews and ample sound stages, the Illinois Film Office (IFO) actively pursues film projects by promoting Illinois as an ideal location to film. In addition, 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 revenue to the state and over 10,000 full time equivalent jobs.
“NBCUniversal and Endemol USA’s investment in the state is the most recent example of the Governor's success in fostering a thriving film and television industry in Illinois,” said Betsy Steinberg, managing director of the Illinois Film Office. “Our incentives for film production, access to world-class infrastructure and great crews combine to make Illinois a winning destination for production companies.”
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. In 2011, the state hosted another blockbuster, Man of Steel, TV series Boss and Playboy Club, as well as numerous independent films and television shows, and a thriving commercial production industry.
The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and the IFO are dedicated to advancing Illinois’ reputation as a world-class film destination. The IFO also promotes and encourages the training and hiring of Illinois residents who represent the diversity of the state’s population.
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