Film Industry Generated $141 Million, 5,400 Jobs For Illinois In 2008: State

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) -- State economic officials say the film industry spent $141 million and created nearly 5,400 jobs in Illinois last year.

Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity officials said Thursday it was the second-most profitable year on record for Illinois film production. In 2007, films generated $155 million and nearly 6,900 jobs.

Lawmakers enacted a 20 percent film tax credit in 2004. In 2003, the last year without the credit, the film industry contributed $23 million to the state's economy.

Movies and TV shows filmed in Illinois last year include "Public Enemies" with Johnny Depp and "The Beast" with Patrick Swayze.

-ASSOCIATED PRESS