Betsy Steinberg, who has headed up the Illinois Film Office since 2007, was notified this week that her services are no longer needed, she confirmed Wednesday. Her last day in the office will be Friday.
A change in leadership is not unexpected when a new governor takes office, and Steinberg is not the only state employee to receive a letter of dismissal. But the move still comes as something of a surprise.
During her tenure, Steinberg was an integral force in overseeing Illinois’ increasing profile among filmmakers and producers. She was especially proactive about bringing television shows to Chicago (including the two Dick Wolf shows, “Chicago Fire” and “Chicago PD,” as well as the new Fox show “Empire”). A successful TV series has the potential to provide steady, years-long jobs for local crew members.
“It’s been a wonderful ride,” Steinberg said of her eight-year run. “Sometimes it’s a hard job, but the overwhelming emotion has been how lucky I’ve been. We have the best people in our country working in our industry.”
Revenue generated by film and TV projects in the state during 2013 (the most recent number available) topped $350 million, compared with the $155 million reported her first year on the job in 2007. By any measure her time at the film office has been a success.
Steinberg was among those who actively worked to beef up the state’s film incentive from a 20 to 30 percent tax credit and eliminate the sunset clause, meaning the incentive no longer had to be renewed by the state legislature every year. That was a significant change and it meant “we had a better chance of luring TV because they want a guarantee that they’ll have the incentive if the show runs for five years,” she said.
Previous to her role at the Illinois Film Office, Steinberg was a vice president at Towers Productions.
As for what she will do next: “I have some ideas” she said. She might continue to work in TV or film. “I just don’t know yet. But I’m not going anywhere. I love Chicago.”
nmetz@tribpub.com
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