Illinois’ film industry continues to grow and so do the opportunities to maximize production budgets through tax incentives. Join Lawyers for the Creative Arts for a legal education program designed for filmmakers, producers, production accountants, entertainment attorneys, and creative entrepreneurs seeking to better understand the evolving Illinois Film Production Tax Credit landscape (IL CLE Pending). Attorney Ilya Zlatkin will break down recent updates to Illinois’ film tax credit program and explain what these changes mean for productions of all sizes. Attendees will gain practical guidance on eligibility, compliance, and planning strategies to help productions avoid costly mistakes while maximizing available incentives. Topics will include: Expansion of the types and amounts of expenditures that qualify for the tax credit; Distinction between above-the-line and below-the-line compensation, and associated limitations; Clarification around the permissibility and limitations of related party transactions; New payroll procedures and withholding requirements; And the introduction of a formal dispute process; Whether you are applying for the credit for the first time or adapting to recent regulatory changes, this session will provide actionable insights to help you navigate Illinois’ evolving production incentive system with confidence. About the Speaker: Ilya Zlatkin, Founder and Attorney at Zlatkin Cann Entertainment Ilya works with companies and individuals operating in media ranging from film and television to music and radio. He has counseled clients in matters related to acquiring rights, raising capital, and commercializing intellectual property. He is on the board of Soft Cage Films, a nonprofit that empowers filmmakers to produce visually bold works with strong social justice messages. Ilya is also an associate board member of Chicago-based Lawyers for the Creative Arts, in which he actively participates as a volunteer. In addition to his experience as an attorney in the creative space, Ilya has worked on writing and producing his own projects. He also enjoys fiddling with his camera and dabbling with photography. Ilya’s experiences with his own ventures allow him to relate to the vast majority of his clients – not just with respect to legal issues but also on a more fundamental level. Learn more about Ilya Zlatkin at https://zce.law/ilya-zlatkin/ Ilya Zlatkin, Founder and Attorney at Zlatkin Cann Entertainment
