SPRINGFIELD -- Since the enactment of the Film Tax Credit in 2003, Illinois tourism officials announced this week the film industry has reached a film revenue record totally $155 million in 2007.

This represents the single best year in the state's history and an 80 percent increase over 2006.

In 2000, Illinois began suffering a mass exodus of the film industry as other states began enacting film incentives, a press release states. By 2003, the Illinois film industry had fallen to an all-time low of $23 million. Since the film tax credit’s passage, the film industry has rebounded dramatically.

More than 40 states offer film incentives, including Wisconsin and Michigan.

The film industry has a sizable impact on the Illinois economy. In 2007, Illinois film productions made more than 26,500 hires in Illinois -- a 110 percent increase over 2006.

A number of films and television shows were produced here in 2007 including: “The Dark Knight” (Batman); “Wanted,” starring Angelina Jolie and Morgan Freeman; “Fred Claus,” with Vince Vaughn; “Meet the Browns,” starring Angela Bassett; “ER” (TV show); and “My Boys” (TV show).