Founder + CEO

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Jonah Zeiger is a visionary industry leader who helped shape Chicago into a premier destination for film and television production in the country. As the Deputy Commissioner of the Chicago Film Office from 2022 to 2024, Jonah oversaw unprecedented spending in Illinois film production, guiding a surge that resulted in $1.75 billion in expenditures, over $4 billion in economic impact, and the creation of more than 40,000 jobs. 

He championed major series such as FX's The Bear, Apple's Dark Matter, and NBC's Chicago Fire, Med, and PD , while also facilitating special residencies for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and Comedy Central's The Daily Show. Jonah served as the City's primary contact for major studios, streamers, networks, and independents.

Jonah played a pivotal role in enhancing Chicago's reputation in the film industry. He forged transformative partnerships with organizations like Sundance, spearheading and architecting the Institute's first collaboration with a U.S. city outside Utah. He also developed strategic relationships with IND/EX and Filmscape to bolster both local and national alliances supporting independent exhibition and new production technologies. 

He connected civic leadership with creators, studios, and global media stakeholders to elevate Chicago's profile as a strategic hub for both innovation and long-term sustainability. Collaborating with the Illinois Film Office, Illinois Production Alliance, World Business Chicago, Choose Chicago, and others, he developed successful promotional campaigns featured in Variety, Ad Age, and MovieMaker. Jonah was also instrumental in expanding the Illinois Film Tax Credit to include stackable uplifts for sustainable growth. 

Today, Jonah leads CHIMEA, a unique business development agency that connects the creative ecosystem of Chicago and Illinois to national and international opportunities. Additionally, he frequently serves as a keynote speaker, moderator, and media spokesperson on topics related to the evolution of media and entertainment. 

Learn more about Jonah Zeiger on LinkedIn.