The head of Chicago’s Film Office, Deputy Commissioner Jonah Zeiger, has left his position. This departure, confirmed Tuesday by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), is the latest in a series of high-profile staff changes at the department in recent months. Zeiger, a familiar face at events like Millennium Park’s movie series and film festivals, is at least the fourth DCASE deputy commissioner to depart since Mayor Brandon Johnson appointed Clinée Hedspeth to lead the department in March. This follows the February firing of Hedspeth’s predecessor, Erin Harkey, a former Mayor Lori Lightfoot appointee.
The Chicago Film Office plays a crucial role in attracting feature films, commercials, and television shows to the city, providing permitting and logistical support. Its recent successes include hosting the third season of FX’s *The Bear*, a locally filmed series that has garnered significant acclaim. Zeiger, himself appointed by Lightfoot in 2022, oversaw these efforts. Beyond the Film Office, DCASE manages major city events like Taste of Chicago and Blues Fest, and administers grants to cultural organizations and artists. The recent high turnover has raised concerns about the loss of institutional knowledge.
A DCASE spokeswoman declined to comment on the circumstances of Zeiger’s departure or whether the Film Office vacancy has been filled internally. This leadership change comes at a critical juncture, as the city seeks to increase revenue and several alderpersons have expressed a desire for greater financial contributions from the film industry. In 2022, the Chicago Film Office generated an estimated $575,000 in permit revenue (according to the state). This need for growth was highlighted at DCASE’s City Hall budget hearing last month, where Zeiger addressed film-related questions and concerns.
Chicago’s film industry has experienced recent successes, including the aforementioned *The Bear*, which Zeiger previously described to WBEZ as a uniquely Chicago project with national and global appeal. The city also hosted a Sundance Institute collaboration, the first held outside of Park City, Utah, an event Zeiger lauded as a way to elevate the local creative community.
Before joining DCASE, Zeiger worked in film production and higher education at Northwestern and DePaul universities. He and Betsey Grais, also of the Film Office, were recently profiled in *NewCity* magazine as leading figures in Chicago’s film industry. Zeiger did not respond to a request for comment before publication.
Courtney Kueppers is an arts and culture reporter at WBEZ.