Find Film Shoot locations for rent in Chicago, IL

About Chicago

Located at a strategically and commercially important portage between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River watershed, Chicago, IL, has been a cultural and economic hub for the Midwest since the early 19th century. Rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1871 that destroyed nearly a third of the city, the local architecture is a marvel of its multicultural heritage resulting in many unique building styles, such as skyscrapers with neoclassical elements and Polish cathedrals.

The local architecture and innovation, provide unique structures perfect for traditional, performance art, and special events. Chi-Beria has a long film history and provided a backdrop for several video productions. The 1986 comedy musical Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Break Up, 2009 Johnny Depp movie Public Enemies, 2000 comedy-drama High Fidelity, and 2009 fantasy comedy Groundhog Day have one thing in common — they all feature scenes filmed around the Illinois locale.

The West Town area has a gritty character perfect for a John Dillinger-inspired classic crime drama. The Winnetka area has grand mansions perfect for family comedy scenes, much like Home Alone chose 671 Lincoln Avenue for the Mccallister Home. The metropolis also transformed beautifully into Gotham City for The Dark Knight, while the Daley Plaza stood in for Wayne Enterprises and Willis Tower offered a vantage point for Batman.

The Green Mill conjures the swinging ‘60s, the Navy Pier is befitting for establishing shots, and Michigan Ave provides the perfect setting for a chic, urban upscale production. The Soul Food Cafe and Ray’s Music Exchange also deserve a mention, for famously appearing in The Blues Brothers, showcasing the versatility of Chicago. Filming locations await to produce the next big-screen blockbuster!

Film Shoot Location Options in Chicago

Just like the many monikers bestowed upon The Second City has main character energy and displays it through its diverse film shoot locations. Chicago provides functional and idyllic settings for filmmakers with stories to tell. Whether portraying the gritty, urban feel of West Loop or the posh mansions in Lincoln Park, you’ll find a host of available buildings that capture the feel of the City That Works.

• Industrial Warehouses
  Nothing captures Chicago’s hardscrabble, industrial, blue-collar past (and sometimes present) as the hulking warehouses, factories, and meatpacking plants dotting the lakeshore, river, and urban neighborhoods. These spaces make excellent locations for large ensemble cast scenes, but they can also serve as a blank canvas, allowing you to build a set of your choice.
  
  
• Private Homes
  Chicago is a city of immigrants — its first permanent settler was likely born in Haiti — and its neighborhoods, from the skyscraper-ladden north side to the south side lined with historic districts and residential blocks, reflect the styles of the residents. Chi-Beria homes personify every era, from mid-century modern masterpieces to bungalows, elegant greystone townhouses, and Greek revival mansions.
  
  
• Studios
  Chicago, IL, has many studios with state-of-the-art equipment and soundstages offering pre-built movie sets. Producers can film on-set shots from an expertly designed filming location with dressing rooms and optional green room setups, before heading out into the city to capture the rest of your production.

Film Shoot Location Companies in Chicago

Every production starts with an idea before progressing to finding filming locations to bring the vision to life. Like The Dark Knight needed Robin, Chicago has several movie production and support companies that can help you with your creative pursuits.

• Blue Plate
  Founder Jim Horan created Blue Plate from a passion for cooking. This catering company handles every occasion, from intimate gatherings to grand occasions. They also welcome custom catering requests, including delivering meals to filming locations around Chicago.
  
  
• One Tree Forest Films
  In 2005, Chad Cooper founded One Tree Forest to help brands and individuals tell stories without facing the hustle and turmoil of a big Hollywood production studio. Alongside his wife Abby, the production team focuses on adjusting the workflow to the story.
  
  
• Click Play Films
  Based in New York City with offices in downtown Chicago, Click Play Films specializes in production and animation, emphasizing creativity. The firm has worked on feature films and national ad campaigns. The tech-savvy and creative individuals with various educational backgrounds are ready to help achieve your production vision.

Pros and Cons of Film Shoot Locations in Chicago

Chicago is an ideal film shoot location, with diverse venues and talented film production services. Producers can find their ideal site in Gotham City, from Grant Park, Union Station, and Wicker Park, to Chicago Hilton, Wabash Ave, and Canal St. Finding a shooting location is one thing, weigh its advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages

• Skyline
  Chicago’s skyline features many recognizable landmarks and looks amazing day and night. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off showcases some of Chi-Town’s best attractions, including Wrigley Field, the actual site where Ferris Bueller caught a foul ball.
  
  
• Architecture
  Chicago has long been an innovative leader in building and architecture, displayed through attractions like Millennium Park and the former IBM building at 330 N Wabash Ave.
  
  
• Outdoor spaces
  The city has several urban and suburban green spaces, shoreline miles, and riverbanks for filming outdoors. The Wells Street Bridge in Chicago, IL, is such an idyllic setting.

Disadvantages

• Winter
  Chicago is called the Windy City, and the winter weather is usually brutally cold and often snowy. It limits the use of streets and other outdoor shooting locations.
  
  
• Expensive
  Food, transportation, lodging, and other amenities cost considerably more in Chicago, IL than in other cities. Filmmakers require substantial budgets when making movies in Chi-Town.
  
  
• Crime
  Some neighborhoods are considered unsafe for filming at any time of the day. Be aware of these areas by asking those in the industry for information.

Famous Locations in Chicago

• Chicago Riverwalk
  The Chicago Riverwalk is a 1.25-mile path through the heart of downtown Chicago following the namesake Chicago River. The district offers several attractions, dining opportunities, boutique shops, public art, and Instagram-worthy photo opportunities of the city’s unique skyline and architecture. Visitors can also embark on entertaining and educational river cruises from the dock and explore the large community marketplace and innovative play spots.
  
  
• 360 Chicago Observation Deck
  Enjoy some of the best views of Chicago, Lake Michigan, and the Chicago River from the 94th Floor Observation Deck of John Hancock Center. Rising 1,000 feet over the famed Magnificent Mile, visitors can also experience TILT, one of the world’s tallest thrill rides, and have a drink with a view at BAR 94.
  
  
• Chicago Maritime Museum
  Chicago occupied a significant location at the Great Lakes and the Chicago River confluence. The Chicago Maritime Museum houses artifacts from the region’s history as an economic hub and trading post — visitors can explore exhibits featuring the Native American tribes in the area, French fur traders, sail and steam-powered freight and passenger ships, and modern commercial and private vessels. The museum also features the Ralph and Rita Frese Canoe Collection.

Chicago is a wonderland for movies, with diverse filming locations ranging from parks to private residences and well-known landmarks. Producers can rent an entire venue in the downtown core for Wall Street-type productions or choose a north or south neighborhood for a family movie. Book a studio as the backdrop of a project that requires a controlled setting or a train for a Western heist scene. The possibilities are endless, and your search ends by calling one of the listed filming locations on the phone!