Find Film Studio spaces for rent in Chicago, IL

About Chicago

As the nation’s third-largest city behind New York and Los Angeles, Chicago has long served as one of history’s most important backdrops. The trading-port-turned-cultural-epicenter of the Midwest, Chicago is a town settled and built by immigrants from every corner of the world, and its cultural offerings and food scene reflect this diversity in many exciting ways. From authentic Italian cuisine to signature dishes and festivals honoring the city’s rich traditions, visitors to Chicago feel like they are traveling to a different nation simply by changing neighborhoods.

The city is known for its beautiful public and curated art, as well as historical sites dating back millennia to the land’s original Native inhabitants. Those looking for an exciting experience can cheer for one of the city’s six professional sports franchises or take in a concert at United Center.

With its rich history, a mix of modern innovation and old charm, and a cultural identity that speaks to every walk of life, Chicago is the perfect place to film a documentary, action feature or independent project. You’ll find many locations that can be transformed into a film studio space with help from local businesses.

Film Studio Options in Chicago

Depending on the type of scenes you’ll be filming, there are many great options for film studio spaces in Chicago. There are a number of local service providers who can not only help you transform your chosen space but also help your project run smoothly.

• Transportation
  Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport is one of the busiest airport hubs in the world, making it easy to fly in acting talent, film crews and other personnel on practically a moment’s notice. Getting from the airport to your filming location, however, may be more difficult due to the city’s size and traffic conditions. There are many transportation companies available to provide airport pick up and transportation, including black car and limousine services, saving the hassle of navigating and parking.
  
  
• Equipment Rental
  If you’ve got the basics for your film project, but need additional equipment after setting up at your film studio, you’re in luck. There are rental agencies that can provide you with film, lighting and sound equipment, as well as trucks to haul it to and from the site. Some firms also provide access to the company’s staff to help you set up, operate or troubleshoot the equipment.
  
  
• Carpentry
  If your Chicago film studio space is a blank canvas ready for you to build the set of your dreams, there are many local carpenters who can help you turn an empty warehouse into a cozy living room, kitchen, or other set with all the details. Talented carpenters can help you build a set from the ground up, including furniture, cabinetry and other fine details.

Film Studio Companies in Chicago

Now that you have chosen your Chicago film studio space, hired talented actors and crew, and have a firm vision in mind, you may want to enlist the help of a local film production agency to assist you in making your film project a reality.

• E3M Creative
  Not only does the team at E3M excel at video production, but they also have marketing and branding professionals on staff to help you sell yourself and your project once it’s completed. The firm provides production and consulting on overview videos, product and service videos, client testimonials, recruitment and culture information, B2B sales and event highlights. They’ll also help you market your brand more effectively using your creation.
  
  
• Prysm Studios
  Providing production and post-production video services, Prysm Studios has worked with some of the top national brands, including Wendy’s, CenturyLink, Serta and Dunkin,’ among others. The firm provides pre-production visualization, creative editorial services, design, motion graphics, composition and visual effects, along with post-production polishing such as color correction, audio dubbing and finishing of the final product.
  
  
• BMP Film Co.
  The creative team at BMP Film Co. has many years of experience helping clients turn visions and ideas into expertly-produced creative vehicles for showing, selling, educating and more. The firm works with non-profits, corporations and event planners and works toward a unique set of goals for each client. They also work with individuals to produce videos of social occasions and intimate moments for an unforgettable memento.

Pros and Cons of Film Studios in Chicago

With its many different types of venues, there are a few advantages and disadvantages to choosing Chicago for a filming session.

Advantages

• History
  Chicago has many buildings from different eras, both renovated and preserved over the decades. There are also hundreds of historical sites, great for filming unique scenes.
  
  
• Diversity
  Looking for specific characteristics? Chicago is culturally diverse, with a number of immigrant communities and historically diverse neighborhoods.
  
  
• Shopping
  In a global city like Chicago, you’ll likely be able to find whatever you’re looking for at one of the city’s upscale shopping centers or neighborhood boutiques.

Disadvantages

• Weather
  Chicago is hot and humid in the summer with brutally cold winters often covered in snow. Plan for all eventualities.
  
  
• Expensive
  Due to possible extra expenses, plan a budget. Chicago has one of the country’s highest costs of living, so expect to pay more for amenities and basic necessities.
  
  
• Crime
  Every neighborhood in Chicago can offer interesting film studio space, but some neighborhoods are high in crime and should be avoided.

Famous Locations in Chicago

• Magnificent Mile
  Located on North Michigan Avenue in the heart of the city, Chicago’s Magnificent Mile is the penultimate shopping experience in Chicago. The Mile offers shopping opportunities at more than 450 retail locations, including major department stores, flagship retailers and exclusive boutiques. You’ll also find world-class dining options, upscale lodging and a variety of theaters, museums and other attractions.
  
  
• City Gallery/The Historic Water Tower
  One of the city’s most recognizable and visited landmarks, the Chicago Water Tower was built in 1867 to house infrastructure to regulate the expanding city’s water pressure. It was also one of the few buildings to survive the path of destruction caused by the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. Today, the historic building houses exhibitions of Chicago-centric photography from local residents as well as a beautiful display of 19th-century Gothic architecture.
  
  
• Chicago Sports Museum
  The story of professional sports in Chicago is long, filled with adversity, diversity, glory and disappointment. The Chicago Sports Museum chronicles it all through artifacts, interactive exhibits and simulated experiences. Visitors can experience CSI-like sports forensics by examining artifacts such as Sammy Sosa’s corked bat, learn to throw a curveball from Steve Stone, or compare their vertical leap to Bulls’ great Michael Jordan.