About Chicago
Chicago, IL, has everything you’d want from a big city, ranging from world-class museums, nightlife venues, and shopping districts to high-end architecture and notable institutions. It consists of seventy-seven community areas; each with unique character and charm.
Explore the Loop, whether you’re here for a short business trip or a quick vacation. It’s the city's heart, bursting with iconic sights and celebrated for its big-city buzz. The area also houses numerous famous attractions, including Millennium Park, river cruises, historic architecture, and the Chicago Riverwalk.
Your visit to the city will undoubtedly leave you with unforgettable memories, making you want to come back and try something beyond the ordinary. The same applies to those who visit for business, particularly content creators and producers.
The Windy City supports creatives, as reflected by the diverse music video shoot locations across the metropolis. Chi-town has an ideal backdrop for your production, whether yours is a photo shoot, green screen project, or video shoot.
Music Video Options in Chicago
They say it takes a village, and the music video shoot reflects this statement. Planning a successful shoot starts with exploring music video spaces. Chicago handles this by offering a vast selection. Whether a seasoned artist or a first-time producer, having the right crew by your side can help organize a video shoot that stands out.
- Video Director
Even if you’re an experienced filmmaker, you’ll need to hire a video director in Chicago to oversee the music video production process. Directors are skilled professionals who supervise the creative team, from filming to editing.
- A/V Technician
Audio-visual technicians have a crucial role during the music video shoot. They troubleshoot equipment issues, install systems, and ensure recorded images and sound are optimal. They also offer advice on natural light use during photo shoots or in a studio setting.
- Production Equipment
The film equipment you need will depend on your budget, what you want to accomplish, and the video quality you want to make. Ensure every crew member has appropriate gear to fulfill their roles. Suppose you don’t have the budget to purchase new equipment but want to access high-end camera gear. In that case, hire the gear from a film rental company in Chicago.
- Musician
Perhaps you’re a student working on a music video shoot. Collaborate with musicians or band members for the project. Chicago has scores of talented crooners ready to have one of their hit tracks converted into a visual format.
Music Video Companies in Chicago
Part of the music video production process is setting up a suitable set. Booking a music video shoot space is half the work, but the professional assistance of several companies can help you turn the chosen backdrop into the perfect location.
- Chicago Studio City
This company rental house has everything you need to equip your next shoot. They offer equipment rentals, stage lighting, generators, production vans, and heavy equipment.
- Filmgear Chicago
This business supplies electrical, lighting, and grip equipment to video and film productions throughout Chicago. They work closely with vendors and top equipment manufacturers in the industry to ensure the highest quality film gear and tools.
- John Gress
John Gress is a professional photographer and director with over twenty years of experience. He creates stunning photography and award-winning videos. He has worked with some of the largest local companies and international media outlets, so he knows what appeals to the audience.
Pros and Cons of Music Videos in Chicago
Producing a music video in Chicago is straightforward, thanks to the supportive industry and structures that make it easy to find the perfect space. Before booking a studio or green screen location in Chicago, IL, consider its pros and cons to make a sensible decision.
Advantages
- Vast entertainment options
Chicago has excellent cultural attractions, festivals, clubs, parks, and outdoor activities. They create an adventure and provide fun visuals for video projects.
- Air transportation
Chicago has several convenient airports, and the O’Hare International Airport is one of the country’s busiest airports. It’s easily accessible through public transportation and allows creative projects to work with crew from all over.
- Top-of-the-line shopping centers
You’ll need numerous gear, props, and décor to dress up your music video space in Chicago. The city’s top-quality shopping centers serve as one-stop shops for production needs.
Disadvantages
- Big crowds
If the video production leads you to any public space, prepare to contend with crowds. Chicago receives millions of visitors annually who naturally flock around popular areas.
- Bone-chilling wind
Chicago isn’t called the Windy City for nothing, so you might want to book a studio or green screen space for your shoot. But if the production requires an outdoor setting, dress appropriately, and wind-proof equipment for the best results.
- Terrible traffic
Chicago experiences traffic snarl-ups, and in fact, it’s the country’s third-most congested city and the seventh in the world at one point. Schedule shoots accordingly, particularly if your chosen video space is in the West Town area.
Famous Locations in Chicago
- Grant Park and Buckingham Fountain
Besides Wicker Park, you’ll want to “Chicago's front yard” during downtime or between filming. Grant Park has much to offer public art enthusiasts, architecture buffs, and nature lovers. Its centerpiece, the Buckingham Fountain, is a sight to behold.
- The Magnificent Mile
Undoubtedly, the Magnificent Mile stands behind its name with its impressive services and features. It offers endless boutiques and shops, restaurants, hotels, luxury designers, massive shopping centers, and more. Everything you need is available on one iconic street for a stress-free shopping experience in Chicago.
- Museum of Science and Industry
The Museum of Science and Industry is one of the world’s largest science museums. It opened in 1933 and now boasts over 35,000 artifacts and more than 400 thousand square feet of hands-on exhibits to educate and inspire creativity. You won’t leave its doors without learning something new and mind-blowing.
Filming locations in Chicago enable creatives to produce masterpieces. Every local music video backdrop, from West Town to Wicker Park, provides the perfect setting for a song. Producers can explore warehouses with exposed brick aesthetics, concrete floors, and high ceilings, conveniently located gardens with free parking, and studios with an hourly rate for their cinematic pursuits. Book a music video space in Chicago to kickstart the process!