City Guide Filming in Bolingbrook, IL
Production Permit Fees
- Film Permit Minimum Cost: To be determined by the Village Leadership
- Film Permit Application Fee: To be determined by the Village Leadership
Minimum Insurance
- General liability aggregate insurance of $1,000,000
Additional Permits
Discounts
About Bolingbrook
Bolingbrook, a suburb of Chicago, is located about 28 miles west of this major US city. Although the village was incorporated in 1965, it did not experience rapid growth until the 1980s. It was around this period that filmmaking also began here, with the earliest movies shot here dating back to 1978.
Bolingbrook is a beautiful village in the Gateway Wetlands with picturesque filming locations. The standout locations in the village are the outdoor areas and the village’s parks which feature diverse amenities that support film production. You’d be lucky to schedule your next production in Bolingbrook, and you can always find the location that suits your needs in the city using Giggster.
Filmmakers are further attracted to this village because of the robust film incentives provided through the Illinois Film Tax Credit Program. You can check out some of the projects shot here, like The Fury (1978), The Lucky Ones (2007), Folks! (1992), An Intervention (2021), Beneath the Stars (2011), The Dirty Job (2011), Cherish (2022), and Man Vs. Machine (2009).
Before you embark on your filming adventure in this idyllic spot, take a few moments to familiarize yourself with the filming guidelines in Bolingbrook. That way, you’ll keep everything above board.
Do I Need a Filming Permit in Bolingbrook?
A permit is not required for every film production activity in the village. For instance, if your production is intended for non-commercial use and will not have any impact on the public, you will not require a permit under the filming laws of Bolingbrook. In addition, a film permit is not required if you are filming news events or stories in the city.
If, on the other hand, you plan to film on city property or any other public facility, you must obtain a film permit before production. Filming activities that require the closure of streets, roads, and sidewalks also require a Bolingbrook film permit. Additionally, a film permit is required if your production will require parking in public places.
You may need additional permits for your project based on the nature of your production in Bolingbrook. For instance, you may need the approval of the Fire Department or Police Department for certain special filming activities.
Permit Management in Bolingbrook
Illinois Film Office
If you wish to film in Bolingbrook, you can reach out to the Illinois Film Office. Although the Illinois Film Office doesn’t actually issue filming permits to filmmakers, the Film Office is always ready to provide all the necessary support and contacts that you need to secure all the approvals for a commercial film shoot in the village.
In general, to secure a Bolingbrook film permit, prepare to provide the following with your application:
An application fee (if required).
A certificate of insurance that meets the production insurance requirements of the village.
An indemnification and hold harmless agreement.
A letter of notification to the residents and businesses that will be affected by the filming activity.
When the application is received, it is forwarded to the respective departments and units in the municipality for review to determine if it complies with the filming regulations in place and will not negatively impact the community members. After all the necessary factors are considered, the application is then approved or denied, and you will be notified accordingly. It is recommended that you reach out to the Film Office as early as possible so that your film permit will be treated in time for the start of your project.
What Insurance Do I Need in Bolingbrook?
According to Bolingbrook's filming guidelines and the general filming laws in Illinois, any filmmaker that intends to shoot in the village will be required to provide a certificate of insurance before they can be issued a film permit. The certificate must also include an insured endorsement page that names the Village of Bolingbrook and its staff as additional insured.
The required liability coverage generally comprises commercial general liability, automobile liability, aircraft liability, workers’ compensation insurance and employer's liability, and any insurance required for special effects or activities during production. As for the exact details of the insurance required, these may vary from project to project, but the coverage is usually about $1,000,000 per occurrence. If you need to provide more coverage, you will be informed during the application process.
If you can’t meet any of these requirements, you’ll need to explain in writing why you can’t meet the requirement to the Office. They will determine if the shoot can go ahead without the necessary insurance.
Note that these requirements are minimum requirements. Larger and more complex shoots may require additional insurance which will be determined by the Office.
What Kind of Filming Locations Are Available in Bolingbrook?
Several spots in Bolingbrook attract tourists and filmmakers to the village. Some of the popular locations in the village include Hidden Lakes Historic Trout Farm, The Promenade Bolingbrook, Fountaindale Public Library, Isle a la Cache Museum, Rocket Ice Skating Rink, Johansen Farms, Pelican Harbor Aquatic Park, Tilted Kilt Bolingbrook, Wilderness Falls Mini Golf, and Lily Cache Greenway Trail.
There are good filming opportunities on highways, roads, and streets in the Village of Bolingbrook as well. For instance, filmmakers can choose to set up gear on the Stevenson Expressway (Interstate 55) in the southern part of the village, Veterans Memorial Tollway (Interstate 355) on the far east side of the village, or Bolingbrook Drive (Illinois Route 53) that runs from north to south in the village. Some of the main streets in the village used as backdrops include Lily Cache Lane, Boughton Road, Veterans Parkways, and Rodeo Drive.
Filmmakers looking to film within school premises can choose to engage any of the school districts that serve Bolingbrook, such as Valley View School District (365U), Naperville School District (203), Plainfield School District (202), Woodridge School District (68), Indian Prairie School District (204), and Downers Grove High School District (99).
In addition to the acres of land and park space managed by the Bolingbrook Park District and available for film production, the village has other places, such as the Bolingbrook Golf Club, Clow International Airport, and Illinois Aviation Museum, that make excellent sets.
Special Requirements in Bolingbrook
Bolingbrook Parks
There are 50 parks in Bolingbrook, and the Bolingbrook Park District manages these. If you wish to film in any of these parks, you must obtain a permit. Complete the Park Permit Form and submit it at least two weeks before the date you intend to commence production. Depending on the scale and scope of your production, you will be required to pay a non-refundable fee of $100 or $150 and a $50 refundable security deposit.
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
You must fill out an inquiry form to obtain a Special-Use Permit before you can shoot a movie in any forest preserve managed by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County. Send in your application and pay the application fee and any other necessary filming fees at least four weeks before the date you plan to begin filming. The application fee is $45.
A representative will get in touch with you after you submit your permit application to talk about the specifics of your production and the logistics that are necessary for your project to succeed. If you have any questions, you can also get in touch with Visitor Services.
Before you can film in any of the Forest Preserves in DuPage County, you must also provide proof of liability insurance. The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County must be named as an additional insured and certificate holder on the insurance certificate, and it must cover general liability of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate.
Forest Preserve District of Will County
A film permit is required to film in a forest preserve within Will County. Fill out the application and send it to the Forest Preserve District of Will County via email at least two weeks before the date you want to film. A half-day of filming costs $125, a full-day costs $250, and a week of filming costs $1,000. Additional requirements, such as insurance, will be communicated to you after you apply for the permit.
Forest Preserve of Cook County
Filmmakers are welcome to apply for permits to film in the forest preserves managed by the Forest Preserve of Cook County (FPCC). Include the following with the application:
A certificate of insurance:
Commercial general liability of $1,000,000 per occurrence.
Name the Forest Preserve of Cook County as an additional insured.
The film script.
The prop and equipment list.
The number and types of vehicles.
The filming fees.
A security deposit.
Before filming begins, a "Filming" sign must be posted, and a police officer must be present during production. The following are the costs associated with filming on FPCC property:
Application fee - $25.
Rate for FPCC personnel - $45 per hour.
Commercials/TV shoots permit fee - $150 per hour.
Security deposit - $500
Feature film permit fee - $200 per hour
Security deposit - $1,000
Student film permit fee – Free
Security deposit - $100
Metra
On Metra property, filming is allowed in public areas, therefore, send Metra a proposal or request if you want to shoot here. Before beginning production, you will need to sign a License Agreement, complete a Hold Harmless Indemnity Agreement, provide insurance, and pay all applicable fees in full if your request to film on Metra property is granted. Prepare to pay the $500 application fee and submit the application form at least 20 business days in advance.
DuPage Airport
The DuPage Airport Authority welcomes commercial film production, such as commercials, television shows, and movies. For this, you must first pay the fees for filming and complete and submit the permit application. In addition, you must submit the indemnification and hold harmless agreement and comply with the production insurance requirements stipulated by the Airport Authority. These insurance requirements are as follows:
General liability of at least $1,000,000.
Auto liability of at least $1,000,000.
Workers’ Compensation according to the statutory limits of Illinois.
Name the DuPage Airport Authority as additional insured.
Will County Highways
A Special Event Permit, which costs $50, must be obtained from the Will County Division of Transportation at least 30 days before the filming date to film legally on Will County highways. Make sure you have approvals from other municipalities or agencies that have jurisdiction over the areas along the highway route in addition to the permit application.
What Does it Cost to Film in Bolingbrook?
There are costs associated with film production in the Village of Bolingbrook. These costs relate to filming fees, processing fees, agency fees, parking fees, etc. As a filmmaker planning your project in the village, you will be notified about all the fees you need to pay for your project in the village and the timelines for each payment. These vary based on your individual project requirements.
Additional Fees
Additional fees may be required for the services rendered by the village personnel while filming in Bolingbrook. The production company may also cover the cost of permits, equipment used, rentals, or any expenses incurred during the production. Be sure to leave ample time to go through the permitting process to streamline the filming process.
Geographical Jurisdiction of Bolingbrook?
The village of Bolingbrook borders Naperville, Woodridge, Lemont, Plainfield, Romeoville, and Darien. Woodridge lies north of the village, while Naperville is situated northwest. Darien lies northeast, while Lemont borders the village to the east. Romeoville is located south, and Plainfield borders it to the southwest. Other municipalities in the region include Aurora, Oswego, Lockport, and Downers Grove.
Naperville
The Community Services Department in the City of Naperville oversees applications for a film permit in the city. There is a dedicated Special Events Team that reviews the requests sent in by filmmakers to use the city’s property or public spaces for production. Then, the Special Events Team recommends to the City Council whether the application should be approved or denied.
To obtain the permit to film in Naperville, submit your completed special event permit application to the Special Event Coordinator and include the required documentation: A signed hold harmless agreement. A certificate of insurance: General liability insurance with an aggregate amount of $2,000,000. Name the city of Naperville as an additional insured. Notification to the businesses and residents that will be affected by production (delivered to the community at least two weeks before production). A Site Plan and/or Route Map. A Fireworks Permit, if required. An Amplified Permit, if required. A Sign Permit, if required. Any required fees.
Romeoville
The Village of Romeoville welcomes filmmakers to carry out filming activities on private and public property. For each scheduled production, a filmmaker is required to comply with the requirements and ordinances of the village relating to special events and film production. These include submitting the following: The complete application form. A summary of the proposed project. A security plan. A site plan and/or route map. A medical plan. An accessibility plan. A parking plan. A certificate of insurance. A signed affidavit of compliance with the village’s ordinance.
Woodridge
Every filmmaker that intends to engage in commercial film production in the Village of Woodridge must obtain a permit for the activity from the Administration Department. For this, the filmmaker must complete a Special Event Permit Application and submit it to the Assistant Village Administrator.
The filmmaker must also submit the following with their application: A letter of authorization from the owner of the property where filming is set to take place. A site layout plan for the production. A description of the planned production. A traffic control map. A parking plan. A security and safety plan. A sound control plan. The notification plan for residents and businesses that will be affected by the production. The notice must be sent at least two weeks before the planned date of filming. A description of the required village services. Proof of public liability insurance. A signed reimbursement of fees agreement.
Lemont
If you wish to film in the village of Lemont, you must complete the Special Event Application and submit it to the Village Clerk at least 30 days ahead of time. There is a $50 non-refundable application fee that must accompany your application as well. Late submissions incur an Expedited Review Fee of $250.
You must also provide the following supporting documentation with your application: The description of the project, including the date(s), times, activities, number of volunteers, etc. A written explanation of any requested Village services. A site plan. A property owner authorization, if applicable. A certificate of liability insurance. A parking and traffic control plan. A Fireworks Permit. A Sound control plan. A Lighting plan.
Aurora
A permit is required for film production in Aurora. To film in the city, a filmmaker must apply for a permit 30 days before the planned start date and include the $25 non-refundable application fee. Various city departments will evaluate your request for the permit following your application, and you may be required to attend a meeting with the Review Team. If you require additional permits or information, you will be informed while the application is being reviewed.
The insurance requirement for film production in Aurora is presented below. Note that you may be required to provide higher insurance coverage if deemed necessary by the city’s Risk Management Division: Commercial general liability of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 general aggregate. Automobile liability of $1,000,000 per accident. Name the City of Aurora as an additional insured.
Schaumburg Park District
To use the Schaumburg Park District's (SFD) property for commercial film production, you must apply for a film permit. You require a certificate of insurance for all film production on SFD property. A filmmaker must pay the production fees and submit a permit application to the SFD at least two weeks before the desired filming date. Filming typically takes place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Filming outside of these hours incurs additional costs, ranging from $15 to $25 per hour.
Some of the production costs are as follows: Student filming or Filming with less than 11 crew - $50 per hour or $300 per day. Damage deposit - $200 Filming with between 11 & 25 crew - $150 per hour or $950 per day. Damage deposit - $1,000 Filming with more than 25 crew - $400 per hour or $2,400 per day. Damage deposit - $1,000
Outreach in Bolingbrook
Before the scheduled date of filming, filmmakers in Bolingbrook need to notify the residents and businesses that the production will impact. The filmmaker may choose to hand deliver the notice or send it by mail. However, the community must receive the letter at least two days in advance of the filming date.
Community Management in Bolingbrook
Because Bolingbrook's residents are warm and welcoming, you won't run into any issues with your production. But remember that you also have a role to play in developing a relationship with the local community that will benefit both parties. You can make time to attend community events and meetings, as well as open a line of communication between your team and the people and leadership of the community. These will help everyone have a good time and build a relationship with the hosts.
Conclusion
The Village of Bolingbrook is one of the small municipalities in Illinois that has hosted top-class producers since the village burst onto the film production scene in the late 1990s. Thanks to the tax incentive program offered by the State and the cool spots in the village, there are good reasons to visit Bolingbrook for commercial film projects. To obtain the permit to film here, reach out to the Illinois Film Office for the appropriate contacts that will guide you on the permitting process in the village. It’s just that easy!