City Guide Filming in Lake View, IL
Production Permit Fees
- Film Permit Minimum Cost: $250 per day per location ($25 for students).
- Film Permit Application Fee: To be determined by the Chicago Film Office
Minimum Insurance
- General liability
- Workers’ compensation
Additional Permits
Discounts
About Lake View
Lake View is one of the communities in Chicago, Illinois, and it lies in the northern part of the city on the shore of Lake Michigan. It is one of the areas in the city that has contributed to the fame of Chicago as a top destination for filmmaking for over a century. Every year, Chicago attracts hundreds of filmmakers and production crews for all kinds of projects ranging from commercials and feature films to documentaries, TV shows, and music videos. Lake View is among the spots where producers set their sights in the city.
Records of motion pictures productions date back to the 1940s in Lake View and some of the popular projects filmed here include Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986), A League of Their Own (1992), The Blues Brothers (1980), Child's Play (1988), Sleepless in Seattle (1993), Rookie of the Year (1993), The Jackal (1997), The Break-Up (2006), About Last Night (1986), and My Bodyguard (1980), to name a few. If you would like to shoot your project in this beautiful and serene community, simply use Giggster to find the location that suits your needs in Lake View.
Do I Need a Filming Permit in Lake View?
According to the filming regulations in Lake View, you will not need a filming permit if you will be filming low-impact productions, such as documentaries and interviews with handheld devices, that will not interfere with public activities or traffic (vehicular and pedestrian). News crews do not require a filming permit in Lake View either. In addition, you will not require a filming permit if you will engage in B-Roll filming under any of the following conditions:
You will use only a tripod or handheld device that will not interfere with public traffic.
You will not impact public movement while standing in a public area while filming.
You will not assert exclusive rights to the public property you are filming on.
You will not require parking for your production vehicle(s).
You will not interfere with any public function.
Productions that require a filming permit in Lake View include those that will:
Have an impact on the public right-of-way (bridges, roads, sidewalks, streets, etc.).
Involve the use of prop weapons, special effects, stunts, or some other complex arrangement.
If you plan to film on private property in Lake View, you must contact the property owner and comply with their unique requirements, which may involve completing a permit application for that property.
If you are a student filmmaker, you can apply for a student filming permit for your production in Lake View. This will require you to provide some documentation from your school but will also make you eligible for some discounts.
Permit Management in Lake View
Chicago Film Office
The Chicago Film Office is the agency that coordinates the film-permitting process for feature films, commercials, television shows, documentaries, and other forms of commercial productions in Lake View. The Chicago Film Office issues permits to film on public property, such as streets, alleys, and buildings in Lake View.
Besides issuing film permits to filmmakers, the Chicago Film Office also acts to assist filmmakers with other production needs, such as logistical support and liaising with city services such as the Fire and Police, as well as the Streets and Sanitation Department.
How long it will take for you to receive your permit depends on the scope of your production. The following processing times apply:
For a simple film permit, apply at least four business days before the day that production is set to commence.
If your production will involve the use of drones or require traffic control, apply for the permit at least five business days before the date of production.
If you are scheduled for high-impact production with street closures, drones, special effects, stunts, etc., apply for the film permit at least ten business days before the start of filming.
These are the requirements for a film permit in Lake View:
Complete the online application and payment.
Complete the City Services Form.
Provide a certificate of insurance that conforms to the production insurance requirements of the city.
Provide a Community Notification Leaflet.
Send a brief description of your production and the City Services Form, Certificate of Insurance, and Community Notification Leaflet to the Chicago Film Office via email.
The Chicago Film Office uses the City Services Form to facilitate coordination with city agencies, such as Police and Fire personnel. Moreover, the form is essential if you need to post “No Parking” signs or use tow trucks or barricades during production.
If you are a student filmmaker, review the Student Film Permit Packet provided by the Chicago Film Office and reach out via phone or email before you start the process of applying for a student filming permit for Lake View.
What Insurance Do I Need in Lake View?
As part of the filming laws in Lake View, you must provide a certificate of insurance that names the City of Chicago as an additional insured. If you are a student filmmaker, the insurance certificate of your school will suffice for your production.
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 Lake View?
Lake View is a vibrant community that features plenty of locations that are suitable for filming. Here, you will find mid-rise apartments, upscale condominiums, restaurants, boutiques, small businesses, and other community establishments that you can adapt to the screen. Wrigleyville, a neighborhood in the community, is well known for its low-rise brick houses and buildings, commonly dubbed Wrigley Rooftops.
In the southeastern part of the community, you can set up your production gear in the Lakeview Historic District. Alternatively, you can explore the Newport Avenue District in the northern part of the community, where you will find working-class residences of the late 1800s to early 1900s architectural styles with brick and stone-fronted buildings. The Vautravers Building is a popular structure here.
Lake View is a home of entertainment as it features lots of theaters and music venues that welcome lovers of music and films as well as filmmakers that require those kinds of settings for their production. Some of these locations in Lake View include the Athenaeum Theatre, Annoyance Theatre, The Playground Theater, Saint Sebastian Players, Under the Gun Theater, Metro Chicago, and Vic Theatre. Other popular sites for filmmaking in the community are the Kwagiulth Totem Pole, the Public Library, and schools.
Special Requirements in Lake View
Chicago City Parks
If you wish to film at any of the City of Chicago parks in Lake View, like Belmont Harbor, you must obtain a filming permit from the Chicago Park District. The Chicago Park District categorizes commercial film productions based on the nature of the project and the number of crews involved (Filming Levels 1 – 4). The steps to follow to secure any of the film permits for the city parks are highlighted below:
Pay the permit application fee online ($35 and non-refundable for all media permit types).
Complete and submit the media permit application at least seven days before the date of filming.
Pay the security deposit and filming fees.
Submit a certificate of insurance and endorsement form.
General liability coverage of $1,000,000.
Name the Chicago Park District as an additional insured.
The applicable security deposit and filming fees for the parks are as follows:
Student films – No security deposit; $45 per location per day.
Filming Level 1 (1 to 5 crew) - $200 security deposit; $315 per location per day.
Filming Level 2 (6 to 12 crew) - $200 security deposit; $510 per location per day.
Filming Level 3 (13 to 20 crew) - $520 security deposit; $1,150 per location per day.
Filming Level 4 (More than 20 crew) - $5,200 security deposit; $2,150 per location per day.
Chicago Transit Authority
If you wish to film on Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) property in Lake View, follow these steps:
Contact the CTA’s Film Coordinator via phone or email at least two weeks before the date of filming.
Send your letter of intent, script, storyboard, and production plans to CTA.
Prepare for a pre-production meeting with CTA where your production plans will be discussed – production cost estimates are available on request.
Review and complete the Film and Photography Guidelines document.
Provide proof of insurance coverage.
Complete the appropriate CTA contracts.
Pay the applicable filming fees.
The insurance requirements for the CTA are as follows:
Workers’ compensation according to statutory requirements in Illinois.
Employers’ liability of $1,000,000 each for bodily injury by accident and disease.
Comprehensive or commercial general liability of $2,000,000 aggregate and $1,000,000 per occurrence.
Automobile liability with a combined single limit of $1,000,000.
Railroad protective liability of $2,000,000 if required.
Filming is allowed on weekends and during non-rush hours on weekdays. The Location/Right of Entry fee for CTA property is $2,000 per day.
What Does it Cost to Film in Lake View?
The film permit fee for commercial productions in Lake View is $250 per day per location. For students that have completed the Chicago Film Office’s verification process for student filmmakers, the film permit fee is $25 per day per location. If you will require the service of Police Personnel or Fire Personnel during production, you will cover the costs of their services. Ensure you issue the timecards and necessary paperwork that will be used for paying the personnel.
Additional Fees
In addition to the required film permit fee and the cost of the service of city personnel, you may be required to purchase other permits when filming in the area. It will typically depend on the duration and nature of your production.
Geographical Jurisdiction of Lake View?
Lake View in the northside of Chicago is bordered by West Irving Park Road on the north, West Diversey Parkway on the south, Lake Michigan on the east, and North Ravenswood Avenue on the west. Some municipalities north of the community and city include Evanston, Skokie, Lincolnwood, and Morton Grove.
Evanston
The Parking Division is responsible for coordinating film permits and issuing them to production companies that wish to film in the city of Evanston. If you intend to engage in commercial filming activities in Evanston, complete and submit the online permit application at least five business days before the day you intend to start filming. If you need parking privileges during production, apply for the permit at least seven business days ahead.
The documents you will need to submit alongside your film permit application to the Parking Division in Evanston are presented below: A Hold Harmless Form. A certificate of insurance that identifies the city of Evanston as an additional insured and has the following coverage: General liability of $1,000,000. Workers’ compensation and Employers’ liability. Letter of notification (Filming Notice) to neighbors and neighboring businesses in the filming location, which will contain: Name of the Production Company. Project Title. Filming Dates/Times. “No Parking” signs locations. Locations of street closures and traffic restrictions. Notification of Special Effects or Weapons on Set (if any). Contact information.
You will need to pay the total costs required for your production before you begin. These fees include: Permit fee - $75 ($25 for students). “No Parking” Signs - $50 per block + time. Police Personnel - $40 per hour. Use of city property - $25 per hour.
Skokie
Before undertaking a commercial film production on public property in the Village of Skokie, you must apply to the Public Information Division of the Village Manager’s Office at least 14 days before the date you intend to start filming.
You must accompany your application with a $100 fee and the following: A certificate of insurance: List the Village of Skokie as an additional insured. General liability coverage is $1,000,000. Automobile liability coverage is $1,000,000. Statutory workers’ compensation and Employers’ liability. A signed hold harmless agreement.
Costs associated with the use of city personnel or property: Total/disruptive use of a public building - $1,500 per day. Partial non-disruptive use of a public building - $750 per day. Total closure of a public street - $100 per day. Partial closure of a public street - $50 per day.
Lincolnwood
The Village Manager is responsible for approving applications for a film permit in Lincolnwood. If you intend to engage in commercial production in the village, complete the permit application at least 14 days before the start of filming, and accompany the application with the following: The $100 application fee. The complete production schedule. A general description of the project details. Village personnel, property, security, and equipment requirements. A certificate of insurance that names the Village of Lincolnwood as an additional insured and covers liability of $1,000,000 aggregate. A hold harmless agreement. Copies of letters of approval from owners of private property where you intend to film. Proof of notification to owners of properties that will be affected by the filming activities.
If you are required to reimburse the Village for using public property or personnel during filming, these are some of the fees you will pay: Total/disruptive use of a public building - $1,500 per day. Partial non-disruptive use of a public building - $750 per day. Total closure of a public street - $150 per day. Partial closure of a public street - $75 per day.
Morton Grove
The Village Administrator in Morton Grove accepts and approves applications from filmmakers that wish to engage in commercial production in the village. The standard processing time is 14 days, and the requirements for the Special Event Permit in the village are as follows: The completed and signed application form. The application/processing fee of $200. Late applications cost an additional $200. A certificate of insurance that covers general liability of $5,000,000 and names the Village of Morton Grove as an additional insured.
Depending on the nature of your production, you may be required to meet additional requirements and secure the services of the Morton Grove Fire Department or Police Department or provide any of the following: A request for waiver/modification of permit requirements. A site/route plan. A safety, security, and emergency medical plan. An application for a Pyrotechnics Permit. An application for a Temporary Sign Permit. Written permission from the owner of the property to be used for filming. Sample notices to the residents and businesses that will be affected by the filming activities. An impact mitigation plan.
Outreach in Lake View
As per Lake View’s filming guidelines, every filmmaker is required to conduct outreach in the community where production is scheduled before the commencement of filming. Furthermore, it is the responsibility of the filmmaker to notify the residents and/or businesses that will be affected by the proposed filming activities by sending our notification leaflets.
Filmmakers must first submit the leaflet they intend to distribute to the Chicago Film Office for review before sending them out to the community. In addition, all affected community members must receive the notification at least 48 hours before production commences.
Community Management in Lake View
There are things that you can do to create a positive experience with the host community while your production is ongoing in Lake View. For instance, you can familiarize yourself with the neighborhood and identify areas like hospitals, schools, and places of worship, and earmark those areas for special consideration. Furthermore, active participation and engagement in community activities or meetings also foster cooperation and collaboration with the folks in Lake View.
Conclusion
As part of the communities that make up the city of Chicago, you are right to think that Lake View contributes to the famous and rich history of the city as a premier filmmaking destination. With motion picture production dating back to the 1940s in Lake View, the community and its residents are used to having cast and crew in town doing their thing. The beautiful and diverse filming locations here certainly contribute to the community’s allure as a fancied production spot.
The Chicago Film Office processes film permits for Lake View, the one-stop shop for every filmmaker’s production needs in the city. So, you can rest assured that you will experience seamless permitting and production during your stay in Lake View. Don’t forget the memorable view of Lake Michigan that won’t get old while you’re here filming with your team.