Top 10 Reasons to Film Your Video Production in Chicago

Filming in Chicago certainly has a number of benefits. In fact, we can think of several reasons to come to the Windy City for filmmaking. If you’re thinking of filming your video production in Chicago, it’s quite possible that you’ve considered the city for its skyscrapers and stunning Art Deco district.

This culturally vibrant city certainly attracts filmmakers for a variety of reasons. We’ve listed a few of them here.

1. The Field Museum

Capture shots of the most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex that the world has (so far) at the Field Museum in Chicago. While you’re there, consider a few additional shots of the amazing and expansive Stanley Field Hall.

The Field Museum has theaters, shops, and various other spaces great for filmmaking.

2. 23 Michelin Starred Restaurants

That’s right, Chicago is home to 23 Michelin Star Restaurants! Some of the top chefs in the country have their roots in this city and many have fare here.

Check out the 18-course menu (you thought we would say golf course, didn’t you?) at Alinea. Chicago chefs know how to please the palate.

3. Deep Dish Pizza

Filmmaking is great, but it certainly works up an appetite. When your video production in Chicago results in a large, hungry crew the best thing to do is head out for deep dish pizza! There are enough pizza restaurants in the city to feed a crowd, so take your pick.

4. The Chicago Film Tour

You may not realize that Chicago was once an epicenter for video production back in the days of the silent films. Today, though much of the filmmaking has shifted around, video production in Chicago continues to take place among various backdrops.

If you’re in the city, enjoy the Chicago Film Tour, a two hour tour that will take you through the sites of more than 50 movies that were completed over several decades in the city.

5. Street Festivals

If people watching is your thing, Chicago is your place! The street festivals attract filmmakers for some exciting interactions and engagements. The festivals are held for a wide variety of purposes over the course of the year.

Check out the many different festivals that take place throughout the summer – there’s amazing!

6. Skyscrapers

Considered the birthplace of the skyscraper, Chicago is home to multiple city blocks of nothing but — skyscrapers. You’ll find a mix of some of the most amazing architectural delights in the Windy City.

Check out the skyline view by boat or amid one of the many lookout towers throughout the city.

7. Architecture

There is so much! Every corner of the city features something that is amazing for the eyes. If you’re considering video production in Chicago, the architecture is certainly going to delight you while you’re there.

Check out the Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise for a glimpse at all the great architectural elements of the city.

8. Culture

Chicago has several cities within the city that make it a mecca for culture. Come to Chicago to experience a mix of Latino, Italian, Eastern European, Irish, Spanish and Croation culture.

You’ll even find Polish populations and Ukranians within the city too! Within the city are meccas of various smaller towns and cultural vibes including Chinatown, Little Italy and Greektown.

9. Grant Park

Featuring 319 acres of open area and frequently called “The City’s Front Yard,” Grant Park attracts visitors from all areas of the world especially during the summer when it’s common for the park to be an entertainment mecca.

Outdoor fests, the Taste of Chicago and several other outdoor food options can be found in Grant Park.

10. Lake Michigan

Filming your video production in Chicago is almost guaranteed to bring you to Lake Michigan. The expansive waterway provides some of the most impressive views of the Chicago skyline and provides much of Chicago’s coastline.

Lake Michigan is a great place for watersports, boat tours, and any scene that requires expansive waterways.