The Chicagoland area is the central hub for film productions in the Midwest. The city comes with a range of choices, from the classic downtown filled with skyscrapers, to the classic suburbs with Lloyd Wright’s architecture, we have it all. Therefore, we at Eleven04 compiled this 2022 ultimate Chicago location guide to help you navigate through the process and help you secure your dream location.
Filming in the City of Chicago
Range of the City of Chicago
There are 77 geographical divisions of Chicago called “community areas.” If the location you wish to film at located within these divisions in the map, the Chicago Film Office is the place to apply for the filming permit. For the full list of all 77 divisions, please check out here.
What Production Needs/Doesn’t Need Permit for Filming?
Public Property (NEEDS PERMIT)
Parks, streets, sidewalks, any other city-owned property.
Public space is a place that is generally open and accessible to people. If your filming activity is potentially interfering other people’s usage of the space, then you are required to apply for the location permit.
Private Property (DOESN’T NEED PERMIT)
Residential homes, office buildings, studios, company buildings, warehouse, factories, etc.
* Solution to private property: talk to the property owner, and get a written approval letter.
Small Portable Productions – news crew, documentaries, b-roll, and other low impact productions (DOESN’T NEED PERMIT)
If the production does not interfere with vehicular or pedestrian traffic, it typically does not require a permit. But if your production happens in areas such as community centers, train stations, the Centennial Wheel, or Cloud Gate, contact their head groups directly for permit and b-roll guidelines. Chicago Park District, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Navy Pier, and Millennium Park have their own rules and permit applications; see the corresponding content in this article for how to apply.
Step by Step Application
Step 1: Create an account for the online permit application
Step 2: Sign in – Create New (choose Permit Application) – Select Events – Fill out Basic Job Information – Fill out Application Information – Fill out Filming Information (application number will be available at this point) * be sure to include location information – Legal Agreement – Submit and check the status
* If you need help to identify the location by address, check the Street Guide.
Step 3: After the application, send the City Services Request Form, Certificate of Insurance, and Community Relations Notification Leaflet with a brief description of project to filmoffice@cityofchicago.org.
Step 4: Payment. After your permit application has been approved, you will receive an email notification asking for your credit card payment method to pay for the permit.
Step 5: After your Community Notification Leaflets have been approved, distribute them properly in the neighboring areas at least 48 hours prior to the production. And verify the No Parking Signs have been placed in the proper locations by the city if you submitted them.
Cost of the Permit
Commercial & Film production: $250 per day/per location
Student films & Independent projects* (micro-budget): $25 per day/per location
*All student films and independent projects are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Send your production documents and materials to City of Chicago film office through email for more precise evaluation on which category your production belongs to.
Permit Process Time
All permits require a minimum of 3 full business days to process. But the processing time is determined by the scope of the request.
If you require street closures, stunts, special effects, drones, and other high-impact logistics requiring additional time and review – a minimum of 10 full business days. These special requirements may need the Chicago Police to be on set, and the CPD requires a notice 3 business days before their City Services are required. You should contact film office to discuss feasibility.
Chicago Riverwalk permits require a minimum of 10 days to process. Peak season restrictions apply. You should also contact the Film Office for more details.
Depending on the specific situation, the time it takes for you to acquire permits varies quite significantly. So we advise you to plan extra time for your permit application.
Application Materials Explanation
1. City Services
The City of Chicago Film Office will coordinate with you if you need No Parking signs, tow trucks, barricades, Police Personnel, Fire Personnel, and notice of special effects or gunfire on your production, the Chicago Film Office can help you with that. You just need to fill out the City Services Request Form and send it to the Film Office along with other materials.
Different rates apply to different City Services. Please see the following chart for details:
Chicago Police Department
Police supervision is necessary for street closure, traffic control on city streets and/or use of special effects/firearms. Production must provide appropriate time cards and paperwork for compensation when hiring personnel. An invoice for requested squads will be emailed.
Sergeants – $45/hour
Officers – $40/hour
Squad Car – $150/day * Traffic control only, may not be used for picture
Chicago Fire Department
Fire Department supervision is mandatory in the use of special effects, pyrotechnics, wet downs, stunts and any instance involving the concern of public safety.
Safety Officer – $45/hour
Engineer – $42/hour
Fireman – $40/hour
Department of Streets & Sanitation
The Chicago Film Office will assist with scheduling Streets and Sanitation services.
“No Parking” Sign – Included in the permit fee
Tow Truck – $50/hour
Blue Barricade – $5/day/barricade
Reimbursement fee for non-returned barricades – $65 each
2. Insurance
A Certificate of Insurance that meets the following limits and names the City of Chicago as an additional insured is required.
- General Liability: $1,000,000 per occurrence; $500,000 per person
- Workmen’s Compensation (only when hiring police/fire personnel)
- A current certificate must be submitted prior to EACH production
- The City of Chicago must appear as an “additional named insured” and listed as follows:
City of Chicago
121 N. LaSalle Street
Chicago, Illinois 60602
See Sample Insurance.
3. Community Notification Leaflet
The production should send out proper notification and leaflet to neighboring residents and/or businesses at least 48 hours prior to the production date.
Leaflets should contain the following information and must be listed on Company letterhead including a business address and a contact phone number:
- Filming Notice as heading (see sample)
- Production Company Title
- Dates/Times
- Locations where no parking signs will be posted
- Traffic Restrictions – list any street closures
- Notification of Special Effects or Weapons on Set (if any)
- Production Company Contact Name, Cell Phone Number and Email Address
See Sample Leaflet.
* Do not distribute the leaflets until they have been reviewed and approved by the City of Chicago.
Tips
The City of Chicago Film Office is dedicated to help coordinate all filming needs happen in the Windy City. All staff work there are really nice and efficient. If you have more questions, don’t hesitate to contact them via email or call them at . They are happy to assist you with your production.
Filming in Chicago Park District
Range of the Chicago Park District
Chicago Park District is full of great locations for your next film, so definitely don’t forget about the parks when you are choosing your locations. Check out here for the full list and map to locate the park you want to film.
What Production Needs/Doesn’t Need Permit for Filming?
Chicago Park District has very strict rules on the types of filming and photography. They required permit for the following types of productions:
Commercial : Advertising / Catalog Photos / Publications
Small Portable Production: Documentary / B-Roll / News Crew / Web-based Media
Non-commercial Use: Engagement Photos / Wedding Photos / Cotillion Photos
Student Project: Applicants must be currently enrolled in an accredited school working on a class project to qualify for a student rate.
Application Step by Step Guide
Step 1: Pay non-refundable permit application fee ($35) here.
Step 2: Complete & Submit the Application Form here.
* You need to include the Permit Application Fee receipt number from Step 1.
* The application form is best viewed in Chrome or Internet Explorer Browsers.
Cost of the Permit
Non-Commercial Filming/Photography (STUDENT) – $45/day
Non-Commercial Photography (WEDDING) – $45 per hour, per location
Still Photography – $820/day
Filming Level 1 – 1-5 crew size – $295/day
Filming Level 2 – 6-12 crew size – $470/day
Filming Level 3 – 13-20 crew size – $1055/day
Filming Level 4 – 21+ crew size – $1935/day
* You also need to pay a non-refundable permit application fee of $35.
Permit Process Time
Chicago Park District Permit Department takes about ONE full week to process all filming and photography permit application, but it also depends on your production size. Plan more time for the application if you have a bigger production. We also recommend you to maintain a direct contact with the park district if you are running out of time. Chicago Park District staff are nice and they are certainly willing to help.
Application Materials Explanation
Insurance
- General Liability: $1,000,000 per occurrence
- Naming the Chicago Park District as additional insured
- Endorsement document issued by the insurance carrier under the applicant’s General Liability policy of insurance, including coverage that reflects that the Chicago Park District is an additional Insured for the event.
* You need to submit the COI and Endorsement document at least 48 hours prior to the event, or your permit will not be issued.
See Sample Insurance Documents (Page 9-10).
Tips
Chicago Park District has stricter rules for filming than the City of Chicago, so you need to plan ahead of time to get your production properly permitted. Don’t take chances, as it might just backfire at you. If you have more questions, you can contact the Chicago Park District Permit Department at (312) 763-6710. They are the best person to help you sort everything out, and they are very easy to work with
Filming in the City of Evanston
Range of the City of Evanston
Evanston is a beautiful city located just north of Chicago. It shares the same beautiful lake view, but offers a less industrial atmosphere. It’s a quiet town with historic university campus that certainly has a great potential for filming. Check out the map here for what is considered in the range of Evanston.
What Production Needs/Doesn’t Need Permit for Filming?
Every type of production needs to submit an application for the permit. Most of the production (film, photography, b-roll, and interview) require a permit. Micro-sized production might not need a permit, but it’s determined by the city. The city will review your application and materials to decide whether your production needs a permit or not. Regardless, it’s always good to inform them what’s going on.
Step by Step Application
Step 1: Email filmpermits@cityofevanston.org with the detail of your production to see whether it is possible to film first, or call (847) 448-4311
Step 2: Complete and submit Online Application Form along with the COI and Hold Harmless Agreement as attachments.
Step 3: Send all Notification Leaflet for approval through email.
Step 4: Payment. Submit payment via checks made out to the City of Evanston for the total costs of the shoot before filming begins.
Cost of the Permit
Permit Fee – $75 ($25 for students)
Posting “No Parking” Signs – $50 per block + time
Hooding meters for reserved parking – $15 each/metere/day
Use of City land, buildings, parks, beaches, streets, and sidewalks – $25/hour
Police Personnel (it’s required if you have prop or real guns on set) – $40/hour
Other departments bill separately (Police Department, Fire Department, Water Department)
Permit Process Time
You need to submit the application at least 5-7 business days (7 business days if parking is needed), or the application will be rejected with any shorter reviewing time.
Application Materials Explanation
1. Insurance
- Certificate of Insurance (General Liability with $1,000,000 per occurrence)
- Name the City of Evanston as additional insured and listed as below:
2100 Ridge Avenue
Evanston, IL 60201
2. Notification Leaflet to Neighbors
It’s the similar requirement for the Community Notification Leaflet. But all distribution must be made at least 72 hours prior to the production start date.
Leaflets should contain the following information and must be listed on Company letterhead including a business address and a contact phone number:
- Filming Notice as heading (see sample)
- Production Company Title
- Dates/Times
- Locations where no parking signs will be posted
- Traffic Restrictions – list any street closures
- Notification of Special Effects or Weapons on Set (if any)
- Production Company Contact Name, Cell Phone Number and Email Address
See Sample Leaflet.
Tips
It’s always good to prepare all of the required materials before the discussion with the City of Evanston. They don’t have a specific film office for processing filming permit, but the staff in the Parking & Permit department will be happy to assist you with the permit request. After you submit the application, you can always follow up the status with them via email or phone call.
Filming in the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA)
CTA welcomes your filming and photography projects, both large and small. Their trains and buses connect the whole Chicago area, especially the “L” is known as the landmark of Chicago.
Range of the CTA
CTA offers four categories of services for filming and photography. Transit, Props, Support Crew, and Locations.
Transit
CTA’s vehicles can be rented for productions any time, except weekday rush hours (approx. 6 am–9 am & 3 pm–6 pm) or where restricted by CTA.
Trains
CTA has over 1,000 train card of five different types of construction available for rental. Rentals starts a minimum of 4 hours for a two-car train which includes travel time to and from the rail station selected for your production. (Labor costs are not included in the rental rate; supervisory personnel is needed for all productions.)
Buses
CTA has over 1,800 buses. Rentals starts a minimum of 4 hours which includes travel time to and from the rail station selected for your production. (Labor costs are not included in the rental rate; supervisory personnel is needed for all productions.)
Props
Bus stop signs; Rail signs; Public Information Signs; Maps, schedules, brochures and other CTA publications; Farecard replicas
Support Crew
Supervisory staff to accompany you and/or your crew whenever your project is scheduled.
Specialized personnel can be hired as needed: Bus Operators, Rapid Transit Operators, Customer Assistants, Laborers, etc.
Locations
- Over 140 train stations
- Over 11,000 bus stops
- Under the ‘L’ tracks
- Chicago & Franklin Station, a Brown Line elevated rail station, offers a panoramic ‘L’ view of downtown
- The Quincy & Wells (Loop elevated), Conservatory-Central Park Drive (Green Line) and Ashland (Green Line) elevated rail stations have been restored to their original appearance
- Wrigley Field as seen from the Addison Red Line elevated rail station
- Guaranteed Rate Field as seen from the 35th St. Red Line rail station
- Theater districts served by CTA buses and trains
- The Magnificent Mile and State Street shopping districts, as well as neighborhood malls, served by the CTA.
- The Museum Campus (Lakefront) served by CTA buses
- Two train lines providing direct rapid transit service to both major airports: the Blue Line to O’Hare International and the Orange Line to Midway
- The ‘L’ and buses can be filmed not only in downtown Chicago but also in many of Chicagoland’s diverse neighborhoods and suburbs.
* If you need to film in a CTA property outside of Chicago area, for example, Purple line in Evanston, you still need to apply the permit through CTA.
What Production Needs/Doesn’t Need Permit for Filming?
CTA requires a permit on every type of production. You can’t publish any footage that shows the public, CTA staff, or CTA signages without a permit from CTA for commercial use.
Application Step by Step Guide
Cost of the Permit
- Contact the CTA’s Film Coordinator, Nadia Manara, (at least two weeks in advance) at +1 (312) 681-3527 or at nmanara@transitchicago.com.
- E-mail or fax a Letter of Intent with your script, storyboard or concept detailing how and when you want to use CTA’s services. We will contact you within 24 hours of receipt. The fax number is +1 (312) 681-3595.
- A pre-production meeting will be held at the CTA headquarters with your organization and CTA staff to discuss your plans and how we can accommodate them in compliance with CTA’s regulations and safety requirements. A written cost estimate will be given to you upon request.
- Requests made less than two weeks in advance are subject to postponement until adequate CTA manpower is available.
- Download the Filming and Photography Guidelines document, which includes requirements to film, insurance information, and the request form.
1. Location/Right of Entry Fee (ROE)
The ROE pertains to public-use facilities, such as train platforms and terminals. The CTA’s ROE fee is $2,000 per day, per location. Rates for the use of CTA Headquarters and other CTA facilities may differ.
2. Vehicles (Rental is only available during non-rush hour periods)
Travel time to and from the site must be included in total rental time. Rental time begins the moment the vehicle leaves its bus garage/train yard until it returns.
Basic Bus Rental Costs – Rates are based on a four (4) hour minimum.
Basic Train Rental Costs – Hourly rates are available.
Rail cars are married pairs that cannot be uncoupled. Rentals are in increments of two, four, six, or eight rail cars only.
3. Supervisory Personnel
Supervisors must be present for all projects. They are paid for eight (8) hours at time and a half (their hourly rate x 12 hours) whether they work one (1) hour or eight (8) hours.
4. Other Personnel
Customer Assistants, Electricians, Laborers, Carpenters, Sheet metal workers etc. may be necessary based on your needs. Their labor costs will be determined at pre-production meeting.
5. Administrative Operating Fee (15% of Labor and Rental Costs)
Permit Process Time
From the initial contact to the start date of the production, if everything goes smoothly, the process may take at least 2-3 weeks for the communication, production meeting, quote, deposit, and filming arrangement. Therefore, we advise you to apply permit at least 1-2 months before your production.
Application Materials Explanation
Insurance
You need to complete the CTA Certificate of Coverage, Certificate of Insurance, and Insurance Binder.
CTA has many requirements on the insurance. The insurance you provide must covers Worker’s Compensation, Comprehensive or Commercial General Liability, Automobile Liability, and Railroad Protective Liability. CTA has required the minimum limits for each coverage, please check here for the detailed requirements.
Tips
Comparing to other places, CTA is probably one of the hardest places to secure a permit and it will also cost you the most, so you should avoid shooting on CTA without a decent budget and an experienced producer. Because of the sheer complexity of obtaining a permit from CTA, you should plan everything carefully as well. Give yourself enough time and budget for the process.
Written by:
Richard Song
