Frequently Asked Questions 

• A production is scheduled to film on my block and I have questions, what should I do?
  Production companies travel with a compliment of equipment, vehicles and crew personnel - the larger the production, the larger the supply. The City of Chicago will grant permits to productions to park these vehicles and equipment along city streets and other public properties.

   

  A company representative will distribute notices to area residents prior to filming specifying any parking restrictions or traffic control associated with the production, as well as a contact name and telephone number to address any questions or specific needs. Or you may call the Chicago Film Office for additional information at 312.744.6415.

   

• Are there any television shows that shoot in Chicago? If so, how can I get tickets?
  Yes, there are several shows which are taped before a live audience.

   

  The Oprah Winfrey Show: 312.591.9222
  Judge Mathis: 866.362-8447

  Judge Jeanine Pirro: 877.577.8537

   

• I am interested in breaking into the film industry. What should I do?
  Get involved and gain experience! Independent and student projects are often looking for volunteers. You can learn about those and other job opportunities by calling the work hotline at 312.814.7155.

   

  Make contacts by attending film-related events and/or join the organizations that host such events. Classes and workshops also offer the technical training which may be necessary in film and video production. Any education and experience you acquire will assist you in what is a highly competitive field.

   

• I have been approached by a film company to use my home or business, how should I proceed?
  Location scouts are the production representatives who search for potential sites where films are shot. It is not uncommon for them to show up at your home or place of business to inquire about your potential participation.

   

  If you are interested in having your home/business used in a film production, you may call the Chicago Film Office to confirm the legitimacy of the project. The location scout will request to photograph your property and perhaps schedule return visits. These visits will include key personnel (producers, designers, cameramen, director, etc) as the team collaborates on a decision. If your property is selected, a location manager will work with you on schedules, contracts, insurance and location fees.

   

  If you are interested in listing your home/business for consideration of future film projects, send photographs and contact information to the Illinois Film Office at 100 W. Randolph, Room 3-400, Chicago, IL 60601.

   

• I would like to become an actor, or get my child into commercials, what should I do?
  If you would like to gain some experience in the field, you can start by being an extra (see FAQ). If you are looking for representation, you can contact talent agencies. Please be aware that with reputable agencies, you will not be charged a fee until you receive work.
   
• What is an "extra", and how are they hired?
  Often times referred to as "background" or "atmosphere", extras are the performers who appear behind the scene's central action, ie: diners at a restaurant, commuters on a train, etc. Most feature films and television productions hire extra talent agencies to provide for these roles. These agencies will place a casting call on the casting hotline at 312.814.9605, which will also list additional casting opportunities.
   
• Where can I watch a movie film on location?
  As a general rule, production companies do not publish detailed information about their locations prior to filming. Crowd control can not only create problems for the production, but can place an additional burden on the communities in which they film.
   
• Where did "High Fidelity" film the record store scenes?
  The production company for "High Fidelity" actually dressed an empty storefront at Milwaukee and Honore. The record store in the movie does not actually exist.
   
• Where did "My Best Friend's Wedding" shoot the restaurant scene where everyone sings, "Say A Little Prayer"?
  Joe's Crabshack at 745 N. Wells, however at the time of filming, the restaurant was called The Crab House.
   
• Where did "Return to Me" film the restaurant scenes?
  Twin Anchors at 1655 N. Sedgwick doubled as O'Reilly's in the movie.
   
• Where the train scenes in "Spider-Man 2" shot in Chicago?
  Partially. The special effects unit for the film shot footage that was used in conjunction with the actors scenes shot on a soundstage.