If you’re planning a video production in Chicago, you’ll have no shortage of stunning backdrops. Depending on your project’s tone, mood, and message, there is a local setting to meet your needs and amplify the video’s impact. While you can scout for these top locations independently, our Chicago video production team knows the city best, and we are ready to help you find the perfect backdrop for your next project.
As a city, Chicago has earned quite a reputation for being a popular setting for successful movies. It’s also a top choice for corporate branding videos, advertisements, and indie television projects. From the iconic Chicago skyline to the tranquil Riverwalk and the fast-paced Loop, here are just a few of Chicago’s top video production backdrops.
The Chicago skyline sends a powerful message of corporate relevance, and there are options for capturing this image. A few cityscapes are as iconic as Chicago’s skyline, which towers above Lake Michigan and features renowned buildings such as the Willis Tower and the John Hancock Center. The scene offers a bold and dramatic backdrop for corporate productions and videos that need a strong visual identity.
Depending on the nuance of your message and the permits you can secure, you can choose from various skyline viewing spots. For example, you might capture the iconic silhouettes of Chicago’s buildings from Lake Michigan or film a dramatic upward shot from an outlying suburb. The Chicago skyline elevates any visual with professionalism and impact—there’s a reason it tops our list of standout filming locations.
Millennium Park is a must-visit for tourists and an ideal filming location for promotional videos, interviews, and tourism-related content. It blends modern architecture with natural beauty in the heart of downtown Chicago. From the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture, affectionately known as “The Bean”, to the playful Crown Fountain and the serene Lurie Garden, Millennium Park offers a variety of unique backdrops to suit a wide range of production needs.
Of course, Millennium Park is also a popular tourist destination, so it’s essential to plan your production strategically. Our professional team knows the best times to shoot based on crowd levels and lighting conditions, and we have the experience to ensure a smooth production, even in the middle of a busy hotspot.
Adding a touch of water, such as a flowing river, to the background of a video can bring movement, create a tranquil mood, and add visual depth to your video scene. If you’re shooting lifestyle videos, commercials, or vlogs for your channel, the Chicago Riverfront is a great backdrop. Not only does the river offer these benefits of movement, serenity, and visual depth, but it also introduces interesting and dynamic background scenes.
Choose to film on the sidewalk that flanks the river, or book a boat tour and conduct your interview as you meander along the water. Whichever option you choose, you can be sure you’ll be surrounded by beautiful architecture, vibrant energy, and an unbeatable backdrop.
The Northwest Side of Chicago offers an artsy, creative vibe best showcased in neighborhoods like Wicker Park and Logan Square. Wicker Park is known for its trendy boutiques, music venues, and hipster culture, while Logan Square brings a more historic and indie feel, complete with farmers’ markets and a strong sense of community.
If your video production strategy calls for murals, vintage storefronts, and a laid-back atmosphere, the Northwest Side has you covered. It’s trendy, vibrant, and carries just the right amount of edge—perfect for a music video, fashion shoot, or branded content.
If you’re looking for a professional backdrop that conveys corporate relevance, the Chicago “Loop” is the ideal setting. With its sleek skyscrapers and bustling foot traffic, the Loop offers fantastic B-roll footage to insert into your corporate video, interview, or startup content.
With our professional team and sound equipment, you can even conduct interviews in the Loop’s vibrant environment without worrying about sound being drowned out. The central business district features offices, public buildings, and even a train, offering the business side of Chicago in a single, dynamic setting, ready for your next production.
Natural settings have the incredible power to evoke a sense of tranquility and calm, creating a peaceful backdrop that complements your video’s tone. In the bustling city of Chicago, the Garfield Park Conservatory offers this quiet escape, making it a perfect backdrop for your wellness, sustainability, non-profit, or luxury brand.
The lush greenery and floral backdrops contribute to the dream production, with the indoor space allowing for controlled lighting. A professional team can maximize these elements with cinematography, ensuring every shot is beautifully lit, balanced, and aligned with your creative vision.
As with all major cities, Chicago boasts a highly cultural district rich in history and artistic expression—Chicago’s South Side. Filled with street art, graffiti projects, and murals, the South Side blends history with creativity, making it the ideal backdrop for filming community-based projects and conscious films.
While Chicago’s South Side offers vast potential as a filming location, it’s essential to approach any project with cultural respect. Working with a local team helps ensure proper etiquette and protocols are followed, leading to a smoother, more respectful production process.
Wrapping up our list of top Chicago backdrops is Montrose Harbor, which offers a stunning blend of skylines and serene charm. In many ways, Montrose Harbor is a hidden gem, with a background of boats, dinghies, and open skies. It’s an ideal spot for inspirational videos that demand a calming mood. It’s also a fantastic spot for setting off the drone for an aerial shot.
Filming at sunrise and during the golden hours makes the venue even better, capturing footage with a warm glow and tranquil atmosphere.
At The Michael Group, we hold the city of Chicago close to our hearts (and perfectly positioned in the lens of our cameras). We have an impressive portfolio of locally produced productions that showcase the city’s beauty. Our familiarity with the Chicago scene, as well as our knowledge of how to secure permits, makes us an obvious choice for filming in Chicago.
Collaborate with our experienced team today and call us at (312) 498-4440.
