GOVERNMENT
Living in such a big city, it is important to be aware of what the local and state government has to offer in terms of resources for filmmakers. One of the benefits of Chicago is the accessibility of such resources and even information that is overlooked.
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The Illinois Film OfficeThe Illinois Film office provides a great deal of information on technical producing requirements in Illinois. This includes more details on the state's 30% tax incentive and work force. You can also find a good chunk of information on locations not just in the city of Chicago.
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The Chicago Film OfficeSimilar to the Illinois Film Office, the Chicago Film Office leads the city’s effort to attract and enhance the production of feature films, television series, commercials, and more. Their website provides various details on things such as city services and permits, which you will want to look into when filming in the city.
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Department of Cultural AffairsDCASE is another great opportunity for artists in the city. They provide information on finding various (free) events, festivals, and programs in the city. One of their biggest opportunities is through their annual cultural grants, which provide opportunities for different artists up to $4,000. They typically don't get many film-related applications, so your chances may be quite good.
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Illinois Arts Council Agency,The Illinois Arts Council, like the Department of Cultural Affairs, is a good resource for artists of different disciplines in the state. You will often see their logo at different film events for their financial support. It seems that many of the agency's grants veer more toward educational purposes, which I can attest to having received a professional development grant from them in 2018 to attend the Austin Film Festival.
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The Chicago Park DistrictThe Chicago Park District sponsors Chicago OnScreen each summer, which is a local film showcase in various parks in the city. In addition to the fun experience, it is worth noting that the program actually pays filmmakers a small amount if their film is selected to screen. If only every film festival was run by government organizations!
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