Filming in Chicago, IL
Film office and permits
Start with Chicago Film Office.
Film commission for the United States: State and city film offices.
Personal: No permit for handheld or tripod shooting that doesn't block traffic or the public way, including low-impact documentary and interview work.
Commercial: Occupying the public way with equipment or vehicles, or blocking pedestrians or traffic, needs a Chicago Film Office permit.
Sources: City of Chicago: Film Office FAQ · Wrapbook: Chicago film permits
Permit details · Permits and incentives in the United States · Drone rules in the United States
Sun and light, 2026
Local time on the 15th of each month, daylight saving included. Blue hour runs from dawn to sunrise and from sunset to dusk; golden hour runs from sunrise to the morning time shown, and from the evening time shown to sunset. Computed from the city's coordinates.
| Month | Dawn | Sunrise | Golden hour ends | Golden hour starts | Sunset | Dusk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 6:44 AM | 7:15 AM | 7:58 AM | 4:01 PM | 4:44 PM | 5:15 PM |
| Feb | 6:17 AM | 6:46 AM | 7:24 AM | 4:44 PM | 5:23 PM | 5:52 PM |
| Mar | 6:34 AM | 7:02 AM | 7:38 AM | 6:20 PM | 6:57 PM | 7:24 PM |
| Apr | 5:41 AM | 6:10 AM | 6:47 AM | 6:54 PM | 7:31 PM | 8:00 PM |
| May | 4:58 AM | 5:30 AM | 6:10 AM | 7:24 PM | 8:04 PM | 8:36 PM |
| Jun | 4:40 AM | 5:14 AM | 5:56 AM | 7:45 PM | 8:27 PM | 9:01 PM |
| Jul | 4:55 AM | 5:28 AM | 6:09 AM | 7:42 PM | 8:23 PM | 8:57 PM |
| Aug | 5:28 AM | 5:58 AM | 6:37 AM | 7:12 PM | 7:50 PM | 8:20 PM |
| Sep | 6:02 AM | 6:30 AM | 7:07 AM | 6:23 PM | 6:59 PM | 7:27 PM |
| Oct | 6:34 AM | 7:02 AM | 7:40 AM | 5:30 PM | 6:08 PM | 6:36 PM |
| Nov | 6:10 AM | 6:40 AM | 7:21 AM | 3:47 PM | 4:29 PM | 4:59 PM |
| Dec | 6:39 AM | 7:11 AM | 7:56 AM | 3:35 PM | 4:20 PM | 4:51 PM |
Studios and services in Chicago, IL
Private locations
Homes, warehouses and venues whose owners rent them for shoots are booked through marketplaces such as Peerspace and Giggster.
Last verified October 6, 2026 by Terrell Groggins. Rules change: check the official source before you shoot or post. This is not legal advice.