Chicago Film Office

01/14/2022

Local 600 Lends Expertise to "Chicago Made" | 600LIVE!

Learn more about the Chicago Made: Film & TV Workforce Training Program and our partnership with Local 600. We're honored to have their guidance and support as we launch this program, training 2 digital utilities and providing them a pathway to union membership.

A new and exciting workforce development program in Chicago is turning out to be a win-win both for the Windy City and its film industry. The program, which spans disciplines, is titled Chicago Made, and Local 600 is playing a vital role in identifying and mentoring two new digital utilities…

01/06/2022

Missed the Cohort Application? Three spots opened!
MAKE UP TO $1800. Deadline to apply is TOMORROW, Friday, January 7th!

Missed The Free Spirit Media Cohort Application? We added three more spots. Apply by tomorrow Friday, January 7th.

We are recruiting aspiring #ChicagoFilmmakers for our paid 12-week Cohort. Must live in Chicago and be between 18-25 years old.

Apply at BIT.LY/FSMCOHORT22 or link in bio. ⚡ Share and tag a friend. ⚡

01/04/2022

Contest Details — One Earth Film Festival

Inspire environmental change or action through film. One Earth Film Festival seeks short, 3- to 8-minute environmental films from youth in third grade through age 25 for the Young Filmmakers Contest. Animated films of 45-seconds minimum are also accepted. There are four $1,000 top prizes for live action, animation, creativity, and post grad categories, as well as several new $500 activism awards. Submission is easy on Film Freeway. Deadline is TOMORROW, Jan. 5, 2022. Learn more here: https://www.oneearthfilmfest.org/contest-details

Entering the Young Filmmakers Contest is easy. Just create a 3 to 8 minute environmental film that promotes change or action. Animations can be 45-seconds minimum.

01/03/2022

Chicago Fire is 'Back with A Bang' for the second half of season 10

OneChicago returns this Wednesday at 8 PM CST on NBC 5 with Chicago Fire's new episode titled "Back With a Bang." Check out our very own Daniel Kyri Madison who plays Darren Ritter on Chicago Fire. Daniel participated in our filmmaker-in-residence program in 2018. https://reelchicago.com/article/chicago-fire-is-back-with-a-bang-for-the-second-half-of-season-10/

Chicago Fire returns with lots of action and surprises for the second half of season 10 in a new episode titled Back With a Bang.

12/10/2021

Chicago Made | XD Tech

Are you a Chicagoan looking to get your foot in the door of the dynamic world of film and television? Apply to participate in our free #ChicagoMade workforce training program. Many of the positions are entry-level and do not require a college degree — including carpenter, costumer, grip, lighting tech, production assistant and set decorator.

Apply by Dec. 15: xdtechindustry.com/chicagomade

The Chicago Made: Film & TV Workforce Training Program helps Chicago residents get their foot in the door of the dynamic world of film and television. We offer this free program in partnership with the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and the Chicago Film Office. We’re looking for...

12/09/2021

The Chicago Made: Film & TV Workforce Training Program helps Chicago residents get their foot in the door of the dynamic world of film and television!
Lighting, editing, grip, accounting, carpentry and many other aspects of the industry will be trained. Attend the info session on 12/10 and fill out the simple application form by 12/15!
Info in link below.
https://www.xdtechindustry.com/chicagomade

12/07/2021

Young to mid-career film & TV workers check below! BIG opportunity!

ANNOUNCEMENT: Applications are open for the ChicagoMade: Film & TV Workforce Training Program. This is a fast-track program geared towards Chicago residents to help get their foot in the door of the dynamic world of film and television. Application deadline: December 15, 2021. To learn more and apply: https://www.xdtechindustry.com/chicagomade

12/07/2021

ANNOUNCEMENT: Applications are open for the ChicagoMade: Film & TV Workforce Training Program. This is a fast-track program geared towards Chicago residents to help get their foot in the door of the dynamic world of film and television. Application deadline: December 15, 2021. To learn more and apply: https://www.xdtechindustry.com/chicagomade

ANNOUNCEMENT: Applications are open for the ChicagoMade: Film & TV Workforce Training Program. This is a fast-track program geared towards Chicago residents to help get their foot in the door of the dynamic world of film and television. Application deadline: December 15, 2021. To learn more and apply: https://www.xdtechindustry.com/chicagomade

11/18/2021

Kartemquin Films - Diverse Voices in Docs 2022

Diverse Voices in Docs (#DVID) Applications are Open!
The Diverse Voices in Docs (DVID) Fellowship supports emerging filmmakers of color in the Midwest. The program is rooted in ideals of a collaborative community and welcomes filmmakers who are committed to unflinching documentary filmmaking rooted in social justice. Organized by Kartemquin Films and the Community Film Workshop of Chicago, this seven-month program supports non-fiction filmmakers telling stories that are intimate, grounded in mutual support, and provoke audiences to question the world around them. Application deadline: December 1st, 2021 @ 11:59pm CST. To learn more and to apply: https://kartemquinfilms.submittable.com/submit/126c384b-9b1f-4fa9-8049-8d7117ad537e/diverse-voices-in-docs-2022

The Diverse Voices in Docs (DVID) Fellowship supports emerging filmmakers of color in the Midwest. The program is rooted in ideals of a collaborative community and welcomes filmmakers who are committed to unflinching documentary filmmaking rooted in social justice.Organized by Kartemquin Films and t...

11/16/2021

Independence Above Industry: a Seed&Spark Town Hall

Love your creative work, but don't love the creative "system"? Wrap up 2021 with us and Seed&Spark in an open dialogue about what it really means to be a creator today. Dec 15 @ 12pm PT! RSVP: bit.ly/EOY-Independence

Join us for an open dialogue on the changing landscape of creative sustainability for filmmakers and storytellers of all kinds.

11/10/2021

Shifting Voices Fund — Chicago Media Project

Chicago Media Project in conjunction with Mezcla Media Collective are launching the inaugural SHIFTING VOICES FILM FUNDS to support Black, Indigenous, and BIPOC filmmakers. The Shifting Voices Fund is open to a variety of stories and media developed by BIPOC creators, including films - both feature-length films (over 40 mins) and short films (under 30 mins) that explore, dissect, and celebrate BIPOC perspectives and experiences. In particular, they are looking to support stories that spotlight historically excluded cultures, histories and experiences in America. Deadline to apply: 11:59 PM CT on November 15, 2021. To learn more and to apply: wearecmp.org/shifting-voices-fund

The Shifting Voices Fund is open to a variety of stories and media developed by BIPOC creators, including feature-length films (over 40 mins) that explore, dissect, and celebrate BIPOC perspectives and experiences.  In particular, we are looking to support stories that spotlight historically exclud...

10/28/2021

2021 Schedule

Join us for 3-days of connection and community during DOC CHICAGO happening online and in-person on Nov. 5th, 6th and 7th. To learn more about the schedule and to register: http://www.docchicago.com/2021-schedule.html

WHAT IS DOC CHICAGO? Doc Chicago is an annual gathering for and by regional documentary filmmakers that provides a space to connect with each other, learn, and share ideas. Filmmakers representing...

10/27/2021

The Chicago Creative Worker Assistance Program will provide 450 – 500 relief grants to low and moderate income artists and creative workers who are residents of Chicago and have lost income due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including freelance artists, arts administrators, teaching artists, artisans, curators, independent cultural producers and creative industry technicians such as stage managers, theater and music technicians, art handlers, preparators, cinematographers, and film lighting technicians/gaffers. Grants will range from $2,000 - $5,000.

For more information on the Chicago Creative Worker Assistance Program, go here: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/culgrants/programs/creative_worker_assistanceprog.html

The Chicago Creative Worker Assistance Program will provide 450 – 500 relief grants to low and moderate income artists and creative workers who are residents of Chicago and have lost income due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including freelance artists, arts administrators, teaching artists, artisans, curators, independent cultural producers and creative industry technicians such as stage managers, theater and music technicians, art handlers, preparators, cinematographers, and film lighting technicians/gaffers. Grants will range from $2,000 - $5,000.

For more information on the Chicago Creative Worker Assistance Program, go here: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/culgrants/programs/creative_worker_assistanceprog.html

10/07/2021

The 2022 Chicago Independent Producers Lab application is now open for submissions!

This annual partnership between Full Spectrum Features, the City of Chicago, Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) and Chicago Film Office seeks to grow the networks and skills of Chicago's emerging producers.

Deadline: Friday, January 14, 2022

Apply at https://fullspectrum.submit.com/show/3

10/01/2021

Happening tonight at 7pm! Drop by the Ainslie Arts Plaza for a wonderful evening of locally-made short films! Alderman Matt Martin - 47th Ward

Happening tonight at 7pm! Drop by the Ainslie Arts Plaza for a wonderful evening of locally-made short films! Alderman Matt Martin - 47th Ward

09/29/2021

We are excited to announce the launch of our new FREE Financial Literacy for Filmmaker's four-part workshop series, made possible in part by @chicagodcase Interested participants can register using the link in our bio or at: https://sicflff.eventbrite.com

09/28/2021

We are excited to announce the launch of our new FREE Financial Literacy for Filmmaker's four-part workshop series, made possible in part by @chicagodcase Interested participants can register using the link in our bio or at: https://sicflff.eventbrite.com

09/27/2021

The Actors Fund is co-sponsoring a vaccine and wellness clinic with the Chicago Federation of Labor and the Howard Brown Health Center on October 5th. The event will be held at IBEW Local 134 at 2722 S Martin Luther King Drive in Chicago. The clinic will give out flu and Covid shots (All three Covid vaccines). They will also be offering boosters to eligible people. The clinic is open to all people and their families. Please register here: chicagolabor.org/vaccine.
** Registration is strongly encouraged, but not required. Walk-ins welcome. Please bring a government issued ID and if insured, your health insurance card.

The Actors Fund is co-sponsoring a vaccine and wellness clinic with the Chicago Federation of Labor and the Howard Brown Health Center on October 5th. The event will be held at IBEW Local 134 at 2722 S Martin Luther King Drive in Chicago. The clinic will give out flu and Covid shots (All three Covid vaccines). They will also be offering boosters to eligible people. The clinic is open to all people and their families. Please register here: chicagolabor.org/vaccine.
** Registration is strongly encouraged, but not required. Walk-ins welcome. Please bring a government issued ID and if insured, your health insurance card.

09/27/2021

ATTENTION INDIE FILMMAKERS: PIXQUID Filmmakers ONLY Launch! Nebula Creatives L3C & Partners are launching Pixquid, a filmmaker-friendly film distribution platform. If you are an established or emerging independent filmmaker looking for a content distribution platform for your film project, come on board PIXQUID and dive into an ocean of opportunities.

Sign up below as a producer, and upload and/or manage your content. To learn more and to sign up: http://pixquid.com/

ATTENTION INDIE FILMMAKERS: PIXQUID Filmmakers ONLY Launch! Nebula Creatives L3C & Partners are launching Pixquid, a filmmaker-friendly film distribution platform. If you are an established or emerging independent filmmaker looking for a content distribution platform for your film project, come on board PIXQUID and dive into an ocean of opportunities.

Sign up below as a producer, and upload and/or manage your content. To learn more and to sign up: http://pixquid.com/

09/22/2021

The time for permits is changing to 96 hours to enter into the CDOT system and 72 hours to leaflet starting Friday 9/24/2021. Thanks

09/18/2021

Happy #BatmanDay!
Whether for TV or film, Chicago is always happy to provide locales for the Caped Crusader. 🦇

09/14/2021

Happening right now! Join in the ghoulish fun!!

Happening right now! Join in the ghoulish fun!!

09/03/2021

Industry Days

The 2021 edition of Industry Days at the 57th Chicago International Film Festival will be a hybrid conference running October 14-17 in downtown Chicago. Industry Days is the Chicago International Film Festival’s hub for filmmakers and industry professionals to connect, share ideas, and be inspired. This year’s Industry Days will offer both in-person and online discussions, including master classes with veteran filmmakers, case studies on financing and distribution, and Decision-Maker Roundtable meetings with top executives. To learn more: https://www.chicagofilmfestival.com/festival/industry-days/

Industry Days is the Chicago International Film Festival’s hub for filmmakers and industry professionals to connect, share ideas, and inspire each other. This year’s Industry Days will offer networking events, workshops, and master classes around a range of topical subjects, in addition to a com...

08/26/2021

CALLING ALL CHICAGO FILMMAKERS WITH SHORT FILMS UNDER 10 MINUTES! Alderman Martin's 47th Ward, Alderman Vasquez's 40th Ward, the Davis Theater, and the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce are pleased to present the first ever REVIVAL FILM FESTIVAL. The festival will take place on Friday, September 24th at 8:00pm in the Ainslie Arts Plaza located at 4836 N Lincoln Ave. Revival will celebrate local filmmakers by showcasing winning films that are no longer than 10 minutes long with a special spotlight on youth-made films that are five minutes or shorter.

Deadline for submission is September 10th. Submit your short film here: bit.ly/revivalfilm

CALLING ALL CHICAGO FILMMAKERS WITH SHORT FILMS UNDER 10 MINUTES! Alderman Martin's 47th Ward, Alderman Vasquez's 40th Ward, the Davis Theater, and the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce are pleased to present the first ever REVIVAL FILM FESTIVAL. The festival will take place on Friday, September 24th at 8:00pm in the Ainslie Arts Plaza located at 4836 N Lincoln Ave. Revival will celebrate local filmmakers by showcasing winning films that are no longer than 10 minutes long with a special spotlight on youth-made films that are five minutes or shorter.

Deadline for submission is September 10th. Submit your short film here: bit.ly/revivalfilm

08/26/2021

CALLING ALL STUDENT FILMMAKERS! The One Earth Film Festival, the Midwest's largest environmental film festival, invites students up through age 25 to submit their short films to the Young Filmmakers Contest by Jan. 5, 2022. Winning films will be screened at the One Earth Film Festival in March 2022. Scholarship awards, prizes, and matching grants (from $100 to $1000) for 3 to 8-minute films or 45+ second animations. Visit here for more details: https://www.oneearthfilmfest.org/contest-details

CALLING ALL STUDENT FILMMAKERS! The One Earth Film Festival, the Midwest's largest environmental film festival, invites students up through age 25 to submit their short films to the Young Filmmakers Contest by Jan. 5, 2022. Winning films will be screened at the One Earth Film Festival in March 2022. Scholarship awards, prizes, and matching grants (from $100 to $1000) for 3 to 8-minute films or 45+ second animations. Visit here for more details: https://www.oneearthfilmfest.org/contest-details

08/26/2021

13incinema — Asian Pop-up Cinema

We're excited for another season of amazing Asian films! Asian Pop-Up Cinema: Season 13 will present 30 films at an in-person and drive-in festival, with select titles available for online streaming. The festival opens September 15 and runs through October 12, 2021 at AMC River East 21, the Davis Theater and ChiTown Drive-In. To learn more about the schedule of films: https://www.asianpopupcinema.org/13incinema

NOTE:  With proof of vaccination cards, you can get free tickets to attend any of our films screened at AMC River East or Davis Theater.  Please email [email protected] with proof of vaccination to redeem your free tickets with film titles/dates of screenings.