The Chicago Film Office, a division of the Mayor's Office of Special Events, leads the city's effort to attract and facilitate feature film, television, commercial and all forms of film and video production. Our mission is to prompt the economic and cultural development that filmmaking provides while striking an effective balance with the needs of the community.

In doing so, the Film Office has gained an exceptional working relationship with both the local, national and international film communities. In hands-on fashion, the Film Office serves as a one-stop shop for filmmakers. We expedite permits, liaison with police and fire departments with regard to traffic and public safety, network with appropriate community and business associations, gain supervised access to city-owned properties, and enlist the aid of all city departments, services and personnel where necessary.

Since 1980, more than 750 feature films and television productions have been made in Chicago, leaving behind $1.3 billion in the local economy. Additionally, the creation of television commercials contributes an estimated $200 million each year. Filmmaking, in all forms, provides thousands of local jobs to an ever increasing pool of technicians, crew, talent and support industries. Steady growth has ranked Chicago among the most important and respected production centers in the country.

As a result, Chicago is showcased to audiences around the world on large and small screens alike. These images help generate tourism, prompt international business and establish a new global awareness of our people, landscape and culture.

Both in size and recognition, Chicago's own independent film community is the fastest growing segment of the industry. Of the 24 feature film productions shot here in 2004, 13 were locally produced independent films. Fed by nationally recognized talent and a creativity unlike all others, Chicago is not only a city where films are made, but where they are made by Chicagoans.