Top 19 Illinois Film Production Companies to Watch
Top 19 Illinois Film Production Companies to Watch
The film industry in Illinois has a diverse landscape, with companies ranging from production studios to animation houses, as well as educational organizations supporting future talent. These companies offer a broad spectrum of services, including but not limited to, television shows and films creation, animations, visual effects, and motion design. They are shaping the future of the film industry, with a growing focus on inclusive narratives and the utilization of cutting-edge technology.
Top 19 film production companies in Illinois
1. Fresh Films/Dreaming Tree Foundation
- Website: freshfilms.org
- Headquarters: Rock Island, Illinois, United States
- Founded: 2002
- Headcount: 11-50
Fresh Films is a production studio and training ground that creates original films and TV shows. They have received accolades for featuring underestimated and underrepresented youth in their productions and aim to increase economic mobility for these youth by providing them with critical life skills and storytelling skills. They offer programs that open doors to college and careers in the entertainment industry.
2. Fire Escape Films
- Website: fireescapefilms.org
- Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Founded: 1997
- Headcount: 201-500
Fire Escape Films is The University of Chicago largest student filmmaking organization.
3. Calabash
- Website: calabashanimation.com
- Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Founded: 1985
- Headcount: 11-50
CALABASH is a world-class production studio known for creating unique and compelling animation for TV, web, and film. With a diverse range of talented artists and directors, we are committed to innovative design, animation, and storytelling. Our offerings include CG animation, VFX production, motion design, and more.
4. Heroic Age Studios
- Website: heroicagestudios.com
- Headquarters: Mt Zion, Illinois, United States
- Founded: 1992
- Headcount: 11-50
Heroic Age Studios is a full-service production company that offers motion picture, commercial, video, television, and documentary production services, as well as equipment rental for corporate videos. They also provide creative services such as character creation, graphics, illustration, and digital editing.
5. BulletProof Film
- Website: bulletprooffilm.com
- Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Founded: 1995
- Headcount: 11-50
Bulletproof Film is a Chicago-based production company, founded in 1995 by Ilko Davidov and Carmine Cervi, that produces award-winning documentaries, fiction, and music films.
6. Kay Video Productions
- Website: kayvideoproductions.com
- Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Headcount: 11-50
Kay Video Productions is an LLC that creates high-quality videos, including films, commercials, and corporate videos.
7. Impakt Studios
- Website: impaktstudio.com
- Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Headcount: 11-50
Impakt Studio is a creative production company specializing in video, film, motion graphics, aerial cinematography and photography & design. They offer a variety of high-quality services for corporate, industrial, music, and promotional videos.
8. Collective Development Corp
- Website: cdiproductions.com
- Headquarters: Belleville, Illinois, United States
- Headcount: 11-50
CDI Productions is a Michigan-based motion picture company that specializes in producing feature films in various genres. The company prioritizes collective storytelling and incorporates entertaining and meaningful content throughout every project.
9. Quriosity Productions
- Website: quriosityproductions.com
- Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Founded: 2012
- Headcount: 11-50
Quriosity Productions is an international collective of experts who are prepared for the changing needs of the industry. The company offers a range of services, including film and video production, editing, and photography.
10. The Burback Brothers Inc.
- Website: burback.com
- Headquarters: Arlington Heights, Illinois, United States
- Headcount: 11-50
Burback Brothers Inc. was an animation company that offered services in animation, visual effects and illustration.
11. Optimus
- Website: optimus.com
- Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Founded: 1996
- Headcount: 51-200
Optimus is a company specializing in design and editing services. We offer a range of services including audio, color grading, and visual effects. Our team of experts provides high-quality solutions to meet the needs of our clients.
12. Hootenanny
- Website: hootenanny.tv
- Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Founded: 2008
- Headcount: 11-50
Hootenanny.tv is a Chicago-based post-production house that offers a range of services to clients. They specialize in video editing and have a team of experienced professionals who can bring any project to life. With a focus on quality and creativity, Hootenanny.tv ensures that their clients' vision is brought to fruition.
13. 11 Dollar Bill
- Website: 11dollarbill.com
- Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Founded: 2013
- Headcount: 11-50
11 Dollar Bill is an innovative post-production studio specializing in creative design, editorial, and finishing. With a focus on building lasting relationships, they offer expertise in editorial, high-end visual effects, motion graphics, and 3D animation. Their modular approach allows them to create custom teams tailored to each project, ensuring an efficient workflow and exceptional creativity.
14. RISE. Creative Resources
- Website: risecreativeresources.com
- Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Founded: 2006
- Headcount: 1-10
Rise connects brands, agencies, & entertainment companies to smart, and strategic best in class creative content production partners, experienced in live action, editorial, design, animation, vfx, social mobile, experiential, music & sound design to support them in their branding, marketing, and advertising efforts.
15. PES Motion Studio
- Website: peslab.com
- Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Founded: 2004
- Headcount: 11-50
Pes Motion Studio is an art direction and animation studio that specializes in creating engaging visual content.
16. The Colonie
- Website: thecolonie.com
- Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Founded: 2008
- Headcount: 11-50
The Colonie is an award-winning post-production studio that offers a seamless, full-service approach to creating innovative spots and cross-platform content.
17. Sarofsky
- Website: sarofsky.com
- Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Founded: 2009
- Headcount: 11-50
Sarofsky is a creative studio that specializes in motion design, animation, and visual effects. They offer a range of services including branded funded entertainment, conceptualization, educational content, and infrastructure support. With a focus on collaboration and talent development, Sarofsky delivers high-quality work to help brands achieve their goals and captivate audiences.
18. Freelance 3D Artist | Modeler | Animator
Sowl.com is a website featuring the art, film, and animation works of Solomon W. Jagwe. It showcases his various projects, including short films, sculptures, paintings, and character designs. The website serves as a platform for Solomon to share his creative journey and provide insights and tutorials for aspiring artists.
19. 2112 Creative Industries Incubator
- Website: 2112inc.com
- Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Founded: 2015
- Headcount: 1-10
2112 is a business incubator located in Chicago, focused on the development of entrepreneurs in the creative industries. They provide resources and support to businesses in music, film/video, and creative technology.
Want to find more film production companies?
If you want to find more companies that offer diverse services such as film creation, animation, and visual effects you can do so with Inven. This list was built with Inven and there are hundreds of companies like these globally.
With Inven you'll also get to know the company's:
- Ownership: Which of these are private equity backed? Which are family-owned?
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...and a lot more!
