Video Production Services in Chicago, IL

Shoot

We are the only independent video production facility in Chicago, Illinois with six full-time camera crews dedicated to remote production services. Our camera crews shoot all over the Midwest, the USA and beyond.

We own all of our equipment (every video format) and keep our six production vehicles fully loaded and ready to serve. Owning our own equipment allows us more flexibility in maintaining clients’ budgets. We do not nickel and dime; our prices include an “all-in” approach so that there are no unnecessary budgetary surprises.

Our personnel are on staff with Big Shoulders which means behind every project you receive a large support network and resources to satisfy every production need. Our Chicago camera crews have a vested interest in your project’s success.

Whether we’re providing two-person camera crews to shoot for a television show, or fifteen-person camera crews for a multi-camera live event, Big Shoulders has the expertise to successfully execute every assignment throughout the United States of America.

Edit

We have five Chicago-based video editing suites working around the clock on broadcast television shows, spots, corporate videos and public relations packages. We have a full ProTools HD audio suite and voiceover booth. We are constantly upgrading our equipment to ensure it’s the latest, greatest, and fastest. The efficiencies of this equipment help keep you on time and on budget. You name it and we can edit it from our Chicago post production house.

We match your project with the talents of one of our four full-time staff editors, and additionally, an assistant editor is on hand for anything you might need.

We are your one-stop video editing shop in Chicago. Any deliverable you need following your edit we can provide. 

Design

Our designers collaborate with you through every phase of the creative process for your project. Great video design enhances every job, and we have some of the top designers in the Midwest and Chicago here to lend their creative eye and ideas. Our creative artists understand visual communication and how to convey ideas through images. When you choose to work with Big Shoulders, you will work closely with our Chicago video design extraordinaires in order to breathe life into your creative vision.

Not only do we employ the most talented artists in the Chicago video design arena, we are also outfitted with the most advanced 2D and 3D motion graphic video design equipment. Our Chicago video design tools include the Adobe Creative Cloud and Cinema 4D. Contact Big Shoulders for all your video needs anywhere in the Midwest, United States, or internationally! 

Create

Well known as an award-winning director and editor in advertising, Michael LaBellarte is also lauded for creative storytelling and strong visual skills based on 20 years’ experience at the forefront of emerging technology. As a Director, he can incorporate the best tech offerings with classic filmmaking, meshing them in seamless form as the occasion demands.

“My clients, partners, producers and friends have created some amazing concepts for films, integrated campaigns, websites and mobile apps covering a wide variety of entertainment stories and/or products. Their need was for effective film and content with which to communicate to other business and/or consumers across multiple media platforms. I am able to create content that is entertaining and informational while honoring the brand or message. The final product is strategic, yet technologically current, and can be repurposed in a multitude of applications thus allowing producers and broadcasters to link to, or connect with, the message any way they like through social media networks and traditional platforms.”

Audio

At Big Shoulders, we recognize the power of professional sound engineering. Whether as a companion to your visuals or as the primary storytelling element – we know audio.

Studio

Big Shoulders has been providing live broadcast studios for international and domestic clientele for over two decades. We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Our conveniently located studios are in the heart of downtown Chicago on the iconic Magnificent Mile intersection of Ontario St and Michigan Ave. 

Our studios have extensive connectivity, including VYVX, The Switch, Encompass, LTN, and 1,000 MB connection—not 100 MB, but a full GB per second internet speed, up and down!

Besides SMTs, live shots, webinars, webcasting, and music recordings, these studios can be utilized for non-live traditional studio production. For example: table top, multiple camera (up to 5+ cameras), ISO record, and record mix cut.

Crews

What truly sets our studios apart is our talented professionals at every level. We have

• Internationally renowned directors of photography
• Camera operator
• Gaffers
• And more

We offer both non-union and union crews; with members in IATSE, NABET, or IBEW unions.

We’re also famous for bringing our studio prowess on location. We are continuously bringing our multiple fly packs on location and can turn any locale into Studio A.

Webcasting

Webcasting

When it comes to webcasting, we’ve been live streaming for 20 years. Yes, 20 years ago we were streaming live events and archiving them for playback on demand. So please know we are no Johnny-come-lately who thinks they know how to put content on the web because they did it last week on the cool new site “YouTube!”

We are experts at streaming and posting content. We will be a valuable asset to your team in this arena. When you combine our expertise in this area with our world-class broadcast equipment, lighting, camera and audio skills, the result is exceedingly professional. We’re also extremely good at giving you analytics to help prove the ROI. You will know who visited, how often and how many Social Media shares.

Timelapse

One of the many specializations that Big Shoulders has lots of experience in is time-lapse! Whether it’s a few hours or a few years, we have shot and edited dozens of successful time lapses – some which document crowd capacity or architectural progress, dramatic change, and all of the other things the time-lapse process is famous for!

Here are a few examples of how we use time lapse video to create dramatic and impactful images!

Successful time lapses start in the pre-production process, so please give us a shout so we can get ahead of the curve!

Our Chicago TV studios are complete with:

• “Shoot ready” green screen
• “Shoot ready” faux kitchen
• “Shoot ready” cozy corner
• A myriad of backgrounds, including full cycloramas and cyclorama curtains in black, white, and grey; as well as muslin backgrounds, etc.
• Real exterior ceiling to floor windows
• Our multiple extensive control rooms have all necessary equipment, including Ultimatte chroma keyers, and can have either Sony, Panasonic, or Tricaster switchers.
• Makeup room with natural or studio HMI or Tungsten lighting
• Amazing access to power
• A full ceiling lighting grid
• Conference and green rooms
• Kitchen access for breaks and cold or dry food storage.
• Balconies overlooking Michigan Ave to “catch your breath and get some ‘fresh air’