Chicago Studio Space for Film, Photo & Video Production
When you need to bring a creative project to life, the right studio makes all the difference. The Fulton West is one of Chicago's most flexible studio space rentals — a 3,000-square-foot loft in the West Loop designed for filmmakers, photographers, and creative teams who need a space that works as hard as they do.
We're located steps from Fulton Market, close to public transit, and easy to reach from downtown. Whether you're shooting a commercial, a short film, a fashion editorial, or a brand video, our loft gives you the space, the light, and the flexibility to execute your vision. Filmmakers, photographers, and independent artists alike have used the space to bring ideas to life.
A Modern Studio Space for Every Production
The Fulton West is more than an event venue — it's a creative workspace that doubles as a film and photo production studio. The open floor plan and high ceilings give you room to build sets, configure multiple shooting areas, or lay out a full production base camp.
What's included in every rental:
High ceilings throughout — clearance for lighting rigs, booms, and tall production builds
Large north-facing windows for soft, diffuse natural light — ideal for editorial and lifestyle work
3,000 sq ft of open, column-free floor space with a modular layout
Furniture — tables, chairs, and props — available to style into your set or clear for a blank canvas
Separate back room for wardrobe, makeup, or catering
Private building access for full control of your production environment
For the full list of what's included, see our amenities page.
Why Creators Choose The Fulton West
Producers, photographers, and creative directors come back to The Fulton West because it removes friction. There's no hunting for parking, no fighting for load-in access, and no venue staff hovering over your production.
Transparent, affordable rates — hourly, half-day, and full-day packages with no hidden fees
Extended scheduling available for early morning call times or overnight shoots
Easy load-in and load-out — ground-level access for camera gear, lighting, and equipment cases
Two reserved parking spots plus free street parking for crew and production vehicles
Dedicated setup and breakdown time built into every booking
Hourly and daily rates with no monthly commitment — book exactly the time you need, nothing more
Private, sole-use access to the full floor during your booking — no shared walls or concurrent events
A team that understands production timelines and doesn't clock-watch
Ideal for a Range of Productions
Our loft is a go-to studio space rental in Chicago for nearly every type of media and creative project:
Commercials & Ad Campaigns — deliver polished, brand-ready content in a flexible studio environment
TV Shows & Streaming Content — studio-quality space in the heart of the city
Feature Films & Short Films — adaptable layouts for large crews and intimate sets alike
Photography Shoots — from fashion editorials and portrait sessions to product, fine art, and lifestyle photography
Music Videos & Social Media Content — versatile, high-energy space for dynamic productions
Corporate Video & Branded Content — a professional setting with easy downtown access
Photography & Video Workshops — host training sessions, creative classes, or portfolio shoots
Art Direction & Creative Testing — blank-canvas environment for set building, art direction, and concept development
Production Specs & Amenities
Here's what you're working with:
3,000 sq ft of open floor space — column-free and fully configurable
High ceilings throughout — clearance for standard and tall lighting rigs
Large windows with natural, diffuse light — north-facing, no harsh direct sun
Ground-level load-in/load-out — no freight elevator required for standard equipment cases
Two dedicated parking spots for crew; free street parking on Fulton Street
High-speed Wi-Fi throughout
Power access at multiple points across the floor — suitable for lighting and camera equipment
Projector available for client review or playback
Separate back room for wardrobe, hair, and makeup
Two restrooms on-site
Foyer space for base camp, craft services, or client staging
Looking for equipment or vendor referrals? Browse our preferred vendors list.
Convenient Location & Easy Access
The Fulton West is located at 319 N. Western Ave in Chicago's West Town neighborhood — right on the edge of Fulton Market, one of the city's most active creative and production districts.
Minutes from downtown Chicago and River North
Blue Line and Green Line CTA access nearby
Quick drive from I-90 and I-94
Close to O'Hare — convenient for out-of-town crews and clients
Surrounded by Chicago's creative community: artists, galleries, studios, and production companies
Chicago has a deep, active production community — and the numbers back it up. According to an economic impact study published by the Illinois Production Alliance, Illinois averaged $404 million in direct production expenditure per year from Hollywood studios alone between 2012 and 2022.
"In 2022, the $700 million production revenue in our state shattered records and eclipsed our pre-pandemic revenue numbers."
— Governor JB Pritzker, via Variety / Illinois Production Alliance
The Chicago Film Office is your starting point for permits and location logistics — it serves as a one-stop liaison for all City of Chicago production needs. Chicago Filmmakers is a useful community resource for independent producers: classes, fiscal sponsorship, and a trained PA workforce available to hire.
Service & Support for Your Production
We know productions move fast. Our team is here to keep things moving:
Setup and breakdown assistance so your crew can focus on the shoot
Referrals to local lighting specialists, equipment rental companies, and catering — see our preferred vendors
Flexible scheduling — early call times, late wrap times, and multi-day bookings available
Private, uninterrupted access to the full space during your booking
We're not just renting you square footage. We want your production to go well — and we'll do what we can to make sure it does.
"I recently photographed a styled session for weddings at The Fulton West and it was the perfect space for what we were envisioning! We were looking for a space that was more modern and still loft feeling and this space was IT! The staff was super helpful and accommodating!" — Photography by Lauryn ★★★★★ via Google
See how their styled bridal editorial came together — and what photographers evaluate before booking a Chicago photo studio.
"The Fulton West Venue is absolutely amazing! Recently, Michael and I had the pleasure of doing a photoshoot there for cakes and branding, and we were blown away by its modern charm. The space is incredibly spacious, giving us all the room we needed to capture our creativity in full swing. What really made our experience delightful was the owner's warm and welcoming approach – they made us feel right at home! The convenience of free parking was the cherry on top, making everything so much easier. We couldn't have asked for a better venue – it's a total gem!" — Aspen Avenue ★★★★★ via Google
"Tionna and her team are amazing! Fantastic attention to detail and a dream to work with. The space is perfect to convert to whatever you need! Highly recommend!" — Sarah Macko ★★★★★ via Google
Why Rent The Fulton West for Studio Productions?
Choosing the right production space in Chicago can make or break a project. At The Fulton West, we make it easy to create.
Versatile Layouts & Furnishings
From minimalist sets to complex builds, our work space adapts to your needs. Move furniture, set up lighting rigs, or transform the loft into a blank canvas for your production.
Prime Chicago Location
Centrally located at 319 N. Western Avenue.
Easy access to I-90, I-94, and downtown.
Minutes from O’Hare Airport, making it convenient for regional and international crews.
Surrounded by hotels, restaurants, and Chicago’s arts community in the West Loop.
Flexible Rental Packages
Hourly, daily, and weekly rates available.
Affordable rental spaces with no hidden fees.
Extended hours available for early morning or overnight shoots.
Book short-term or long-term rentals depending on your project timeline.
Production-Friendly Amenities
Free street parking plus two reserved spots for crew or trucks.
Easy load-in/out for equipment.
Wi-Fi, projector, and power access throughout.
Ample room for wardrobe, makeup, or client seating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the ceiling height at The Fulton West?
A: The Fulton West features high ceilings throughout the main floor — enough clearance for standard lighting rigs, C-stands, and boom mics. If you have a specific clearance requirement, reach out before booking and we'll confirm your setup will work.
Q: Can I bring my own lighting and grip equipment?
A: Yes. You're welcome to bring your own lighting package, grip gear, and camera equipment. The space has power access at multiple points across the floor to accommodate your rig. For equipment rental recommendations, check our preferred vendors page.
Q: How does load-in and load-out work?
A: Load-in and load-out are ground level — no freight elevator required for standard equipment cases and gear. We have two dedicated parking spots at the building plus free street parking on Fulton Street for crew vehicles and production trucks. If you're bringing a large vehicle or need to coordinate a specific arrival time, just let us know in advance.
Q: How much time is included for setup and breakdown?
A: Setup and breakdown time is built into your booking window. We don't charge separately for prep time — your rental period covers you from the moment your crew arrives to when the last case is loaded out. For productions with early call times or late wrap times, we offer extended scheduling. Ask us when you inquire.
Q: Is there a dedicated space for wardrobe, hair, and makeup?
A: Yes. The back room is available for wardrobe, hair, and makeup during your booking. There's also a foyer area that works well for craft services, client staging, or a production base camp separate from the main shooting floor.
Q: Can I book for a full day or multiple days?
A: Absolutely. Our standard rental is 6 hours at $1,750 (cleaning fee included), which covers 2 hours for setup, 3 hours of shooting, and 1 hour for teardown. Additional hours are $200 each. For full-day shoots, multi-day productions, or weekday bookings, we offer custom pricing — visit our rates page or contact us directly and we'll put together a package that fits your project timeline. All rates are subject to tax, fees, and service charges. Some production teams book recurring studio time on a month-to-month basis for ongoing projects or seasonal campaigns — multi-day and recurring bookings are available on request.
Book Studio Space in Chicago Today
If you’re looking to rent space for studio projects in Chicago, The Fulton West is your perfect solution. With flexible rentals, modern amenities, and a supportive staff, our loft provides the ideal environment for photo shoots, video production, and creative events.
Contact us today to check availability, request rates, and reserve your studio time. Let us help you create a production your team and audience will never forget.
