‘In a growth mode’: Film studio opens in Hanover Park amid statewide production boom

Amid a period of record growth for Illinois’ film industry, a new virtual production studio hoping to bring some of that cinematic boom to the suburbs has opened in Hanover Park.

Forge Virtual Studios was built to provide a place for filmmakers to learn about virtual production and utilize it in their work.

The high-tech studio at 1555 Hunter Road opened earlier this year for test shoots and smaller productions. It hosted its full grand-opening celebration Friday.

“Virtual production is very up-and-coming in the film industry,” said Connor Rowan, who co-founded Forge with Drew English. “We’re sort of at the tip of the iceberg, and it opens up so many different opportunities.”

Forge’s 30,000-square-foot facility includes two studios, which feature large LED walls to provide virtual sets for productions like music videos, documentaries, driving scenes, corporate content and commercials.

“We believe the future of production can be built right here in Illinois, in the greater Chicagoland area and, yes, in Hanover Park,” English said.

Hanover Park provides Forge with proximity to Chicago and major airports, sufficient space for parking and loading bays, and easy access to stores and hotels.

Last year, Illinois set a record for film production spending with $703 million, and Gov. JB Pritzker expanded the tax credit for Illinois productions to 35%. Illinois also was the first state to launch a tax credit to incentivize sustainable filmmaking.

“This is a really exciting time for film in Illinois,” said Peter Hawley, deputy director of the Illinois Film Office. “We’re in a growth mode.”

Forge aims to create a hub of filmmaking and creativity in the suburbs and provide access to virtual production technology.

“It’s a technology that incorporates LED walls to allow filmmakers to film in any environment, to film places across the globe or even places that are impossible to reach, like space or the ocean — but without the constraints of weather (and) unpredictability of traffic,” English said.

Studio A, the main stage, utilizes 3D real-time rendering and dynamic camera tracking for complex, cinematic productions. Studio B is smaller with a faster 2D workflow, including prerecorded virtual backgrounds.

“My goal is for this to be a blank canvas for creativity,” English said. “I would feel extremely satisfied by the time this place has run its course if there are a lot of people who came through here and made their life’s proudest work in our studio, like the stuff they talk to their grandkids about.”