About

Big Time is an independent feature film that secured a Chicago Film Office permit for production in the city's Ukrainian Village neighborhood. The production filmed at 237-325 N Hoyne Avenue in late January 2026, with permit records noting "Day 15 of production" and a street walking scene, indicating a multi-week shooting schedule already well underway. Ukrainian Village, a historically Eastern European enclave on Chicago's Near West Side, has become a popular filming location for independent productions seeking authentic neighborhood texture without the logistical overhead of downtown permits. The area's tree-lined streets, vintage two-flats, and corner taverns provide a distinctly Chicago backdrop that filmmakers frequently use to establish character-driven narratives. While specific cast and crew details have not been publicly announced, the production's 15-plus-day shooting schedule suggests a fully-fledged feature rather than a short film. Chicago's independent film ecosystem, supported by the Illinois Film Tax Credit (currently 30% on qualified expenditures) and the Chicago Film Office's streamlined permitting process, has attracted a steady stream of indie productions alongside the city's established series like Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, and The Bear.