The Case Study: A Mid-sized Film Takes Flight
We recently put this model to the test on a mid-sized feature film. The production was initially slated for a 19-day shoot in Chicago. After running the numbers, the production made the strategic decision to relocate to Flyover Film Studios, utilizing our complete "Autopilot" service. The projected total savings were staggering—over $2.7 million of the GROSS budget. The enhanced 40% Illinois Tax Credit for downstate productions was a significant benefit for the project, delivering additional tax credits compared to Chicago.
This wasn't just a move for affordability; it was a move for efficiency. Once the cameras started rolling, the on-the-ground efficiencies were so significant that the team was able to cut an additional two days from the schedule, completing the work in just 15 days.
More Time on Camera, Less Time on the Road
Our model is built on one core principle: centralization. Productions in major cities are constantly battling traffic and logistical chaos. Commutes burn hours and budget just to get the crew and gear to a location.
For our mid-sized film, over 90% of filming locations were within a half-mile radius of our soundstages and production offices. The daily "commute" was reduced to a few minutes' walk or drive. This hyper-efficient footprint means the production day is dedicated to filming, not logistics.
The result was a direct, dramatic impact on the transportation budget. A stationary basecamp was the key to this, reducing the transportation budget by a half-million dollars. We saved on fuel, reduced the risk of equipment damage, and could plug into house power instead of costly gas generators.
Dramatically Lower Hard Costs
Choosing Flyover means trading the high costs and logistical hurdles of a major metropolitan area for a centralized, affordable production environment. The savings across accommodations and local logistics were immediate and tangible.
CREW LODGING
We secured comfortable crew accommodations for as low as $50 to $75 per day, versus the typical $250+ in a major city.
CAST LODGING
High-quality cast lodging was secured for $115 to $150 per day, compared to $400+ in Chicago. Local housing options are highly competitive with those found in urban centers.
PARKING
The daily grind of paying $25-$80 in Chicago for parking disappeared, with costs reduced to $0 to $5 a day.
A-List accommodations
Recent productions, which featured A-list actors and producers such as John Goodman, Bryan Cranston, Sean Astin, Wiz Khalifa, Omar Epps, and 50 Cent, were accommodated in housing that was private, spacious, professional and secure. Some facilities provided VIP services, including private entry, security, and white-glove treatment. One A-List talent gave glowing reviews of this service, stating it was among the best accommodations they had ever experienced for themselves and their team.
COMMUTE
Compared to the long commutes often experienced in Chicago and other urban areas, Flyover offers exceptional accessibility. The offices boast an average commute to set of under 10 minutes. Furthermore, the closest city is typically only 20 minutes away in most directions. For projects requiring access to Chicago, the commute is less than 2 hours, with an Amtrak station conveniently located just one mile from the studio.
Flyover offers a significant logistical advantage: the closest airport is just 25 minutes away, compared to a drive of over an hour in Chicago. A truly unique benefit is the private airstrip located at the Flyover production offices, allowing VIPs to land chartered flights directly at the studios whenever they want. With a private chartered plane available on the nearby airstrip, talent can conveniently depart almost immediately after filming wraps.
The Soundstage and Stationary Basecamp Advantage
Filming on location in a city incurs massive, unpredictable costs for site fees, security, and municipal oversight. By utilizing our soundstage, the film gained complete environmental control while drastically cutting location-based expenses:
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Location Fees: The cost for Locations and Stages plummeted from an estimated $800,000 in Chicago to just $250,000 in Rantoul—a half-million-dollar saving.
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Security & Police: The costs for security, police, and fire safety officers were a fraction of the Chicago estimate, representing a saving of over $135,000.
Most importantly, our stationary basecamp provided massive labor and logistics savings. In a major city, you move the entire fleet of production trucks every day. Flyover minimizes travel time. Your trucks and trailers can stay at basecamp because all locations are just moments away. Additionally, our fleet is sourced locally, meaning you won't need to arrange for vehicles to be transported from across the country. Labor costs were reduced by more than $200,000 by decreasing the size and hours of the driving team, and truck rental expenses were significantly lowered, saving over $100,000.
The Only Way to Fly
We are storytellers. We should be spending our time breaking down scenes, prepping with the director, and ensuring the creative team has the resources they need.
The Flyover "Autopilot" service allows us to do just that. It’s a production partner that has solved the hardest parts of the start-up phase. If you're looking for efficiency, financial maximization, and a production that is cleared for immediate takeoff, this is the only way to fly.
Turnkey Sound Stages and Production Facilities are Transforming Film Production Logistics with "Autopilot"
Read our blog post about the "Autopilot" program by our Line Producer, Brett Hays