What is Speakeasy Pictures?

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What is Speakeasy Pictures?

Speakeasy Pictures is an independent film and media production company headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. We develop, produce, and finance original feature films, documentary series, television shows, and interactive narrative projects. We are Chicago's independent film studio for storytellers who want to make work that matters — and we have a track record to prove it. Our films have starred Academy Award nominees, screened at major festivals, achieved theatrical distribution, and landed on global streaming platforms.

Where is Speakeasy Pictures based?

We are based in Chicago, IL. The city is the engine of everything we make. Chicago is home to some of the best independent film talent in the country — and Speakeasy Pictures is at the center of that ecosystem. We are a Chicago production company, a Chicago film studio, and a Chicago storytelling engine.

What films has Speakeasy Pictures produced?

Our produced credits include: Echo Boomers (2020) — a crime thriller starring Michael Shannon and Patrick Schwarzenegger with a worldwide gross of $3.3M; Ghosts of the Void (2023) — an award-winning indie horror-thriller with 8 wins and 4 nominations; Pools (2025) — a coming-of-age comedy starring Odessa A'zion and Ariel Winter; United States of Rugby (2025) — a documentary series following the Chicago Hounds through their Major League Rugby season. Projects in active development include Dog Years (2027), Double Blind (2027), The Merc (2027), Liminal (2027), Belong (2028), and The Muddy Water Boys (2028).

Who are the filmmakers behind Speakeasy Pictures?

Speakeasy Pictures was built by working filmmakers — people who have written, directed, produced, and distributed independent films from the ground up. We know the process intimately because we've lived it. That hands-on experience is what makes our investor program and consulting services uniquely valuable.

How do I contact Speakeasy Pictures?

Email us at info@speakeasypictures.com — for investor inquiries, project submissions, consulting engagements, press, or anything else. We read every message.

What is film investing and how does it work?

Film investing — also called film financing, movie investment, or entertainment investing — means providing capital to produce a film or series in exchange for a share of the project's revenue. Investors typically receive their investment back first (recoupment), then share in profits from theatrical, streaming, home video, foreign sales, and licensing deals. At Speakeasy Pictures, we structure our investments transparently so every dollar is accounted for. Chicago film investing is a unique opportunity to be part of the growing Midwest film industry.

Why invest in independent film in Chicago?

Chicago is one of the most compelling markets for independent film investment in the United States right now. Illinois offers a 40% film tax credit through the Illinois Film Office, reducing production costs significantly. Chicago has world-class production infrastructure, a deep pool of union and non-union talent, and a lower cost base than Los Angeles or New York. Speakeasy Pictures is Chicago's established independent film production company — we know the market, the crews, and the distribution landscape. Investing locally means you can be closer to the process, attend set, watch your investment come to life, and be part of something creatively meaningful.

Is film investing a good financial investment?

Independent film investment carries real risk — we always say that up front. But it also carries real upside. Echo Boomers grossed $3.3M worldwide, landed on Paramount+ and major digital platforms, and returned significant value. The key is investing with an experienced team, on projects with a clear distribution strategy. That is exactly what Speakeasy Pictures offers. We don't just make movies — we make movies that have a plan for getting seen.

Do I need to be an accredited investor to invest in a Speakeasy film?

Investment structures vary by project. Some of our offerings are available to accredited investors only; others may be structured differently. Contact us at info@speakeasypictures.com to discuss what is currently available and what qualifications apply.

What is the minimum investment in a Speakeasy Pictures project?

Minimums vary by project and structure. We work with investors across a wide range — from first-time participants making a $10,000 commitment to institutional investors backing full slates. Every investor gets the same level of transparency and access to our team regardless of check size.

What kind of returns can I expect from film investment?

Returns depend entirely on each project's distribution outcomes — theatrical grosses, streaming deal advances, foreign sales, ancillary rights, and library value. We present realistic financial projections before any commitment, including comparable titles, worst-case and best-case scenarios, and detailed budget breakdowns. We will never oversell a return. We will always give you the honest picture.

What does the film investment process look like step by step?

Step 1: Initial conversation — we walk you through the project and answer all your questions. Step 2: Review the offering documents — budget, business plan, revenue projections, and legal structure. Step 3: Legal review — we encourage all investors to consult an entertainment attorney. Step 4: Investment execution — documents are signed, funds are wired. Step 5: Production begins — investors receive regular production updates. Step 6: Distribution — we negotiate deals and keep investors fully informed. Step 7: Revenue distribution — investors receive their share of revenue per the agreed structure.

What Illinois film tax incentives exist for investors?

Illinois offers a 40% tax credit on qualified Illinois production expenditures for productions that meet spend thresholds in the state. This credit significantly reduces the effective cost of production and improves the return profile for investors. In many cases, investors can invest against the projected state tax credit — meaning a substantial portion of the budget is backed by a near-certain government credit before the film ever sells a ticket. This makes the investment considerably safer than a traditional entertainment deal. Speakeasy Pictures structures productions to maximize eligible Illinois credits wherever possible. We recommend investors consult a tax advisor for specifics.

What makes Speakeasy Pictures different from other Chicago production companies?

Most production companies in Chicago focus on commercial work, branded content, or corporate video. Speakeasy Pictures is exclusively focused on original narrative entertainment — features, docs, TV, and games. We are one of the very few Chicago-based independent film studios with a track record of theatrical releases, major streaming deals, and award-winning films. We bridge the gap between Chicago's creative talent base and global distribution.

Does Speakeasy Pictures hire Chicago crew and talent?

Yes — deeply and intentionally. We cast Chicago actors, hire Chicago DPs, production designers, editors, composers, and crew at every level. We believe the future of independent film is regional, and Chicago is one of the most underutilized film cities in the world. Every project we make strengthens the Chicago film production ecosystem.

What Chicago locations have Speakeasy Pictures projects filmed in?

Our projects have shot in neighborhoods across Chicago and the greater Illinois area — utilizing the city's distinctive architecture, diverse neighborhoods, lakefront, and surrounding landscapes. Chicago provides an unmatched range of production environments, from gritty urban environments to suburban sprawl to beautiful natural settings just outside the city.

What is the Chicago film industry like right now?

Chicago's film industry is growing fast. The city hosts the Chicago International Film Festival, the Chicago Critics Film Festival, and a thriving independent film community. Illinois' tax incentive program has attracted major studio productions and bolstered local indie work alike. Chicago's improvisational theatre tradition — the birthplace of Second City — creates a constant pipeline of extraordinary acting talent. Speakeasy Pictures sits at the center of all of it.

Can I hire Speakeasy Pictures to produce my film or series?

Yes. Through our consulting and co-production services, we work with outside filmmakers, brands, and content creators to physically produce their projects. We bring full-service production capabilities including script development, budgeting, line producing, casting, crew assembly, and post-production supervision. Visit our Consulting page to learn more.

How do I submit a project to Speakeasy Pictures?

Send a brief pitch to info@speakeasypictures.com — include your logline, genre, stage of development (idea, outline, draft, attached talent), and a few sentences about yourself. We accept submissions from writers and directors at all career stages. Chicago-based filmmakers are especially encouraged to reach out. If you want to pitch my movie to a production company, this is the right place.

What does Speakeasy Pictures look for in a project?

We look for original voice, commercial viability, and a clear distribution path. We are drawn to genre work with emotional depth — thrillers, horror, crime, drama, and documentary. We value stories that are specific to a place, a culture, or an experience. We are less interested in broad, safe concepts and more interested in the strange, specific, and true.

What consulting services does Speakeasy Pictures offer?

Our consulting program covers every phase of independent film production: script development and coverage, budget creation and cost analysis, financing strategy, production planning, on-set producing support, post-production supervision, distribution strategy, festival strategy, and sales representation advisory. We work with filmmakers who are making their first short and with producers packaging their fifth feature.

Do you work with first-time directors?

Yes. We have championed first-time and early-career filmmakers throughout our history. We believe the best new voices are often the most uncompromising ones. If you have a strong project and the drive to make it, we want to hear from you.

Speakeasy Pictures · Chicago, IL

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Speakeasy Pictures — Chicago's independent film production company. Film investing in Chicago, how to work with us, and what we make.

About Speakeasy Pictures

Film Investing Chicago — Everything You Need to Know

Chicago Film Production Company

Working With Us — Filmmakers & Collaborators

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