TV Commercial Production in Chicago: What You Need to Know
If you’re a business owner in Chicago or surrounding areas, you’re competing in one of the most media-savvy markets in the country. Whether you’re running a restaurant in Lincoln Park, a clinic in Naperville, a manufacturing facility in the industrial corridor, or a service company in the western suburbs, one thing holds true: well-produced commercial production can still move the needle.
But what does commercial production really involve in 2025? And where should your video actually run? Let’s break it down.
Successful commercial production always begins with strong concepts that guide both the creative vision and technical execution of the project.
Lights, Camera, Connection: Why Commercial Production Still Matters
In the digital age of endless scrolling and short attention spans, the power of a well-produced TV commercial hasn’t faded - it’s evolved. For businesses in and around Chicago, commercial production remains one of the most effective ways to build brand recognition, tell a compelling story, and reach customers at scale.
But while great commercials may look effortless on screen, behind the scenes is a detailed process that requires strategic thinking, creative vision, and expert execution. Advanced tools and equipment—ranging from specialized filming gear like FPV drones to project management and editing software—are essential resources that support the production process and enhance the final output. Whether you’re a startup, nonprofit, or well-established brand, understanding how commercial production works can help you invest wisely and see real results.
Who Actually Needs a TV Commercial?
Short answer: more companies than you think.
We’ve produced commercials for local restaurants, dog trainers, window & door companies, car dealerships, manufacturing companies, and Funeral Homes (yes, really!). You don’t have to be a national brand to make good use of a broadcast-quality spot.
Here are examples of recent Chicago and Midwest-based commercial work we’ve completed:
Foundation Repair Company – Energetic and upscale (View Example)
Forest Preserve District – Clear, reassuring messaging (View Example)
Window & Door Company – Designed to show their customers the buying process (View Example)
Shower Surround Company – Master version, available for franchisees (View Example)
Restaurant – High concept, professional (View Example)
Car Wax Spot – Fast-paced and visual (View Example)
HVAC Spot – Clean and direct with actors (View Example)
Loan Company - Straightforward, tagged versions for down state tv stations (View Example)
These represent real Chicago businesses across various industries. No fluff, no gimmicks. Just solid, well-planned ads that tell your story the right way. Working with an experienced production company ensures each commercial is crafted to meet the unique needs of local businesses and delivers professional results.
For manufacturing and distribution companies, Chicago’s central location offers significant advantages. An ad produced here can effectively speak to audiences across the Midwest and beyond. Making it perfect for companies with regional distribution networks or franchise operations that need consistent messaging across multiple markets.
Types of Commercial Production to Fit Your Companies Model
At Acclaim Media, we produce three main types of TV commercials to match different business needs and marketing strategies. Selecting the appropriate commercial format plays a vital role in achieving your marketing objectives and maximizing ROI.
Full spots are complete, standalone commercials created from scratch with all messaging, visuals, and branding tailored specifically to your business. Typically they are 30 seconds or sometimes 60 seconds.
Taggable spots offer flexibility for businesses driven by changing promotions or seasonal sales. We create the main commercial content (typically 20-25 seconds) and leave space for a customizable tag (5-10 seconds) that can be easily updated for Mother’s Day sales, Fourth of July promotions, or monthly specials without reproducing the entire commercial.
Franchisee or distribution channel spots work perfectly for manufacturers and multi-location businesses. We create one master commercial for the brand, then individual franchisees or dealers can cost-effectively customize it with their specific address, phone number, and website. This allows the same high-quality spot to run in Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, or any market while maintaining brand consistency with local relevance.
We can also tag spots can also be used if you have multiple locations. For instance, the Loan Company spot mentioned above (View Example) was tagged with different store locations throughout Illinois- Chicago, Springfield, Peoria, etc. These ads were then aired locally in those markets to direct potential customers to their nearest location. This is a creative way to localize your ad spend.
Bookend Spots: Double the Impact
Another effective format we produce is bookend spots. Instead of creating one 30-second commercial, we develop -2- related 15 second spots that air at the beginning and end of the same commercial break. Two impressions during the same break to introduce yourself to new audiences.
While you're purchasing the same amount of airtime, this approach creates two separate impressions during each break, significantly increasing viewer recall and brand awareness. The two spots are typically related in content but may emphasize different aspects of your business. For example, a local grocery store might feature their bakery in the first spot and their dairy products in the second.
Since we need to know from the start of production that this will be a bookend project, we can strategically overshoot footage to build a larger image library for future revisions and updates.
Most Chicago TV stations can accommodate bookend scheduling, and clients consistently tell us they feel like they stand out more than their competitors when using this format.
Bookend spots work particularly well for established businesses with existing market recognition, allowing them to showcase multiple services or products rather than spending all 30 seconds explaining who they are and what they do.
Where Your Commercial Will Make an Impact
You’re not just stuck with traditional TV anymore. Smart businesses are using their commercials across multiple platforms to maximize their investment:
Broadcast Television remains valuable for brand legitimacy and wide reach. Local Chicago stations offer excellent penetration for businesses targeting the metropolitan area during prime viewing times. Understanding lead times for booking airtime is crucial, as it ensures your commercials are scheduled to reach your target audience at optimal moments and helps avoid missed opportunities due to last-minute planning.
Cable Television provides good targeting for specific neighborhoods or interest groups, allowing you to reach demographics that align perfectly with your customer base. You can specifically market to age, location, gender, interests, etc.
Over-The-Top (OTT) Platforms like Hulu, Roku, and Amazon Fire are great for hyper-targeted streaming audiences. These platforms are increasingly important for reaching cord-cutters and younger demographics who consume content on-demand.
YouTube Pre-Roll Ads offer highly cost-effective advertising, especially for local targeting with extensive analytics and engagement metrics.
Beyond these primary channels, your commercials enhance your broader marketing video services strategy through social media campaigns, website integration, and sales presentations.
We can help tailor your content to fit each of these formats so you get more mileage out of every dollar invested in production.
The Commercial Production Process: What to Expect
No jargon. No surprises. Here’s how it actually works:
The typical commercial production timeline in Chicago spans approximately one month, broken into two distinct phases:
Phase One (Weeks 1-2):
Discovery Call – We learn your goals, audience, and messaging priorities
Proposal & Contract – Clear scope, budget and timeline with no hidden surprises
Scriptwriting – We handle the messaging strategy and creative development. We can move to scheduling when approved.
Pre-Production Planning – Location scouting, talent casting, technical prep, and reviewing regulatory requirements to ensure compliance before filming begins
Phase Two (Weeks 3-4):
Filming – On location or in-studio with experienced Chicago crews
Post Production Editing & Graphics – Clean, on-brand visuals that meet broadcast standards
Review & Revisions – Your feedback incorporated efficiently
Delivery – Final commercial ready for broadcast, OTT, or other digital usage
This is a typical schedule, but of course, every project run’s at it’s own pace. We’ll keep you informed your project timeline so you can stay informed of pertinent scheduling and delays. Our team's ability to adapt to changing project needs and maintain efficiency is key to meeting your goals. Production teams often face challenges such as weather related shoot delays or slow turnaround by a voice over artist, but proactive planning and operational flexibility help us overcome these obstacles.
You explain your vision once, we handle the rest. This structured timeline allows for thorough planning while maintaining the efficiency that businesses need to launch campaigns on schedule. We integrate quality management practices throughout the process, ensuring quality so the final product meets high standards and customer expectations.
Timing Note: Don’t forget commercial production takes time. Back time the start of the project from when you need it to air. For instance if you need the spot to air on December 1st, you probably should begin the process beginning of August to ensure the spot is ready in time.
Budgeting for Commercial Production: Making Every Dollar Count
A great commercial starts with a smart budget. In commercial production, how you allocate your resources can make the difference between a good spot and a great commercial that stands out in a crowded market. Effective budgeting strategies are essential for achieving commercial production that meets your goals without overspending.
Start by mapping out every stage of the production process—from pre production planning and location scouting to equipment rentals, talent fees, and post production editing. Don’t forget to factor in costs for permits, insurance, and any special requirements unique to your project. It’s also wise to set aside a contingency fund to handle unexpected challenges, such as weather delays or last-minute creative changes.
Prioritizing your spending is key. Focus your budget on the elements that will have the biggest impact on quality and audience engagement, such as professional talent, high-end equipment, or standout visual effects. Where possible, negotiate rates and look for creative ways to maximize your resources—like shooting multiple social media videos during the same production day as your main commercial.
By taking a meticulous approach to budgeting, you ensure your commercial projects stay on track and on budget, even in the fast paced world of video marketing. This not only helps you stay competitive and meet industry standards, but also gives you the flexibility to adapt to industry trends and deliver a final product that achieves commercial production success.
Why Chicago is Prime Territory for Commercial Production
Chicago’s commercial production industry is built on experience and efficiency. The city offers access to diverse filming locations, from urban landscapes to suburban settings, providing the perfect backdrop for any brand story. More importantly, Chicago’s deep pool of experienced actors, crew members, and production professionals means you’re working with talent that understands both the local market and the broader Midwest audience.
Local production companies understand the unique challenges of working within real business budgets while delivering broadcast-quality content. They also have expertise in helping businesses stay compliant with broadcast and advertising regulations, reducing the risk of legal issues. Effective supply chain management for equipment and resources is essential for smooth production operations, and local companies are adept at navigating these logistics. This means you get professional results without the premium pricing often associated with larger markets like New York or Los Angeles.
Acclaim Media has deep relationships with local talent agencies, location scouts, and broadcast executives at television stations. These connections streamline the production process and ensure your commercial meets all technical requirements and stays compliant for broadcast across different platforms. Chicago’s production ecosystem also supports businesses in staying competitive by leveraging local talent and efficient processes.
Post Production Techniques: Polishing Your Message
Once filming wraps, the real magic happens in post production. This stage plays a crucial role in transforming raw footage into a polished, high quality video that leaves a lasting impression on your target audience.
Editing is where your story comes together. Skilled editors assemble the best takes, tighten the pacing, and ensure your message is clear and compelling. Color grading then enhances the visual style, setting the mood and making your brand stand out with vibrant, consistent imagery.
Sound design is equally important—adding music, voiceovers, and sound effects that elevate the emotional impact and ensure your commercial meets customer expectations. For projects that require extra flair, visual effects can be used to create eye-catching graphics, animations, or seamless product demonstrations.
By investing in professional post production, you ensure your final product meets the highest quality standards and resonates with your audience. This stage is essential for achieving commercial production that not only meets market demand but also supports your business’s reputation for excellence. Ultimately, great post production is what turns a good idea into a successful commercial.
Common Questions on Commercial Production from Chicago Clients
How much does commercial production cost?
It depends on complexity, but Acclaim Media offers scalable solutions for clients of all sizes - without compromising on quality. Managing budgets and negotiating media buys can be challenging, but our expert guidance helps you navigate these complexities. Give us a call and tell us your goals, we’ll quickly get a budget back to you.
How long does it take?
Anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on creative and scheduling. We’re known for fast, efficient turnaround without cutting corners. But there are many things we can’t control. Your schedule, product readiness, weather, etc. All of these can play a role in the delivery of your spot.
Can it work for small businesses or nonprofits?
Absolutely. We’ve helped nonprofits, startups, and midsize companies tell their story in powerful ways with budgets that make sense.
What Sets Acclaim Media Apart
We’ve been doing this in Chicago since 1998. We know the market, the media, and how to get you from concept to final cut without wasting your time or budget.
What makes us unique in Chicago’s commercial production landscape is our experience and optimization. Not many companies can produce the content we deliver for the budgets we work with. We’re specifically optimized to produce great content at a fair price, which is exactly what small to medium-sized businesses need. Our approach to commercial production not only delivers value but also helps generate valuable leads and supports business expansion.
No need for you to worry about the production equipment needed, visual effects, color grading, or sound design. That’s our job, we’ll ensure success for your advertisement.
Our familiarity with Chicago’s commercial production ecosystem - from actors and locations to advertising executives at local stations means your project benefits from established relationships and proven processes. We understand the technical specifications for different broadcast and digital platforms, and we have access to Chicago’s premier talent pool.
Check out our full portfolio to see the range of work we’ve produced for Chicago firms across various industries.
Our Industry Relationships Work for You
After 20+ years of commercial production in Chicago, we've built strong relationships throughout the local media landscape. We know the best account executives at television and cable stations across the market. Professionals who understand how to maximize your advertising investment.
These aren't just business contacts; they're trusted partners who will work directly with you to choose the right time slots and channels for your target audience. These Ad Execs (AE's) will help help you understand market demand and industry trends to ensure your commercial projects are a success.
When you work with Acclaim Media, you're not just getting commercial production expertise. You're gaining access to insider knowledge and a deep understanding that helps ensure your commercials reach the right viewers at the right time for maximum response.
Measuring Success and ROI: How to Know Your Spot Worked
Creating a commercial is just the beginning - measuring its success is essential for understanding its true value and guiding future marketing decisions. To know if your spot worked, you need to track both quantitative and qualitative results.
For television commercials, look at metrics like reach, frequency, and gross rating points (GRPs) to gauge how many people saw your ad and how often. For social media videos, focus on views, engagement rates (likes, shares, comments), and click-throughs to your website or landing page. Product videos and other digital content can be measured by conversion rates and direct sales attributed to the campaign.
Calculating ROI involves comparing the revenue generated by your commercial to the total production and distribution costs. A positive ROI means your investment paid off, while a lower-than-expected return can highlight areas for improvement in your production processes or targeting strategy.
By regularly analyzing these metrics, you can refine your approach, stay ahead of industry trends, and ensure your commercial production efforts continue to meet market demand. This data-driven mindset helps you deliver high quality video content that not only resonates with your target audience but also supports your business’s long-term success.
Stay Ahead Of your Competition
The key to successful commercial production lies in understanding your audience and choosing the right production partner. Consider how your commercial fits into your broader marketing strategy. Will it support seasonal campaigns? Does it need to work across multiple markets? Are you planning franchise rollouts? These considerations shape both the creative approach and production requirements.
For manufacturing and distribution companies, we specialize in creating master commercials that can be customized with local information while maintaining consistent brand messaging across your entire network. This approach maximizes your production investment while ensuring brand consistency.
Professional commercial production is an investment in your business's growth and market presence. Whether you're looking to increase local awareness, support a franchise network, or launch a new product line, the right commercial delivers measurable results across multiple platforms.
Ready to Talk About Producing a Great Spot?
If you want a commercial that's clear, effective, and done right the first time, you're in the right place. Creating effective commercials requires balancing creative vision with practical considerations like timeline, budget, and broadcast requirements. Our top priority is helping you make a lasting impression!
Ready to see what a custom commercial could do for you? Contact us today for a consultation.
No pressure. Just straight answers and a process that actually works. Our experienced team will work with you to develop a commercial that meets your goals, timeline, and budget while leveraging Chicago's premier production resources.
Don't let another marketing opportunity pass by. Your competitors are already using video to capture market share—make sure your business stays ahead of the curve with professional commercial production that delivers results.
Acclaim Media is a Chicago-based video production company helping brands nationwide create high-impact content—from marketing and corporate messaging to training and events. With 25+ years of experience and hundreds of successful projects, we make video production simple, strategic, and results-driven.