Long Grove has been long recognized as a quaint village located just northwest of the capital of the Midwest – Chicago. The historic downtown with lovely covered bridge lacks the glitz and glam of Hollywood, but a picturesque setting still attracts filmmakers seeking to create films with a distinctly Midwestern backdrop. With its cobblestone streets, 19th-century architecture, cute shops and semi-rural surroundings, Long Grove serves as an ideal location for films requiring small-town ambiance, seasonal backdrops, and a romanticized version of America.
From its collection of shops, galleries, and restaurants in the heart of the village to its wide-open fields and tranquil woods, Long Grove offers a range of settings for both romantic dramas and lighthearted comedies. The village has developed into a go-to filming location for several local and independent productions, and its aesthetic can provide the kind of atmosphere that filmmakers look for to portray life in an authentic yet cinematic way. Filming in Long Grove also gives productions a distinctive look that stands out from the stereotypical urban backdrops often seen in Hollywood.
With easy access to Chicago with its growing film industry, there’s access to technical talent that every producer needs.
In 2024 Long Grove was abuzz with excitement over a film being shot starring Mario Lopez. With his impossibly appealing dimples, the 51-year old son of Mexican immigrants has been a Hollywood mainstay for most of his life. He has appeared on several television series, in films, and on Broadway. He is known for his portrayal of A.C. Slater on “Saved by the Bell,” “Saved by the Bell: The College Years,” “Dancing with the Stars” and as host for the syndicated entertainment news magazine shows “Extra” and “Access Hollywood.”
Making its debut during the holidays last year, “Once Upon a Christmas Wish” featured not just Mario, but also his wife, Courtney Lopez (portraying his love interest), as well as their son, Dario (in a darling role as a middle school journalist). It’s a sweet-as-pie holiday movie with irresistible small-town charm.
The producer of the Lopez film is Mark Roberts, a 30-year veteran of the entertainment business. This isn’t the first time he’s teamed up with Lopez; previously the pair worked on “The Expanding Universe of Ashley Garcia” for Netflix (two seasons) and “Steppin' into the Holiday” for Lifetime Television.
When he chose to shoot last year’s film in Long Grove, Roberts’ production company joined the ranks of other movie makers who have invested in the local economy in a significant way. Film productions bring in not only direct revenue but also secondary income for surrounding businesses. An estimate of the economic impact depends on various factors such as the scale of production, the duration of the shoot, and the extent to which local vendors and talent are employed.
For example, a typical film production might hire local crew members, set designers, caterers, and equipment suppliers, all of which create employment opportunities within the village and SW Lake County. The influx of production staff also drives business for local hotels, restaurants, and shops. In many cases, local businesses can see a rise in sales and foot traffic as film crews and their associates frequent these establishments during their stay.
An estimate of the local economic impact of a film shoot in Long Grove could range from several hundred thousand dollars for small-scale productions to over a million dollars for larger projects. This would include direct spending on location fees, local service providers, housing, and catering. For his film, “we likely spent close to $1 million dollars in three weeks in the area for hotels, cars, crew, actors, equipment and more,” says Roberts.
Additionally, a successful film like “Once Upon a Christmas Wish” raises the village’s profile, leading to tourism boosts and long-term economic growth as more people discover the area through its on-screen presence. And the success of just one film helps draw other production teams to Long Grove.
The titles for other films recently shot locally seem to center on a very particular segment of the movie business:
- “Christmas on the Ranch” (2024) - a Hulu romcom filmed in Long Grove, Mundelein, and Hawthorn Woods. Lots of scenes were shot onsite at High Finance Farm, an equestrian center on Gilmer Road.
- “Reporting for Christmas” (2023) - a holiday movie filmed in Long Grove.
- “Christmas with Felicity” (2021) – yet another holiday movie filmed in, you guessed it, Long Grove!
The State of Illinois Film Office plays a crucial role in making Illinois, including Long Grove, a welcome destination for filmmakers. The office provides a range of services, such as assistance with permits, location scouting, and connecting filmmakers with local vendors. Most notably, the Film Office administers the Illinois Film Tax Credit, which incentivizes film productions to choose Illinois as their filming destination.
The Illinois Film Tax Credit is a refundable credit of up to 30% of qualified production expenditures, including costs related to labor, supplies, and rentals. It’s an incentive program designed to make Illinois more competitive with other states, such as California and Georgia. It’s a win-win for both filmmakers and the state economy. While filmmakers benefit from reduced production costs, the state benefits from the substantial economic activity generated by the film industry, as well as increased tourism and potential job creation in the long term.
As Hollywood continues to look for fresh filming locations, Long Grove has established itself as a charming alternative to urban settings and large-scale studio productions. The village’s quaint charm, combined with state financial incentives through the Illinois Film Office, makes it an attractive option for filmmakers seeking a Midwestern aesthetic with easy access to Chicago’s extensive production resources. It’s likely that Long Grove will see more investments by Hollywood and independent film productions in the future, further cementing its place as a sought-after film location.