When producing independent films in a bustling city like Chicago, one of the biggest challenges is finding the right location—one that fits the creative vision, stays within budget, and is accessible for cast and crew. For Chundria Brownlow Studios, the solution came through a powerful platform: Peerspace.
What is Peerspace?
Peerspace is an online marketplace that connects creatives with unique spaces available for rent by the hour. From industrial lofts and vintage storefronts to modern kitchens and rooftop patios, Peerspace hosts listings in cities all across the United States. The platform is designed to help film producers, photographers, event planners, and content creators discover private venues owned by individuals or businesses willing to rent their spaces for productions or events.
For a studio like Chundria Brownlow’s—producing short films with limited resources but high visual ambition—Peerspace proved to be a game-changer.
Using Peerspace in Chicago
During production of several of its original short films, Chundria Brownlow Studios leaned on Peerspace to scout and secure filming locations that added depth, style, and realism to each project. The team browsed listings filtered by neighborhood, style, capacity, and hourly rate—all without needing a scout car or endless cold calls.
The process was simple:
- Search by zip code or neighborhood (e.g., Pilsen, Wicker Park, West Loop)
- Review listings with real photos, detailed descriptions, and user reviews
- Message the host to confirm availability and ask production-specific questions
- Book securely, often with flexibility around load-in/load-out times
Some of the standout locations used by the studio included a modern South Loop apartment for a dramatic interior scene and a cozy West Side coffee shop that served as the perfect backdrop for a pivotal character moment.
Lessons Learned on Set
One key lesson from using Peerspace was the importance of reading reviews and confirming noise restrictions ahead of time. While most hosts were extremely accommodating, each location came with its own quirks—elevator access, parking availability, or time limits that had to be worked around during production.
Another valuable takeaway: build relationships with hosts. The studio was able to return to a favorite location for a second shoot after building trust and mutual respect with the space owner. In some cases, those same hosts became fans and supporters of the finished films.
🎥 Filming Locations via Peerspace
Chundria Brownlow Studios proudly used Peerspace to secure visually dynamic and affordable locations for the following productions:
🟣 Hello New Horizons
A short film in which a couple on the verge of divorce, Landon and Courtney, navigate a tense settlement conference with their attorneys.
📍 Filmed at a local real estate office in Chicago’s South Loop neighborhood via Peerspace.
🟣 Chicago Wild and Free
A coming-of-age short film centered around Grace, a young social media manager juggling a high-pressure job and her sister Bridget’s spontaneous weekend visit from upstate New York.
📍 Filmed at a coworking space in Chicago’s Albany Park neighborhood via Peerspace.
Why It Works for Independent Filmmakers
Peerspace made it possible for Chundria Brownlow Studios to elevate the production value of their work without breaking the bank. For filmmakers working independently or with small teams, having access to affordable, stylish, and film-friendly spaces unlocks storytelling possibilities that would otherwise be out of reach.
And because Peerspace operates in major cities across the country—from Chicago to Los Angeles to Atlanta—it’s a reliable resource that travels with the production team as projects grow.
Final Thought:
As Chundria Brownlow Studios continues to develop feature films, television projects, and documentaries, platforms like Peerspace remain essential to their process. Location matters—and with the right tools, finding the perfect one doesn’t have to slow down the vision.
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