Assignment Desk

New York City vs Chicago — Video Production Comparison

Comparing video production crews and facilities in New York City, NY and Chicago, IL. Both markets offer professional camera crews through Assignment Desk. Here's how they compare on crew availability, production guidelines, and logistics.

Side-by-Side Comparison

New York City

NY

Local Crew Count
1
Work Day
10 hours
Overtime
Time and a half
Local Radius
30 miles
Address
381 Knickerbocker Ave #349, Brooklyn, NY 11237
View New York City market page →

Chicago

IL

Local Crew Count
1
Work Day
10 hours
Overtime
Time and a half
Local Radius
30 miles
Address
301 W Grand Ave #178, Chicago, IL 60654
View Chicago market page →

Crew in New York City

Karl Egbe — DP in New York City

Karl Egbe

DP

New York City

Crew in Chicago

EJ Watson — DP in Chicago, IL

EJ Watson

DP

Chicago, IL

Which Market is Right for You?

Choosing between New York City and Chicago for your video production depends on your project's location, subject matter, and logistical requirements. New York City (NY) offers 1 dedicated staff crew member and serves as a hub for productions throughout the Northeast.

Meanwhile, Chicago (IL) provides 1 staff crew member and strong coverage of Chicago and the upper Midwest. Both markets follow Assignment Desk's standard 10-hour work day with overtime at time and a half, and both carry the same professional equipment standards.

For multi-city productions spanning both New York City and Chicago, Assignment Desk coordinates all crew bookings, equipment, and logistics through a single production coordinator — simplifying billing and communication across markets. Call 312-464-8600 to discuss your project requirements and get a custom quote.

Other Comparisons

New York City vs Los Angeles→Chicago vs Detroit→New York City vs Washington→Chicago vs Minneapolis→Boston vs New York City→Cleveland vs Chicago→

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for video production, New York City or Chicago?
Both New York City and Chicago are excellent video production markets with professional crews available through Assignment Desk. The best choice depends on your project location, target audience, and logistics. New York City has 1 staff crew member while Chicago has 1. Both markets offer full-service production capabilities including camera operators, audio technicians, lighting, and more.
How do crew rates compare between New York City and Chicago?
Assignment Desk offers competitive, standardized crew rates across all markets including New York City and Chicago. Both cities operate on a 10-hour work day with overtime billed at time and a half after 10 hours. Travel beyond a 30-mile local radius may incur additional charges. Contact us at 312-464-8600 for a custom quote for your specific project needs.
Can I book crews in both New York City and Chicago?
Yes. Assignment Desk regularly coordinates multi-city productions spanning New York City, Chicago, and other markets nationwide. Our production coordinators handle crew scheduling, equipment logistics, and billing across all locations through a single point of contact, simplifying your production workflow.
What equipment is available in New York City vs Chicago?
Both New York City and Chicago crews carry professional broadcast-quality equipment including Sony FX9, RED, and ARRI camera systems, wireless audio packages, LED lighting kits, and grip equipment. Our staff DPs maintain their own gear packages, ensuring consistent quality across markets. Specialty equipment like jibs, Steadicams, and drones can be arranged in either city.

Read about recent productions in New York City and Chicago. View Production Stories →

Book a Crew Today

Whether you're shooting in New York City, Chicago, or both — call 312-464-8600 or fill out our booking form.

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