Rent a prison by the hour in Chicago, IL

A prison scene is a costly and time-consuming set to create. So why not film in an authentic prison setting instead? There's no shortage of places to choose from a short drive away, after all.
Former prisons are your best bet for a prison scene. But even active prisons may be accommodating in the right circumstances. Filming in most active prisons is a straightforward process but requires you to jump through several legal hoops. State laws do allow filmmakers, documentarians, and production companies to hold film shoots in prisons but it's always on a case by case basis. Video recording is done strictly within the limits of safe operation of the facility, without disrupting daily operations.
You first have to submit your proposal to the right institution, which may be a press office, warden, or other point of contact. The proposal should include details about your company, the film you have in mind, the crew size, technology involved, and other details. In short, your proposal should be professional, thorough, and able to answer most of their questions from the onset. Even with approval from the facility you may be barred from certain areas or shooting styles if they compromise the security of the facility.

Former prisons make great sets even if they've been converted into museums. In fact, you'll have a much easier time recording there since there are no longer security hurdles to clear.
One of the most famous Chicago prison sets with jail cells for film scenes is the Old Joliet Prison, formerly Fox River Prison. The prison was built in 1858 and ran continuously until 2002, when it was shut down. Old Joliet Prison is now a tourist attraction and a film set for the "Prison Break" Chicago series. Not to mention several other major motion pictures. Hollywood turns to Old Joliet Prison when it needs an authentic film setting and so should you.

A jail cell can create much of the same feel as an actual prison without having to rent an entire event venue. Arlington Heights and other Chicagoland areas have custom-built sets for filming, including jails. These sets have barred windows, white sheets, a single toilet, and a flat bunk bed. As well as other props available on request for your feature film. Be on the lookout for police officer uniforms, inmate outfits, and handcuff rentals. Some even have an electric chair room chamber if your story takes a grim turn.