Cinespace Film Studios Receives "Compadre of the Year" Award

Cinespace Chicago Film Studios, located on the west side of Chicago and currently the second-largest film studio in the country, received the “Compadre of the Year” Award from the Little Village Chamber of Commerce and the Little Village Rotary Club. The award was presented during the Chamber’s annual holiday celebration at Mi Tierra Restaurant at 2528 South Kedzie in Chicago.

The award, presented by Little Village Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Blanca Soto and Chamber Board President Manuel Martinez, was graciously accepted by Sheila R. Brown, Executive Director of CineCares Foundation, a nonprofit created by Cinespace and the family of Nick Mirkopoulos, Cinespace’s founder. CineCares Foundation created and oversees the Mirkopoulos Internship Program, which is designed to help young adults aged 18-26, from underserved communities on Chicago’s west and south sides, train for TV/film industry jobs.

“Cinespace is deeply grateful for this award,” said Brown. “Being recognized as a friend, a compadre, by this amazing group in our neighborhood is an honor. We’re proud to be a part of the Little Village Chamber and collaborate with such a vibrant community in Chicago.”

Since its launch, Cinespace Chicago Film Studios has helped create more than 15,000 jobs for the city of Chicago. Through the nonprofit CineCares Foundation, Cinespace provides opportunities to talented Chicago youth who both diversify and contribute to the film industry. Little Village is home to the largest Mexican community in the Midwest. For more than 30 years, the Chamber has supported local businesses and companies.

Cinespace Chicago Film Studios is a family-owned company specializing in the development, management, and operation of studio space and support facilities for the film, television, and digital media production industry. With 31 sound stages on its 2 million+ square foot main campus in Chicago’s North Lawndale neighborhood, and additional studios currently under construction at 31st and Kedzie, Cinespace is the largest film studio outside of California. Since opening in 2011, Cinespace has helped bring more than 15,000 new jobs to the area. As part of Cinespace’s commitment to the neighborhood, the family established CineCares Foundation to train and employ area residents through education and job training in TV and film. The CineCare’s Foundation Mirkopoulos Internship Program partners with NBCUniversal, Wolf Films, FOX and Studio Mechanics Union Local 476. Key tenants at Cinespace include 312 Fast Draw, AbelCine, Cinelease, DePaul Film School, Keslow Camera, Lagunitas and Periscope Post & Audio. For more information or to contract studio or business space at Cinespace, visit ChicagoFilmStudios.com.