About Alexandria
A historic city located in the heart of the Commonwealth of Virginia; Alexandria is found along the banks of the Potomac River. Just a short drive from the heart of DC, Alexandria maintains close connections with the center of government for the country and is heavily earmarked by DC’s unique cultural traits and standard of living. Those who live in Alexandria are most often employees in the military, civil service, or the private sector of the federal government. One of the city’s biggest employers is the US Department of Defence.
One of the most popular attractions in Alexandria is a section of the city known as Old Town. Here, you will find many interesting things to occupy your time including boutiques, restaurants, antique shops, and entertainment venues. One of the hallmarks of Old Town is its incredibly beautiful cobblestone streets, lending this city some old-world charm. Today, Old Town is now the headquarters for the worldwide online retailer Amazon.
From its historic architecture to its charming cobblestone-paved pathways, and even to its plethora of green spaces to enjoy, Alexandria is the perfect spot in which to do some filming. If you are searching for the ideal Alexandria filming locale, the biggest challenge you will face here is choosing only one.
Filming Options in Alexandria
Alexandria filming locales are always in remarkably high demand. Once you have found the perfect spot for your movie, commercial, TV show, or documentary, the next job on your to-do list is organizing your supplies in their proper place so shooting can begin. To help you get the job done right, it is a great idea to hire some of Alexandria’s top professionals to lend a hand.
- Security
Ensure your property and possessions are 100% safe and secure at your Alexandria filming locale by hiring one of the city’s top security firms. With a team of professionals skilled at designing comprehensive protection plans for homes, offices, and film and photo shoots, you are sure to have the peace of mind you need with one of Alexandria’s most highly recommended security companies on the job.
- Furniture Rentals
Every Alexandria filming locale requires some furniture on set to complete each scene. Whether you are searching for a period piece chaise or sofa, some unique lighting fixtures, artwork, or even some décor, the right furniture rental company in Alexandria can help you find it all.
- Catering
Every film set can benefit from catered meals and snacks to keep everyone’s energy levels operating at their peak efficiency. With a wide selection of catering companies to choose from representing any type of cuisine your heart desires, you will have no difficulty finding the right culinary professionals to furnish a delicious spread for you at your Alexandria filming location.
Filming Companies in Alexandria
You have secured the perfect location for your filming in Alexandria. Now it is time to put all the finishing touches in place for a productive film shoot. From supply vendors and rental companies to set decorators and caterers, Alexandria is one city that has many talented professionals who can help you get the job done in no time.
- Blue Raven Intelligence
Blue Raven Intelligence is an Alexandria-based private security firm providing service to Virginia, Washington DC, and Maryland. A team of highly qualified professionals, each of the staff employed by Blue Raven Intelligence has been subject to a rigorous screening process to ensure they are dependable, trustworthy, and well trained in comprehensive protection services.
- Market Ready Staging Solutions
For all your furniture leasing and set design needs, Market Ready Staging Solutions is the team you can count on. Offering a large inventory of furniture, lighting, and décor items in the latest styles, you will find everything you require for your Alexandria film set with Market Ready Staging Solutions on the job. Whether you are looking for a singular piece or to furnish a large space, the professionals at Market Ready Staging Solutions can guide you through the process, providing delivery and set up for you free of charge.
- Bittersweet Catering
A full-service catering company and bakery located in Alexandria’s downtown core, Bittersweet Catering has the skills and the staff to provide incredible cuisine for events of all sizes throughout Virginia, Washington DC, and Maryland. In business for more than 35 years, Bittersweet Catering takes immense pride in its reputation for excellent food and top-shelf service. Their main specialty is modern American cooking, a style that also includes some of the comfort foods Americans have come to love most and some international dishes from countries all over the world.
Pros and Cons of Filming in Alexandria
In a city that is rich in history and culture, there is much to see and do in Alexandria. However, as with most urban centers, there are benefits and drawbacks to selecting Alexandria as the location for your film set.
Advantages
- A very walkable city
The Old Town of Alexandria is easily navigated on foot. You can walk to all the major attractions and even gain access to all the things you need for daily living including groceries, restaurants, shopping, and gyms.
- Fascinating history
One of the oldest areas in America, Alexandria was once the residence of George Washington. The city is alive with history, landmarks, and attractions for you to explore at your leisure.
- Top shelf cuisine
When it comes to wonderful places to eat, you will not be disappointed with what Alexandria has on offer. Among the most popular eateries in this city are Bastille and Restaurant Eve.
Disadvantages
- Flood worries
Unfortunately, since Alexandria is located at the pinnacle of the Potomac River, flooding is always a concern.
- Heavily crowded
Alexandria is a populous urban center that sees many visitors each year. This can make this city feel crowded at times.
- Heavily congested roads
Since Alexandria is very near to Washington DC, you can expect the traffic to be heavy here.
Famous Locations in Alexandria
- Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
Take a step back in time and make a visit to Alexandria’s Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum. Reminiscent of an early 19th-century drug store, you will find everything from ancient medical supplies, herbal cures, recipe and potion books, and even old medical journals during a visit to this historical attraction.
- Carlyle House
Located directly in front of City Hall in the Old Town district, you will find the Carlyle House. Resembling something from a fairy-tale, this old mansion has a sophisticated quality to it. It was built in 1793 by John Carlyle for his wife Sarah Fairfax.
- Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
For lovers of a good “yarn” and a cup of ale, it is well worth your time to stop by to visit Gadsby’s Tavern Museum. Open for business since the late 1700s, Gadsby’s Tavern and City Hotel was the place for local business people to meet and discuss their pressing business affairs. Other activities here included dancing, live theater, and people watching. This facility once hosted such influential figures as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Monroe.