About Filming

As a filmmaker, you probably don’t need to be told just how important the location is to the quality of your scenes. The best filming locations contribute so much to any project, setting the mood, enhancing the story, and often becoming stars in their own right.

But experienced filmmakers will also be well aware that finding your ideal filming location is often easier said than done. From lighting to ease of access, there are myriad factors you need to consider besides the way a filming venue looks and feels.

The good news is that there’s a wonderfully diverse range of indoor and outdoor spaces out there available for rent as production venues. Here’s how you can find the space that’s right for you.

The Best Filming Venues

Filming locations come in just about every shape and size you can imagine. They can be indoors or outdoors, subdued or spectacular, on the rooftop or tucked away in a basement — whatever your creative vision, there’s a filming venue out there that can bring it to life. Here are just a handful of the options available to you.

• Homes and Apartments
  No matter whether you want a simple suburban home or a luxurious mansion, a cramped apartment or a big family home, something old or something modern — there are private home filming locations out there to suit every need. Stepping into this abandoned ‘70s-era apartment, for example, is like stepping back in time.
  
  
• Studio Spaces
  Some scenes and projects are best filmed in the confines of a studio. Whether you’re shooting a quick corporate video, filming in front of a green screen, or making use of a host of different sets, you’ll find a variety of studio spaces to suit projects of varying sizes and budgets.
  
  
• Gardens
  From simple suburban backyards to extravagant landscaped private gardens, outdoor filming locations are quite a diverse bunch. Even better, the green space, colorful blooms, and connection with nature they offer ensure a memorable backdrop for any scene.
  
  
• Private Vehicles
  No one said the best filming locations had to be fixed in place. From luxury sports cars to sedans, soccer mom SUVs, and even buses, you’ll find a huge range of unique private vehicles for hire as filming venues.
  
  
• Industrial Workshops and Warehouses
  Some industrial sites have been abandoned or repurposed, while others are still used for their original purpose. Whichever option you choose, the history and authenticity of the space will shine through on screen.

What to Look for in Filming Spaces

Regardless of whether you’re filming a big-budget movie or a short marketing video for your company website, finding the best filming space is crucial. The right location can take any scene to the next level, so be sure to consider the following key factors when comparing your options.

• The Look
  First, think about the look you want to capture onscreen and how a space will enable you to tell a story without using any dialogue. Remember too just how critical lighting is to the aesthetics of any space, and that any venue is capable of looking quite different when viewed at different times of the day.
  
  
• The Feel
  Choosing a venue is not just about the way a space looks, but also about how it feels. The atmosphere of any filming location is something that’s quite hard to define, but you can’t deny it’s something that comes through on the screen. From brooding and moody to bright and welcoming, airily casual to dark and sinister, remember to consider the atmosphere of any space before deciding whether it’s right for your project.
  
  
• Ease of Access
  The best filming locations are ones that are as convenient as possible, so consider each space from a practical point of view. Think about how the venue will be for all your crew and onscreen talent to access. For example, are private parking and public transport links available? Will you easily be able to transport all your gear to the location of the film shoot? Answering these questions now will save you a lot of hassle in the future.
  
  
• Essential Facilities and Amenities
  Next, take some time to think about all the key equipment and amenities you want in a filming venue. You may need to know if it is easily accessible and if it has a green room, dressing rooms, Wi-Fi, and AV equipment as well as restrooms. Once you know exactly what you need, you’ll be well placed to compare filming locations.
  
  
• The Right Price
  Your budget will always be a key consideration in any creative project. So work out how much you can afford to spend ahead of time, then shop around to find the best spaces in your price range.

Filming Inspiration

Need some fresh, new ideas to take your next project to the next level? These filming location ideas should help.

• Lush and Lavish Gardens
  Picture a backdrop of manicured lawns, colorful springtime blooms, peaceful water features, and a soft breeze blowing through the trees. In the landscaped gardens of glamorous private estates, you’ll find outdoor filming locations you have to see to believe.
  
  
• Old Industrial Spaces
  Want to add a gritty industrial vibe to a scene, a real-world work environment, or maybe add a touch of creepiness you only get from an abandoned building? Check out what the best old and repurposed industrial spaces near you have to offer.
  
  
• New York-style Lofts
  NYC lofts offer visually stunning features like exposed beams and bricks, polished concrete floors, and big windows. It may be in Toronto, Canada, but you’d swear this beautiful studio loft was in the heart of the Big Apple.
  
  
• Farms and Ranches
  Looking for somewhere to capture the authenticity of life in a rural area, or maybe just the space and secluded vibe you only get on a big property? Head away from the city to find working farms and spacious ranches, where the animals are real, the air is fresh, and the nearest neighbor is often miles away.