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Complete Guide to Retro Locations

Does your production need to capture the essence of the swinging '60s? Maybe the big hair and bright colors of the '80s are in order? Or perhaps you need to tap into the pop culture vibes of the 1990s?

Whatever your production calls for, it's easy to find great retro film locations on the Giggster app. From diners, restaurants, convenience stores, and bars to suburban homes, apartments, lofts, and even warehouses, we can help film industry professionals find spaces to suit just about any project.

From Malibu, California, to Houston, Texas, and Atlanta, Georgia, and beyond—your projects will easily come to life with a unique and multifaceted house with a pool, cozy downtown cafe, or desert garage. Choose your favorite listing and start planning!

Each filming venue on the Giggster app has been painstakingly selected for its ability to offer something special and memorable for any production, so keep reading for tips on finding your ideal retro setting.

Why Choose Giggster for a Retro Location?

The Giggster app offers a treasure trove of retro film locations to suit a huge range of productions. From Hollywood to cities all around the world, we make finding your perfect location simple and stress-free.

• It doesn't get much more retro than vinyl records. Add some authenticity to your production by filming in an independent vinyl record shop with stacked shelves featuring a host of classic albums.

• Step into a vintage juke joint with checkerboard floors and dive bar vibes, and you'll instantly feel like you've stepped back in time. Cue up your favorite track on the jukebox, and get ready to shoot some memorable scenes.

• Automotive nostalgia can be a very powerful emotive force for many Americans. From retro garages to biker bars, we have spaces to help you tap into those gasoline-powered memories.

• Head for the suburbs and a mid-century modern home with distinctive architecture and colors that are instantly associated with the '60s. Whether you're hosting film and photo shoots or private parties, this is the perfect setting.

Sensational Retro Spaces Starting at Just $50/hour

• Exceptional Variety & Quality: With 16 great sites to choose from on the Giggster app, finding your perfect film location has never been easier. Each space has been carefully selected to offer something unique and inspiring, so there's no shortage of locations to suit your filming requirements.

• Hassle-Free Booking: The Giggster app makes it quick and easy for any production company to book film locations and film studios. Just use the handy filters to narrow the search results based on your needs, and contact property owners directly with any questions.

• 24-Hour Free Cancellation Policy: Experienced production companies know that film and photo shoots rarely go completely to plan, which is why we offer free cancellations within 24 hours of confirming your booking. However, please note that this is for bookings at least 48 hours before the event.

• Platform Protections: Give yourself a little extra peace of mind by adding optional damage, liability, and cancellation protection to your booking.

The Best Retro Events and Filming Productions

Retro locations offer a huge range of creative possibilities for film industry professionals, but they're also a good fit for a wide range of other events outside the entertainment industry. From Palm Springs to Santa Monica, Los Angeles and Woodland Hills to New York, here are just some of the events that are well suited to retro film locations.

• TV Shows – Small Screen Stunner. Whether your production is set in the '50s, the swinging '60s, the '80s, or any other decade, you'll find authentic retro film locations aplenty on the Giggster app.

• Music Video Shoots – Groovy, Baby. Shooting a music video that needs to ooze retro nostalgia and memories. A special space like Your Go-To Vinyl Haven might just be the perfect fit for your short movie.

• Birthday Parties – Retro Vibes. Take the birthday boy or girl back to the golden days of their youth by throwing a birthday bash in a funky retro setting.

• Commercials – Boost Your Brand. Tap into the iconic TV commercials of yesterday and help your brand stand out from the crowd by filming in a distinctive retro space.

• Team Building Events – Collaborative Fun. Get your staff together to build stronger relationships and just have a good time with a night out in a retro arcade space.

Top Features to Look for in a Retro Location

The best location scouts know that there are a few key factors to look for when choosing retro film locations.

What look and feel do you want? The perfect fit for your project will be a space that not only has the distinctive retro look you want, but that also has the right mood for your scenes. Retro spaces can be garish, drab, exciting, boring, fun, serious, and a whole lot more, so think about the emotions you want to evoke in your audience before choosing a location. From high ceilings to panoramic views, classic architecture to eye-catching colors, look for a venue that has everything you need.

Think about the price. Keep your production budget in mind at all times to ensure that you don't exceed your spending limit. The best production companies know the importance of spending within your means, so only consider retro film locations and film studios that won't break the bank.

Work with a willing host. The best property owners are people who are willing to work with you to host successful film and photo shoots. They'll be happy to accommodate special requests and go above and beyond to ensure a successful shoot.

Pros and Cons of Filming at Retro Locations

Is a retro location the perfect spot for your next film or photo shoot? Check out the pros and cons before you decide.

Advantages

• If you need to add some retro nostalgia to your production, a retro site is the perfect film location. The colors, decor, and props really set the stage.

• From diners and bars to homes and arcades, retro film locations come in a variety of styles.

• A unique retro film location can add an authentic touch to any period piece that you just won't get from studio shots.

Disadvantages

• The best locations are in high demand, so you'll need to book as far in advance as possible if you don't want to miss out.

• If you're aiming for 100% authenticity, it can sometimes be difficult to find a space that dates perfectly to the period you're trying to capture.

• The most impressive retro sites can be expensive, so you may need to increase your budget more than expected.

Hidden Costs of Filming at a Retro Location

Venue hire will be a major expense you need to budget for, but the good news is that you can rent film locations on the Giggster app for as little as $50/hr. But beyond the cost of hiring the venue itself, there are also a range of other location management expenses that all film industry professionals will need to take care of—including those listed below.

Have you considered transport and parking?

Will you need to pay for any special transport to get all your crew and gear to the film studios or retro location? A place to unload gear is essential, making convenience and parking another cost to consider. You may want to look for a venue that offers private parking.

Don't forget catering for the crew.

You've found the perfect location, but you'll need to keep your cast and crew members well fed throughout the shoot. Compare local caterers near your retro film location to find suitable cuisine for your production.

Cleaning staff is part of the equation.

Film and photo shoots can be big, messy affairs. To ensure that you leave the space the way you found it, expect to fork out for professional cleaners to get it looking spick and span once again.

Retro Location Bookings with Giggster

Filmmakers, influencers, and planners alike find the retro location a fabulous choice as a production location or venue rental. Making a commercial or filming an episode of a yesteryear sitcom? If you want to book a venue that even the best Hollywood location scouts would be proud of, find retro filming locations on the Giggster app today.