About Boston
Boston is a vibrant city located in the state of Massachusetts in the northeast region of the United States. With its modern skyline and bustling neighborhoods, Boston is one of the most iconic cities in America. In addition to its rich history, Boston offers an array of attractions and activities, from world-class museums to popular restaurants and cultural sites.
The city also boasts a mild climate with hot summers and cold winters. This makes it an ideal destination for film shoots year-round. Beyond its picturesque views, historic landmarks, and diverse neighborhoods, Boston's film industry has grown significantly over the last few decades. With a wide range of options for filming locations – from cobblestone streets to award-winning production studios – Boston is one of the top choices for video shoots in the US.
Moreover, with nearby universities as well as colleges offering robust courses in media production technology, Boston provides a talented pool of local professionals who are well-equipped to help make your vision come alive.
Video Shoot Options in Boston
- Makeup
If you're shooting a video, you'll need to make sure your talent is looking their best. For that, you'll need a talented makeup artist who can enhance your talent’s facial features for the camera. Thankfully, Boston has many artists who specialize in this area. They can also help with hair and wardrobe if needed.
- Videography
For any video shoot, you'll need a videographer. However, it’s important to find someone who specializes in whatever video type you’re shooting, whether it’s a commercial, a marketing video, a music video, a film, or something else. Luckily, you’ll find plenty of them in Boston, who can also help with lighting and set design if required.
- Catering
No video shoot is complete without catering. It’s crucial to keep your crew fed and hydrated so they stay focused and energized, especially if the shoot will take long hours. To save time, it’s a good idea to hire a location caterer, so your team will not have to go out and search for restaurants anymore. Boston has many high-quality catering companies that can provide delicious food for your crew and talent. They can also help with setup and cleanup if needed.
Video Shoot Vendors in Boston
- Audio and Lighting Unlimited
Audio and Lighting Unlimited is a leading supplier of rental audio and lighting equipment in the area. They are a close neighbor to Boston, Massachusetts, specializing in all types of rentals. The company promises to deliver professional and affordable services to help your shoot become successful. Lighting equipment rentals include uplights, lighting trusses, and spotlights, among others.
- Lollie Videography
Lola & Hollie have been shooting weddings and other events for over 10 years. The wife-wife duo specializes in weddings, music videos, conferences, interviews, commercial videos, real estate videos, and more. When you hire their services, you get a two-videographer crew and at least two HD cameras to ensure that nothing is missed. The team’s fun-loving personalities will make you feel at ease while they capture all details of your video shoot.
- Lorrie Pearson Makeup Artist
If you need a makeup artist who is an expert in creating a “natural look,” look no further than Lorrie Pearson. The seasoned makeup artist has over 20 years of experience in the industry and specializes in highlighting a person’s natural features. Lorrie does makeup for fashion, editorial, TV shows, films, and video productions.
Pros and Cons of Video Shoots in Boston
There are lists of things to consider when figuring out if Boston is the right location for your video shoot. Here are some of the crucial considerations when searching for video shoot locations in Boston:
Advantages
- Boston has a wide variety of filming locations, from historical sites to modern architecture, giving filmmakers plenty of options for setting up shots.
- Boston is home to a highly experienced and professional film crew, many of whom have extensive Hollywood experience.
- The city is well connected via highways and public transportation which makes it easy for cast and crew to get around quickly.
Disadvantages
- Winter temperatures can be extreme which may limit outdoor shooting opportunities during that season. And since most projects tend to occur over multiple days or weeks, this could pose some challenges for production schedules.
- Due to its popularity as a filming destination, finding available studio space or locations might prove challenging at certain times of the year.
- Although public transportation makes getting around easier, parking restrictions may cause problems during certain hours because of their limited availability during peak seasons such as summer vacation months.
Tips on How to Organize Video Shoots in Boston
Planning a successful video shoot in Boston doesn't have to be overwhelming. As long as you take the time to plan adequately and get ready, it can actually be quite simple! Here are some useful tips for getting started:
- Your choice of location is paramount for a successful shoot: Boston abounds with historic and gorgeous spots, but not all are right for your project's aesthetic. Do some research beforehand to choose the perfect place that best reflects your vision!
- Be Proactive: If you plan to film in a public area, obtain the necessary permit from your city right away. Obtaining permission might take some time and must be completed ahead of schedule; thus, submit applications for permits several weeks before filming is set to begin.
- Take advantage of the Boston talent pool: With an endless supply of great actors and actresses residing in your backyard, why not use them for your project? Not only will it give your venture a unique flare, but you may be able to save money as well.
- Plan for the weather: Boston is known for its unpredictable weather, so it's important to have a backup plan in case of rain or snow. Make sure you have access to an indoor location where you can continue shooting if the weather takes a turn for the worse.
- Be prepared for anything: There's no such thing as being too prepared when it comes to shooting video in Boston. From obtaining permits to dealing with the weather, there's always something that could go wrong.
Famous Locations in Boston
- Public Garden
The Public Garden is a magnificent place located in Boston. It's full of an array of flowers, trees, and plants, and the gardeners who work there are passionate about their techniques for collecting and growing new plants. In the greenhouse, they cultivate over 80 species of plants for the garden and other locations in the city. The Public Garden is a lovely place to visit if you're ever in Boston, with monuments, fountains, swan boats, and a lagoon for guests to appreciate and enjoy.
- National Museum of African American History and Culture
The National Museum of African American History and Culture is devoted to keeping and celebrating African American history through events and exhibits. It focuses specifically on the outstanding achievements made by African Americans in New England. Some of the themes in this exhibit include African-American literature, for example, Frederick Douglass, and also the Freedom Rising Civil War display. The museum's event space regularly hosts book signings, as well as an annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. tribute. The museum is accessible to the public and features hundreds of carte-de-visites, lithographs, and original records regarding abolition and equal education efforts in Boston on the ground floor. Overall, the National Museum of African American History and Culture is an awe-inspiring place to learn about African American history and culture.
- Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
The Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum is a one-of-a-kind destination that transports guests back in time to the historic events of 1773. Visitors will see, hear, feel, and do as the people did over 200 years ago through interactive displays, multi-sensory documentaries, and live performers. Visitors will have a front-row seat to history from beginning to end, from meeting the rebels to authentically restoring tea ships and tossing tea overboard as the Sons of Liberty did. This activity is engaging and instructive, allowing guests to discover and learn about an important period in American history. On-site, there are many exhibits and activities available for all ages, such as a kids’ interactive area and avatar customization, among others. There are also plenty of food options on-site should you get hungry. The Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum is perfect for people of all ages who want to have an unforgettable time.