About Bridgehampton
Bridgehampton is an unincorporated city in The Hamptons, better known as a hamlet by locals, and a census-designated place. The boundaries are determined by local vernacular and have no bearing on local government or city planning.
The area known as Bridgehampton lies in the Town of Southampton. The town is located within the South Fork of Suffolk County along the South shoreline of Long Island known as The Hamptons. The hamlet of Bridgehampton has a population of 1,756.
The name Bridge Hampton appears in town records as early as 1699 to describe the linking of the surrounding settlements. Because of its central location on the South Fork, Bridge Hampton became the training ground for local militias prior to entering the Revolutionary War.
Today, Bridgehampton is within an exclusive zip code with home sales averaging $8.5 million. You will have your choice of places for filming in Bridgehampton whether you are looking for an indoor space or an outdoor area.
Filming Options in Bridgehampton
Bridgehampton is a part of The Hamptons brand, and film options will be limited to projects whose message and brand fit the scenery. The locations offered by owner hosts are interior homes and galleries. Any outdoor scene would be the property encompassing the listings. the famous South shoreline of the Atlantic or public spaces reflecting the high-end, but a casual, coastal community.
- Staging
Most of the products and services in this category are supported by local companies located closer to New York City or the South boroughs. These services include equipment rental, grips, set designers, and contract labor. The scope of equipment and fixture rental can be supplemented with design and engineering services.
- Catering
One of the most important things to take care of during any kind of filming session is the food. But it is also one of the things that many people overlook. Getting a caterer to an indoor set or remote location is a specific form of catering with particular detail to serving and coordination. The caterers must understand the film set's flow and flexibility in the menu options.
- Permitting
The town of Southampton requires a film permit for shoots of 25 or more persons engaged in the project. This requirement pertains to both public and private property. The project must be for commercial or educational purposes regardless of profit. There may be other specialty permits associated with the project, and these permits will have separate fees. A specialty permit will be needed if there will be food and beverage services at the film site.
Filming Companies in Bridgehampton
It will be efficient, productive, and beneficial to the project to outsource the ancillary services to local companies. The products and services provided by the talent will bring local knowledge to the project. The job creation and the wage investment into the local economy will strengthen the position for tax incentives and grants for the project.
- The Production HUB
Long Island and the Greater New York areas are served by this clearinghouse-style referral service of local companies. All companies sponsored by the HUB bring the necessary support for pre-and post-production.
- Hamptons by Design
Located in Southampton, this food service company can plan any menu for any sized group. A local caterer would know the local flavor of the cuisine and culture, as well as the expectations of the high-end clientele. The client base within The Hamptons expects event planning services from the caterers.
- Universal Production Services
This company in Long Island City provides equipment rental and services to film sets. Their specialty is grip equipment and set lighting and the overall packages of each. The production facility features a full inventory of lighting modes, power distribution, storage space, and an enclosed loading dock.
Pros and Cons of Filming in Bridgehampton
No city is perfect, even a gorgeous town in The Hamptons. Bridgehampton has its pros and cons like any other place. Make sure you know the advantages and disadvantages of the city before finalizing any plans for a Bridgehampton filming venue.
Advantages
- Transportation
Bridgehampton is 95 miles from LaGuardia. The most efficient mode of transportation is a private car for the 1.75-hour drive. Due to the area’s dependence on weekend visitor traffic, there are numerous options for private car rentals and shuttle services.
- Climate
The average high in the heat of the Summer is 81°F with a low of 63°F. The Summers on Long Island are more humid than in other areas of New York State due to the altitude at sea level and the effects of the Atlantic.
- Proximity to New York City
Although Bridgehampton is considered “out on the Island,” the amenities and services available in New York City would be available to a film location in Bridgehampton. It would not be unreasonable or impracticable to outsource services or products from a company based in New York City.
Disadvantages
- Transportation
This category also belongs in the disadvantages category due to the lack of choice. The Long Island Rail and an integrated public bus system depart from LaGuardia but, with layover times, the route can take as long as 4 hours. A private car or a shuttle service are the practical choices.
- Climate
This category crosses over into the disadvantages category due to the short season to film outdoors. The average high temperature in the Winter months is 45°F, and the average low is 23°F. Snow is a natural weather event. Although the prevalence of offshore storms is not that of the Southeastern US, there are storms coming in from the Atlantic in later months than hurricane season. The nor’easters usually occur in September or October when the air and water temperatures are lower.
- Location Specific
Filming in Bridgehampton will not be accommodating to all product messaging or genres. The project subject and backdrop will need to be conducive to The Hampton scenery and lifestyle. The branding of the film project will need to make sense in a high-end resort community where the architecture is sophisticated in a casual coastal setting.
Famous Locations in Bridgehampton
- Channing Daughters Winery
This winery in Bridgehampton has grown from a small vineyard to a large winery that creates over 24 varieties. The owners are founding members of the Long Island Sustainable Winegrowers working in concert with Cornell University to tailor the winemaking process to the environmental needs of the ecosystem. The group size of the tastings and tours is limited to eight.
- The Hampton Classic
Bridgehampton is the host to The Hampton Classic first organized in the early 1900s. This is the premier stop for horse competitors during the summer tour. The Classic is open to all competition levels from amateur to Olympic medalists. This event is typically held from late August to early September.
- South Fork Natural History Museum
This museum became possible through the work and donations by resident naturalists of the South Fork area. The mission of the history center is to meld a nature center with historical facts to educate visitors to be engaged in the preservation of the planet at the local level. The exhibits are live, interactive, and fun.