Charleston is a city filled with production potential, thanks to its many gorgeous backdrops: its charming cobblestone streets, incredible 18th-century architecture, and lush green spaces.
If you're a producer, you'll find a selection of unique spaces to elevate your production, whether you want to film on sandy beaches, in sports stadiums, or in front of historical and architectural buildings. There's so much to see and so much to add to the screen!
The first thing you should do is head to Giggster, where you can find a range of memorable and affordable production spaces in Charleston to take your film, TV, or photography session to a more artistic and professional level.
Download the Giggster app today and start envisioning your next production!
Get out of a traditional studio space and find beautiful filming locations in Charleston on the Giggster app.
If you need a venue that's filled with character and charm, choose a gorgeous home on the waterfront with spectacular sunset views.
If you're filming a medical-related scene or documentary, authenticity is key. Rent a hospital venue in Charleston with features such as an operating room, labs, and a classroom.
If you're producing a play or musical, book a jazz club with a stage and all the amenities you need to put on an exceptional production.
For snapping beautiful photos, book an awesome studio space with lots of natural light, tall ceilings, and amenities like comfortable furniture and an on-site kitchen.
Exceptional Variety & Quality: From light and bright studios to historical bungalows, Giggster's 37 inspiring venues give you everything you need to host an exceptional production in beautiful Charleston.
Hassle-Free Booking: Whether it's venue details on pricing, features, or amenities you need, Giggster provides all the info on its user-friendly platform. And, the curated spaces start at just $40/hour!
24-Hour Free Cancellation Policy: Have no worries if you need to cancel your event. Giggster allows you to cancel your booking for free within 24 hours of confirmation, as long as you made the booking at least 48 hours before the event.
Platform Protections: Giggster's got optional, add-on protection packages that cover important items like damage and liability. This enables you to book a venue like Contemporary Art Gallery in Charleston with peace of mind.
There are many good reasons why you should produce your next project in Charleston. Here are some advantages and disadvantages to consider.
Pros
Charleston has lots of natural beauty to explore, which adds a beautiful backdrop to your creative projects.
The city offers a wide selection of production venues, from houses and restaurants to studios.
Charleston is home to many unique and interesting neighborhoods that will inspire your production.
Cons
If you're renting a historical venue, you might need to get additional film production permits.
Charleston experiences extremely hot and humid summer weather, which is uncomfortable for your filming crew and can be taxing on your equipment.
Although the city has the Charleston International Airport, it doesn't offer as many direct flights as other airports. This could reduce your production accessibility.
On Giggster's 37 eye-catching venues in Charleston, you can find many spots to cater to your needs, such as if you're looking for a multi-use production space, a location for cocktail parties to celebrate the end of a project, or a venue with photography amenities.
Stadiums – Larger-Than-Life Scenes. If you're looking for a distinctive venue for filming big action scenes or lifestyle interviews, a stadium with gorgeous views will tick all the right boxes. Pan across the stunning sunset or field as you narrate an exciting story.
Hospitals – Versatile Sessions. Choosing an authentic medical venue makes your documentary or drama project so much more believable. These venues usually have on-site amenities and can be used in many other settings, like research labs.
Studios – Fully Equipped Projects. If you're looking for a professional studio space kitted out with all the right amenities, book a Charleston studio with great lighting, sound, and gear. Need a green screen or on-site storage? Check!
Art Galleries – Creative Productions. Art galleries are great spaces for adding a dash of sophistication to your production or photography session. You can find gallery spaces in downtown Charleston with outdoor areas, so you can make the most of the ample natural light. It's perfect for taking a range of shots.
Theaters – Vibrant Shots. If you're filming a play or musical, you'll want the breathtaking interiors of a theater space in South Carolina with a glamorous bar, stage, and dedicated pre-production areas so you can complete your project in the same space. FYI, they're also a great space for private parties!
Homes – Relatable Settings. You can use a home for a range of production tasks, from gorgeous photography to lifestyle interviews and films. Whether you choose a stylish mansion or rustic farmhouse, you'll find a spot with the right atmosphere to meet your production goals.
When planning your project, looking out for a few important things can help you to better organize your schedule and find the best venue for it. Go into your production session prepared so you make it successful.
Choose Versatile Spaces – Instead of trying to change your film script or photography schedule according to the venue, it's more practical to start with a versatile space. Luckily, you can find a range of versatile and beautiful production spaces on Giggster's 37 memorable listings.
Imagine the Space – Before booking a production venue, think about how you can use the space to meet your needs. The venue should have the right sound and lighting gear, be versatile, and offer extra room for other activities, like dressing rooms.
Have Some Extra Time – You never know what can happen when you're in the middle of your project, such as in terms of tech issues or delays. You might find that you need a bit more time in your location, which is why it's essential to book a venue for a bit longer than what you think you'll need.
Make the Venue Easily Accessible – You want to find a location that's accessible to your crew and talent so they don't delay the production by struggling to navigate the city. In addition, it's good to choose a venue that can accommodate the transportation of your gear and equipment, such as one with enough loading space.
Do You Require Permits? – Depending on your Charleston production, you might require a permit, such as if you're using special effects or your production will hamper the public right-of-way. It's always worth getting your permits early so you don't experience delays during your production.
You can save money on rental rates and other production activities when you're planning your project. Keep these points in mind so you protect your wallet while creating an amazing production.
Start with a budget.
Having a detailed budget is non-negotiable! You should write down a clear production budget so you stay on track with your expenses. Take your venue, cast/crew, equipment, transport, permits, and post-production activities into consideration.
Plan shots or scenes according to location.
You want to make the most of your venue that you've paid for, so try to plan your schedule well to use your time wisely. By planning multiple scenes or photo shoots for the same time slot in the same location, you can save money while ensuring you get what you need.
Choose a minimalist set.
Keep your costs low by scrutinizing a venue before booking it. Although you want to ensure that it has enough of what you need in terms of set design, there are bare-bones, affordable venues that you can dress up with simple backdrops. Or, rent props to bring them to life, without splurging on additional amenities.
On the Giggster app, you can search through a range of beautiful and affordable production spaces in Charleston, SC, from fully-equipped studios to stylish homes, depending on what amenities you need for your upcoming project. With so many options from which to choose, you're guaranteed to make your film production or photo shoot so much more memorable and successful.
