About Las Vegas
Las Vegas is known as the entertainment capital of the world, and it's easy to see why. It is home to some of the most iconic casinos and resorts and a host of other attractions, such as world-class museums and art galleries. Visitors can also enjoy endless outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and rock climbing, less than an hour’s drive from downtown Las Vegas.
With its proximity to Hollywood in Los Angeles, Las Vegas has become an excellent destination for movies and TV series. Plenty of high-profile films and TV shows have been filmed in Sin City, including Transformers (2007), The Wolf of Wall Street (2013), and the famous television sitcom Friends (1994–2004).
Las Vegas has undoubtedly become an increasingly beloved spot for casting directors and actors. Thanks to its diverse locations and climate, the city is able to accommodate a wide range of media productions. So whether you're looking to shoot a big-budget blockbuster or a low-budget indie film, Las Vegas has ideal casting venues and film sites for your creative project.
Casting Options in Las Vegas
- Filming equipment rental
Whether you're shooting a feature film or a commercial, you need specialized gear to get the job done. Many companies in Las Vegas offer brand-new and rental filming equipment, from cameras and lenses to lighting and grip gear. And if you need any items like drones or cranes, some firms specialize in them.
- Catering
From world-class eateries to food trucks and on-set dining, Las Vegas has no shortage of catering options for your casting audition. They will arrive at your casting venue on time, set up the buffet table, or serve the guests healthy, delicious meals throughout the day.
- Make-up Artists
The city is home to some of the finest make-up artists in the industry. Whether you're searching for someone to do a simple touch-up or a full face of make-up, you'll be able to find an expert to help the auditionees look great and feel confident in front of the casting director.
Casting Vendors in Las Vegas
- Mama Bird Southern Kitchen
Mama Bird is a small, family-owned southern-inspired kitchen and smokehouse. It modernizes traditional dishes by taking a homemade and backyard-smoked approach. Except for catering, this restaurant invites guests to remember a particular time when southern homes and backyards were always open to welcome neighbors or strangers. Some of its offerings include chicken ‘n waffles, ribs, chicken wings, Dixie Fried Chicken, and fried chicken sandwiches.
- Rouge Hair & Make-up
Bree Perez, a MAC Pro artist with over 17 years of experience in the entertainment and beauty industry, founded Rouge Vegas in 2022. She has a team of highly skilled hair stylists, photographers, and make-up artists who are ready to take on any challenges and exceed their client’s expectations.
- Blackwood Camera
Blackwood Camera is a premier camera rental house in Las Vegas and Southern Nevada. It boasts the latest filming equipment, lighting systems, camera support gear, and various workflow tools. It also serves as a pre-and post-production facility with excellent production services at the best price. It serves multiple clients, including commercials, documentaries, cinematographers, sports leagues, stage shows & live events, movie studios, production companies, and indie filmmakers.
Pros and Cons of Casting Locations in Las Vegas
There are a number of reasons why Vegas is an ideal stop to shoot a film or commercial or hold casting auditions. However, there are also a few potential drawbacks you should consider to assist in your decision-making.
Advantages
- You have multiple options for casting spaces in Las Vegas, from studios and conference rooms to more unique locations like museum venues and empty theaters.
- There are ample resources for filming equipment and crew for recording casting events.
- You can take a short day trip to Hollywood from Las Vegas if you need more talents to cast for a film, commercial, or any production project.
Disadvantages
- Heat can be oppressive during the summer months in Las Vegas if you want to hold a casting event outdoors.
- While tourist hotspots and surrounding areas provide a diverse pool of talent, they are often crowded throughout the year.
- Your casting location in Las Vegas should be around the city center, as you can’t fully rely on its public transportation if it’s held outside the city.
Tips on How to Organize Casting Spaces
A great cast can either make or break your project. But before finding the right people for the job, you must first set up a casting space in Las Vegas to ensure a smooth process from start to finish. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
- Accessibility of location: Choose a convenient location that is easily accessible for potential casting agents and auditionees. If possible, it should be accessed by private vehicles and public transportation.
- Consider the venue capacity: The space should be large enough to accommodate everyone and all the necessary equipment and furniture.
- Keep it bright and organized: Your casting venue must be well-lit and allows natural light. It should also be free of clutter to create a professional atmosphere.
- Include pros: Using props and accessories can help make the location more appealing to the casting masters and create a more realistic environment.
Famous Locations in Las Vegas
- Kiel Ranch
About one and a half miles west of downtown North Las Vegas, you’ll find one of Las Vegas Valley’s earliest ranches established in the state of Nevada. The Kiel Ranch is a seven-acre historic land featuring old homes that give insight into the early development of Vegas in the nineteenth century. Desert grass, vegetation, and lush trees are also growing at the ranch, promoting a vibrant plant life.
- Mountain Ridge Park
The park is a community treasure, and it's easy to see why. It is home to the 2014 Little League World Series Champion and features seven baseball and softball fields. Amenities include a skate park, tennis courts, playground, and jogging/walking paths. The park is well-maintained and offers a variety of activities for residents of all ages.
- Hammargren House of Nevada History
The house is one of the unique tourist attractions in Las Vegas. A retired neurosurgeon and former two-term Lieutenant Governor of the state, Hammargren has filled his home with an eclectic collection of items from an interior dome of a hotel wedding chapel, old Vegas casinos, and an Egyptian tomb. The property also functions as an observatory and planetarium.
