About Milwaukee
Milwaukee is a city with a rich history and culture located on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan. A vibrant hub for art, culture, education, and entertainment, Milwaukee boasts dozens of theater companies and an abundance of cultural institutions. And that's not all - the city is also home to several museums, parks, and gardens as well as an impressive selection of fine dining options.
Additionally, from music videos to movie productions, Milwaukee has been the backdrop for countless shoots in popular media. With a huge variety of iconic sites that double up as perfect filming locations its expansive spread of location options is sure to satisfy filmmakers' needs.
Not to mention that it's also renowned as Harrison Ford's birthplace - his parents migrated there during World War II! With such an array of perfect location options, filmmakers' desires are bound to be fulfilled here in Milwaukee.
Video Shoot Options in Milwaukee
- Filming Venues
The city isn’t short of beautiful filming locations; from picturesque lakefront venues to galleries and sprawling parks. Whether you are filming the pilot episode of a cooking show or producing an indie flick; you’ll be spoilt for choice with the selection of video shoot locations in Milwaukee.
- Lighting
Lighting sets the scene and it exudes meaning to the audience. Beyond illuminating the set, on the screen, lighting directs the audience in terms of where they should look. With that said, the lighting companies in Milwaukee can provide you with the equipment needed to illuminate your set as well as technical support.
- Photography and Videography Services
When working on a video shoot, you will need the services of professional videographers and photographers in Milwaukee. The videographer records the action/event while photographers capture still images.
- Makeup
If you want your actors to look their best, enlist the services of a makeup artist. Whether you want a professional who can use prosthetics or latex foam to create special effects or simply someone to work on simple cast transformations; the makeup artist in Milwaukee can assist.
- Costumes
Perhaps you are working on a period drama or shooting a music video. In both cases, you will need costumes. Lists of Milwaukee rental stores carry selections of appropriate items, from standard clothing to elaborate costumes and props.
Video Shoot Vendors in Milwaukee
- National Recording
Milwaukee's National Recording studio offers expert sound engineering and digital/analog equipment for rent. Founded by Daniel Zelonky in 1978, the studio is situated in an 1870s building. The company has produced music for TV shows & commercials, sound libraries for software companies, and audiobooks, and they have also provided foley services and ADR for film projects.
- Kate Troxell — Makeup Artist
Kate Troxell is a makeup artist with more than seven years of experience in the beauty industry. She specializes in bridal makeup, fashion shows, photo shoots, and customized lessons. Kate works primarily in the Milwaukee/Chicago area but she is open to traveling where the job takes her.
- Blac Bistro
Blac Bistro is known for its delicious Southern Creole and Italian cuisine, but they also cater to any dish you request. They tout themselves as a catering company that puts dedication into every bite, and their lists of positive reviews back it up. The business focuses on catering corporate events, private dinner parties, and social functions, and providing meal prep services.
Pros and Cons of Video Shoots in Milwaukee
When looking for a suitable location for a video shoot, Milwaukee has much to offer. From historic buildings and outdoor parks to downtown cityscapes and unique landmarks, there's something for every kind of video project. But before deciding on where to film, it’s important to consider the pros and cons of shooting in Milwaukee.
Advantages
- Milwaukee’s wide variety of neighborhoods makes it an ideal place for shooting different types of video content. From historic downtown scenes to lakeside locations, Milwaukee has a vast selection of backdrops to choose from.
- The selection of professional film production companies in the area means that you can get high-quality help when needed.
- As a major city, Milwaukee offers lists of cultural attractions and activities to keep your crew entertained during downtime. Whether it’s visiting iconic breweries or taking in some of the city’s vibrant music scene, there’s plenty to do.
- The diversity of the population means that Milwaukee can provide actors with a variety of backgrounds and appearances that can be difficult to find elsewhere.
Disadvantages
- The weather in Milwaukee gets unpredictable at times which could pose problems for productions that need specific conditions for their shoot (e.g. sunshine).
- Traffic congestion is an issue if you're filming on busy streets or near popular attractions during peak hours.
- Availability and cost when booking talent or services could be high, due to the popularity of shooting video in Milwaukee among other filmmakers and production companies in the area who may have already booked them up.
Tips on How to Organize Video Shoots in Milwaukee
Preparing a location for a video shoot is an important step in the film production process. It's essential to find the right space and ensure that everything is ready to go before the cameras start rolling. To help you prepare your filming location in Milwaukee, here are some tips on how to get started.
- Ensure the area has ample lighting: Lighting is paramount when shooting video, so make sure that your chosen location has adequate lighting both inside and outside. If possible, try to scout out the space during different times of the day to get an idea of which areas have the best lighting for filming.
- Check for soundproofing qualities: While picking sounds when recording is unavoidable, it's important to limit as much external noise as possible when filming. If you're shooting indoors, look for areas that already have soundproofing built-in or consider adding additional insulation or other noise dampeners like curtains or foam padding. If shooting outdoors, try to avoid busy streets and choose quieter times of day when fewer people are around making noise.
- Make sure there are plenty of power outlets: Even if you plan on running most things off batteries or generators, having access to wall sockets can be helpful in case something runs out of power unexpectedly. Look around each room and double-check that there are enough outlets available so that everyone can plug their equipment into it without having to worry about running out of power later on in the shoot.
- Arrange furniture according to your needs: Depending on what type of scene you're trying to create, it might be necessary to rearrange existing furniture and props within the space so that everything looks just right before filming begins. Move tables and chairs around where needed and consider adding extra seating if necessary - whatever will make it easy for actors/crew members alike while still creating a sense of realism within each shot.
- Secure permissions from relevant authorities: Before committing too much time/money into prepping a certain space for a shoot, make sure you've secured permission from all relevant parties involved - this includes landlords/owners as well as a local government if needed (e.g., getting permits). Be sure to read through any contracts carefully before signing anything so that you understand exactly what is being agreed upon between both parties involved before beginning production work at the given location!
Famous Locations in Milwaukee
- The Black Cat Alley
The Black Cat Alley is a private space that serves as an outdoor art gallery on Milwaukee's East Side. Between 2015 and 2016, with the assistance of Wallpapered City LLC and the East Side BID, a group of residents and artists established this one-of-a-kind street art venue. 21 murals from 24 renowned artists in Milwaukee, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Columbus, and Berlin adorn Black Cat Alley.
- Harley-Davidson Museum
Harley-Davidson motorcycles embody adventure, freedom, and a touch of a rebellious streak. At the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, visitors can take a walk down memory lane to revisit the history of the iconic bike brand.
- Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory
The Domes, as the Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory, welcome over 250,000 visitors annually. In 1959, out of 30 competing architects, Donald L. Griebfrom Milwaukee emerged as the winner for his design of the Domes. Every year, thousands of students participate in educational programming at the Domes, learning about everything from desert ecosystems to plant propagation.