Find Filming locations for rent in Minneapolis, MN

About Minneapolis

Minneapolis, located in the heart of Minnesota, is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural scene and picturesque landscapes. As one of America's most notable urban areas, it features an array of scenic Minneapolis locations for filming, making it a prime spot for movie productions. The city has hosted numerous film shoots, including the beloved "Mighty Ducks" series, capitalizing on its unique blend of urban and natural settings.

A standout attraction is Nickelodeon Universe in Bloomington, which draws visitors from across the nation. Beyond its appeal in entertainment, Minneapolis boasts a thriving arts scene with iconic spots like the First Avenue nightclub, where Prince filmed his legendary "Purple Rain." Additionally, the city is home to talented individuals, such as the renowned piano player Paul, who have shaped its musical legacy.

Numerous locations in the city make it an attractive point for any production. From green screens and cyc walls to private estates and skyscrapers with a beautiful view, there is a perfect venue for your upcoming project. Whether for events, interviews, or to discover Minneapolis' charm, this city offers a dynamic backdrop for any occasion.

Filming Options in Minneapolis

Production Company
A production company takes charge of the film shoot process from start to finish. They can assemble a team of creatives to work on the script, film the production, and edit the recorded footage. They particularly favor companies producing corporate biographies or marketing videos.

Equipment Rental
Film equipment rental companies in Minneapolis offer a wide selection of production equipment. From cameras and lenses to sound gear and light kits, they have it all and lease it out to filmmakers at reasonable rates.

Makeup and Hairstyle
Continuity is the art of ensuring that every detail in a film remains consistent from shot to shot. The goal is to achieve a seamless flow, even if one scene takes several days or weeks to film. Makeup and hairstyle artists in Minneapolis play a crucial role in the continuity process. They also work on physical cast transformations and special effects makeup.

Lighting
The lighting companies in Minneapolis provide the gear needed to illuminate your film set. Most also provide lighting design services as well as the services of technicians to handle the gear.

Filming Vendors in Minneapolis

Hard Copy Film Co.
Hard Copy Film Co., based in downtown Minneapolis, is a premier production company known for capturing America's vibrant spirit. Utilizing iconic Minneapolis locations like St. Paul and the Mall of America, they create compelling narratives for various media. Their expertise ensures every film shoot is memorable, making them a top choice for projects with specific dates and ambitious visions.

Red Star Pictures
Red Star Minneapolis has been the Twin Cities community's go-to camera rental, grip rental, lighting, and production supply partner for over five decades. An extensive selection of lighting gear from major manufacturers such as Aputure, Arri, Astera, and Creamsource makes it easy to find precisely what you're looking for. Grips and essential on-set equipment are also available for rent, whether you need a flag, C-stand, or big truck.

Marwa Eshmawy, Makeup + Hair Artist
Marwa Eshmawy, a renowned Makeup + Hair Artist in Minneapolis, has won the love of thousands with her exceptional skills and friendly demeanor. Known for turning visions into reality, she is highly sought after for bookings across the Twin Cities. Whether prepping clients for special events or action-packed shoots, Marwa's artistry consistently shines through.

Pros and Cons of Filming in Minneapolis

Now that you know more about Minneapolis and what it has to offer, you can decide if it's the right place to film your project. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of filming in Minneapolis to help you make your decision:

Advantages

The city has plenty of locations that are suitable for filming, including historical sites, modern skyscrapers, outdoor parks and nature reserves, rural farms, factories or warehouses, etc.

There is a wide selection of available soundstages that provide comfortable indoor sets and equipment rentals.

The Minnesota State Film Office offers tax incentives to help offset some costs associated with filming in the area.

The city is home to many vibrant neighborhoods with unique cultural experiences, such as live music venues, restaurants, and shops, perfect for creating authentic project backdrops.

Disadvantages

Weather can be a challenge as the city experiences cold temperatures and snowy conditions during most months of the year.

Traffic congestion is an issue that could make it difficult for cast and crew to travel from one location to another during shooting days.

Crowds and tourist traffic could become a problem if your filming locations are popular tourist destinations or areas with heavy foot traffic daily.

Tips on How to Organize Filming in Minneapolis

Now that you know more about Minneapolis and some of the advantages and disadvantages of filming there, here are some tips on how to organize your film sessions:

Permits: Research the permit and insurance requirements for filming in Minneapolis. Permits are often required to film in Minneapolis, and you may need additional liability insurance if your production involves stunts or large crowds. Take the time to familiarize yourself with the regulations of the area you plan to film in so that you can be sure you have all of the necessary documents and permissions before beginning shooting.

Involvement of staff: Hire a local coordinator who can help ensure that shooting runs smoothly. Working with a local production company will also have benefits such as being able to get discounts on equipment rentals and having an experienced team available to help make your project a success.

Location scouting: Scout out potential locations ahead of time by taking photos, videos, or even full 360-degree panoramas of each location before filming. This will allow for more accurate pre-production planning, as well as provide reference points during shooting so that there is no confusion about which takes were filmed where.

Weather consideration: Prepare for Minnesota weather by booking a backup space if rain or inclement weather makes it impossible to shoot outdoors. Building relationships with local theaters or churches can come in handy in situations like this; they may be willing to rent out their space for filming at discounted rates or even free of charge if it’s for a good cause.

Food and drinks: Bring plenty of food on set since crew members should not be expected to work extended hours without sustenance. Investing in snacks and meals for your cast and crew goes a long way toward maintaining morale during long days on set. It's also important from a safety standpoint since many accidents can happen when people are tired from hunger or lack of sleep.

Famous Locations in Minneapolis

Minnehaha Falls Regional Park
More than 850,000 people visit Minneapolis' Minnehaha Regional Park each year. Limestone bluffs and river overlooks surround the awe-inspiring 53-foot-tall falls. Best of all, it's completely free to visit. The Regional Park offers many other fantastic attractions and amenities, including a bandstand, a wading pool, gardens, historical landmarks, bronze sculptures, and a dog-fenced area. Park-goers can access biking and hiking trails leading to different places, including Fort Snelling State Park.

The Guthrie Theater
The Guthrie Theater has been a vital part of the cultural life of Minneapolis and the surrounding region for over half a century. Under Joseph Haj's artistic leadership, the theater produces a combination of classic and contemporary plays staged across its three stages. The Guthrie is also dedicated to developing the works of budding playwrights and cultivating upcoming talent within the theatre world.

The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is a must-visit attraction for any Twin Cities art lover. It's the country's biggest urban sculpture garden, and nearly 50 pieces of art are on display. That includes the 11-acre Spoonbridge and Cherry by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen. The garden has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, with all-new landscaping, walkways, and lighting designed to be more sustainable and easy to use.