Montreal has a rich history in the performing arts and theater scene. Fast forward and today this Canadian city is a popular choice for filming big-screen movies and award-winning festival short films.
From nostalgia-inducing music videos in high school gymnasiums to TV movies about the secret lives of nightclub bartenders, you can host a film shoot of any kind in the city. Just browse our selection of top Montreal studios and you’ll be yelling “Lights, camera, action!” in no time.
Want to know a secret? Indie filmmakers love Giggster because we work modest production budget miracles! With exceptional filming locations at a fraction of the cost, we’ll help you get to the big screen without the big bucks.
For insider tips for navigating the Montreal cinematography scene, planning a video shoot, and finding the perfect filming locations, Giggster is the only resource you need.
Montreal Film Studio Spaces Curated by Giggster
Ready to find film studio spaces that will take your production to the next level? Here’s a snapshot of what the Giggster app has to offer:
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Filming a music video? Take advantage of our selection of recording studios, garage-inspired rehearsal spaces, and live music venues. Whether you need clips of a buzzing crowd rushing the stage or producers messing around in a sound booth, we’ve got you.
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Add a party scene to your production with a private club. From speakeasy-style cocktail bars to multi-level megaclubs with pyrotechnic lights and DJs dominating the dance floor, these spaces have been designed with high visual interest for on-screen impact.
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From a meet-cute with the girl next door to a corporate bigwig’s java boost courtesy of the friendly neighborhood barista, a cutesy coffee shop is a filming location favorite.
Incredible Film Studio Spaces in Montreal Start at $20 CAD/hour
Exceptional Variety & Quality: Time is money, so coming to a one-stop shop like Giggster to book an extraordinary studio space is the secret to looking like a seasoned industry professional. Our wide range of 296 film studio spaces in Montreal is bound to fit every artistic vision.
Hassle-Free Booking: Count on our expertise to navigate the logistics of bookings. The Giggster app takes the guesswork out of booking by listing every important studio detail on our site. Low-production budget? We’re not worried about it! We can connect you with Hollywood-grade filming spaces starting at just $20 CAD/hour.
24-Hour Free Cancellation Policy: Film productions are notorious for delays—even the hottest directors out there can't prevent a messy schedule. Don’t let inflexible contracts throw things out of whack! Our free cancellations allow you to bump things back—you'll have free cancellation for a booking canceled within 24 hours of confirmation, provided the booking is made at least 48 hours before the event.
Platform Protections: Damage and liability issues can make you want to pull your hair out, don't they? Add a protection plan to your reservation (completely optional) and we will provide you with our unwavering support, so you can film at top studios like Versatile, Bright open studio with cyclorama without the risk.
Things to Consider for Film Shoot in Montreal
Before you book a venue and begin pre-production setup, there are a few things you need to know about shooting in Montreal. We’ve prepared a quick pros/cons list to help you navigate the planning process, so you can focus on what matters most:
Advantages
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As a top filming destination in Canada, you can build your crew from the ground up with local talent. Montreal is a hotspot for creativity, making adding a makeup artist, lighting tech, or cinematographer to your team as easy as can be.
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Photography and videography equipment are also easy to source within the city.
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Planning a large-scale production? Montreal offers plenty of tax breaks and incentives to encourage growth in the local film industry.
Disadvantages
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Popular sets and access to famous landmarks located in Montreal can be expensive, and book up far in advance.
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Canadian weather can be a fickle thing, which can cause unexpected delays in a production schedule.
What Kind of Venue Can I Rent for Film Shoots in Montreal?
Perhaps one of the most integral project decisions that a producer will make for their project is where to shoot. Here are a few of the incredible location types you can rent in Montreal with the Giggster app.
Artist Lofts – Eclectic, NYC-Inspired Photo Studios. With a mix of '70s funk and contemporary design, these boho venues would make a great choice for lifestyle shoots and films. Can’t you just see your main character kicking back in their apartment of exposed brick, houseplants, and retro kitchen nook?
Recreation Spaces – Back To School Cool. If you’re looking to catch the next Troy Bolton moment on film, you need to check out these production-approved recreation sets. From basketball courts and school gymnasiums to dance and yoga studios, your characters/models can break a sweat in an authentic setting.
Production Studios – Shoot Anything, Anywhere. For maximum versatility, why not rent a giant warehouse that has been specifically designed for filming? With stages, soundproofing, green screens, post-production facilities, and cycloramas, these film studios can be outfitted with multiple sets so you can get all your shots in the same place.
Private Houses – On the Homestead. No matter how your main character lives, there’s a Montreal home to bring your vision to life. After all, there’s no homestead more convincing than one that’s lived in. Rustic stone cottages? Check. Countryside manors? Check. Cozy suburbans, dark palette bachelor pads, and high-end waterfront estates that scream “old money”? Check, check, and check.
How to Plan a Film Shoot in Montreal
The only way to ensure a film set runs effectively and efficiently is to plan, plan, and overplan. You don't have to run a tight ship, but here are a few areas you may want to direct your focus during the pre-production phase if you want to bring your A-game:
Make a Storyboard/Script – Deciding what you want your project to look and sound like and then communicating that to everyone involved is the first big transition in taking an idea from your head to the screen. Make sure your vision is clear to everyone involved from star performers to behind-the-scenes crews.
Nail Down Your Shot List – Make sure every single shot you need to make your production a success is accounted for-including b roll and alternate angles. The last thing you want is to get to post-production and realize something was overlooked or needs to be reshot.
Figure Out a Realistic Schedule and Timeline – Having a schedule is important for creating contracts and budgets and keeping everything on track, but it’s also important to build some flexibility into said schedules so when things take longer than expected (because they will) you don’t run out of time.
How to Save Money on Your Film Shoot in Montreal
Whether you have a virtually limitless production budget or a meager amount of money to spend, we can help you cut costs and increase your profits. Here are some of your favorite ways to film for less, without sacrificing video quality:
Make use of natural light.
Lighting equipment is not cheap and neither is hiring professionals who know how to use it properly. Using spaces with ample natural light or shooting outdoors will cut back on these costs significantly—if you have enough natural light, then lighting is free!
Focus on post-production pros.
Poor editing, sound mixing, and special effects can ruin even the best film projects. If you have to choose between expensive costumes and props or an editing crew, hire the pros.
Get it right the first time (or in as few takes as you can).
Nobody is perfect, but in this industry time is money. Putting in extra effort during rehearsals and double-checking every detail before you shoot will help cut back on costly trial and error.
Montreal Film Studio Spaces with Giggster
Filmmakers, meet the Giggster app. From a fully equipped studio with professional lighting and room for multiple sets to a private house with lake access, our selection of exceptional Montreal filming locations will ensure you get the shot in no time!
