About Omaha
Omaha is a vibrant city in the U.S. Midwest, known for its Big Red History and home to classical western movies. This city has been associated with classic films like The Searchers and They Died With Their Boots On for almost a century. Filmmaking continues to play a big part in Omaha as new films emerge every year, boosting the local economy. Omaha also offers great attractions like Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium and The Durham Museum, making it an attractive destination for tourists from all over. Additionally, the city is renowned for shopping, nightlife, festivals, delicious cuisine, and live entertainment. As a fun fact about Omaha – did you know it’s home to one of Warren Buffett’s first investing successes?
Today, the city is home to many production companies and post-production facilities, making it an ideal location for filmmakers. Omaha offers a variety of filming locations, from historic neighborhoods to modern skyline views, and the city's diverse population provides a richness and depth often lacking in other cities. In addition, Omaha's central location makes it easy to access other major cities in the region. As a result, Omaha is an increasingly popular destination for filmmakers looking to create content that resonates with a broad audience.
Filming Options in Omaha
- Videography
Hiring a professional videographer is a great way to ensure that your filming goes smoothly and looks polished. They will be able to capture all the critical moments of your shoot and have the experience and equipment necessary to ensure the final product looks great.
- Equipment Rental
If you don't have the necessary equipment for your filming, renting it from a local company can be a great option. This way, you won't have to worry about transporting or setting up any equipment yourself, and you'll be able to get everything you need all in one place.
- Props
Props appear in your film or video and help set the scene. There are all sorts of props, from furniture to clothing to food. You can usually find props at a local thrift or craft store if you don't have any props.
Filming Vendors in Omaha
- Sonburst Communication
Sonburst Communication is an event planning and video production firm based in Omaha, Nebraska, that has been active in the filming field for over 15 years. Sonburst is a firm that provides services to businesses and organizations throughout the Midwest. Sunburst's clients vary from startups to international corporations, giving them an objective perspective they can use to customize each production according to the client. Decades of experience allow their team of experts to take your project above and beyond what you thought was possible.
- Glory Visuals
Necessitating more video content in Omaha, Nebraska, Darren and Austin decided to join forces and start a new video production company. With businesses and artists finding it increasingly difficult to compete in a digital world, video content is essential to capture paying customers' attention. Glory Visuals creates rich visuals for companies and individuals and commercial and promotional content, music videos, wedding films, and other filming.
- Midwest Sound & Lighting
More than 40 years of expertise combining sound, lighting, filming, and video systems that work and consistently exceed expectations. At Midwest Sound & Lighting, they pride themselves in being able to adjust technology to fit clients' needs best - whether you're having a casual conversation or delivering a speech to hundreds of people. Midwest truly believes that art and science can be combined, which is evident in their work.
Pros and Cons of Filming in Omaha
Omaha, Nebraska, has recently become a major filming hub for many productions due to its variety of shooting locations and cost-effectiveness. However, it is important to consider the Pros and Cons of filming in Omaha before deciding.
Advantages
- Omaha boasts diverse settings – from rural farmland to urban streets and industrial areas – offering filmmakers plenty of creative opportunities.
- Filming in the city is relatively cost-effective due to incentives such as tax credits and rebates on hotel stays and other related expenses.
- Omaha's robust infrastructure provides easy access to transportation services like bus lines, airports, and railways. This simplifies getting actors, crew members, equipment, and props to the right locations quickly and efficiently.
Disadvantages
- Because it's not a major film hub like Los Angeles or New York City, Omaha may lack certain resources for larger productions, such as specialized equipment or crews with extensive experience in specific genres or disciplines.
- Nebraska has fairly strict labor laws that may pose challenges for filmmakers from out-of-state organizations looking to employ professionals while shooting in Omaha.
- The weather in Nebraska can be unpredictable at times; sudden storms can arise without warning which could cause delays in production schedules if proper planning isn't done ahead of time.
Tips on How to Organize Filming in Omaha
The filmmaking process can be overwhelming, especially your first time. Here are a few tips to help you organize and make the most of your shoot:
- Plan: This may seem common sense, but planning is critical in any project. Make a shot list and storyboard, and determine what you need equipment-wise. This will help you stay organized on the day of the shoot.
- Delegate tasks: Assign specific tasks to different people on set and ensure everyone knows what they are responsible for. This will help avoid confusion and ensure everyone is on the same page.
- Stay calm and organized: The shoot day can be chaotic, but stay calm and focused. If something goes wrong, take a deep breath and figure out a solution. The more organized you are, the smoother the shoot will go.
Famous Locations in Omaha
- Gene Leahy Mall
In the 1970s, Downtown Omaha struggled due to businesses and shoppers leaving. To revive it, Gene Leahy - mayor at the time - proposed building a Central Park Mall. The mall eventually became something of Leahy's legacy when it was renamed after him in the 1990s. The Gene Leahy Mall is an urban park in Omaha, Nebraska, that features a lake, walking trails, sculptures, and various flora and fauna. The 14.8-acre park was built in the 1970s as part of a citywide revitalization movement that provided greenery to the town's core. It is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in Omaha.
- The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge
The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge was completed in 2008 and extended 3000 feet to connect Omaha, Nebraska, to Council Bluffs, Iowa. Its $22 million price tag features a recognition-worthy design with the best skyline views of any cityscape. You can find live music and an interactive jet fountain at the riverfront Omaha Plaza located on the Nebraska side of this picturesque walkway during the summer months. If you want to up the ante on your workout, the cable-stayed bridge provides access to more than 150 miles of nature trails for running, hiking, and biking. The bridge is illuminated at night by over 8,000 LEDs, making it a picturesque background location popular among photographers and film crews.
- General Crook House Museum
The General Crook House Museum is in the historic Field Club neighborhood of Omaha, Nebraska. The museum is housed in a Victorian-style home built in 1879 by General George Crook, a Civil War veteran and one of the most decorated generals in American history. After Crook died in 1890, the house was sold to a private family who occupied it for nearly a century. In the late 1970s, the house was donated to the Omaha Historical Society and opened to the public as a museum. Visitors to the museum can tour the Victorian-style home and see original furnishings, family belongings, and personal items belonging to the Crooks. The museum also features a variety of temporary exhibits that rotate throughout the year.
