About Orlando
Orlando, located in the central region of Florida, is a city that attracts millions of tourists each year. It has become known as a major entertainment destination thanks to its many attractions, including theme parks such as Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld.
Creative professionals can find numerous opportunities to work on set or behind the scenes in Orlando. With its abundance of film studios and soundstages available for rent or lease, this legendary city is an attractive option for filmmakers who want to produce their projects away from Hollywood. The production spaces in Orlando often offer high-end equipment such as lights, cameras, and recording devices needed for creative projects – some even come with experienced crew members qualified to help with any project.
Filmmakers who decide to set up shop in this vibrant city will find themselves surrounded by endless possibilities when creating their masterpieces. That’s why it’s not surprising that Orlando is considered one of the top destinations in America when it comes to filmmaking and content creation.
Production Options in Orlando
- Producers
A producer is essential for any large-scale production. They are responsible for coordinating all of the moving parts of a film shoot and ensuring that everything comes together on schedule. There are many talented producers in Orlando who have years of experience working in TV and film.
- Videography
When arranging a production in Orlando, there are several video professionals to select from. Some specialize in wedding videography, while others are experts in corporate or commercial imaging. To find the right pro for your project, take the time to research different videographers and check out their portfolios.
- Photography
There are lots of photographers to choose from when planning a production in Orlando. Whether you need an expert wedding photographer or someone experienced in portraits or commercial work, you’ll have options in Orlando.
- Audio/Visual Equipment rental
Orlando has many audio/visual rental companies in case you need equipment for your production. These businesses carry everything from microphones to projectors, so you're guaranteed to find what you're looking for.
Production Vendors in Orlando
- GSE Audiovisual
GSE is a leading provider of audiovisual and production services in Orlando. They offer a wide range of services, including event planning, audio/visual equipment rentals, and video production. With nearly two decades of experience in the industry, GSE Audiovisual Inc. is worth considering as your equipment supplier for any corporate events or production projects you have coming up. Whether it's audiovisual equipment, lighting, or specialty gear, GSE will have you covered.
- AV Matters
AVM is a top choice for AV rentals in Orlando, whether you want to rent audio-visual equipment or require complete production services. The staff at AV Matters has over a century of producing, planning, and technical expertise, which translates into a professional and stress-free experience. They have saved customers money and time by anticipating possible problems ahead of time. With an expansive warehouse packed with top-notch equipment, they are able to offer fair prices while still being experts in every product.
- FeatherDot Media Group
The staff at FeatherDot Media Group strives to make your ideas a reality. They prioritize getting to know their client’s needs and building lasting relationships that enable them to convey a brand or message that aligns with a product promotion or corporate production goals. FeatherDot Media Group works with clients of all sizes, from small businesses and startups to entrepreneurs and Fortune 500 companies, and is experienced in creating professional content sure to make your product shine.
Pros and Cons of Productions in Orlando
Producing video content in Orlando comes with several potential advantages and disadvantages to consider. From its accessibility and infrastructure to its cost of living and access to resources, here is a look at some of the notable pros and cons of productions in Orlando.
Advantages
- Orlando has a diverse range of locations and settings that can be used to create realistic scenes or backdrops for films or television shows.
- The city also offers a variety of labor options with experienced crew members that can be hired for production needs.
- Tax incentives offered by the state encourage many companies to set up shops in Florida's cities, including Orlando, which promotes overall economic growth within the region.
- Being near countless theme parks, hotels, resorts, and other tourist attractions increases the likelihood of attracting investors as well as actors who may want to be close to these attractions during filming or on their breaks from the set.
Disadvantages
- There is often a shortage of specific equipment needed while producing in Orlando due to a lack of demand outside of the entertainment industry which creates difficulty when sourcing necessary materials on short notice.
- As one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States, traffic congestion can prove problematic when moving crew members between set locations quickly or attempting to film outdoors.
- Accessing certain parts of the city may be difficult due to road closures that occur around certain event schedules, such as Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights, which could cause delays if not accounted for ahead of time.
- Occasional natural disasters like hurricanes can disrupt operations, causing delays in timelines and rising costs while clean-up efforts take place.
Tips on How to Organize Productions in Orlando
Whether you’re filming a movie, television show, or commercial, there are several key components to consider to make sure production goes as smoothly as possible. Here are some tips on setting up production in Orlando:
- Connect with local talent: The Orlando area offers access to many talented casts/crews who are familiar with local venues and resources that can help make your project come together seamlessly. Reach out to local agencies who can help connect you with actors, directors, producers, editors, and more.
- Secure necessary permits: Depending on where you plan on shooting in Orlando, you may need special permits from the county or city government. An experienced production company should be able to navigate the process for you without issue, but it's always good practice to double-check what is required before shooting begins.
- Hire a Production Assistant: A Production Assistant (PA) is essential for making sure all of your equipment is transportable between each location, ensuring that necessary paperwork is filled out correctly for each site visit, and helping distribute call sheets and other pertinent information among cast/crew members throughout the duration of filming, etc.
- Contact local businesses: If your production needs props or equipment rentals while shooting in Orlando, it may be beneficial to contact businesses that provide access to a variety of items ranging from furniture and decorations to costumes and cameras specifically catered towards productions filming in the area.
- Be prepared for emergencies: While most shoots run smoothly without incident, it's always wise to have a plan B in case something unexpected happens during filming, whether it's bad weather conditions or an actor dropping last minute due to unforeseen circumstances. Make sure you have backup plans to be ready when these situations arise!
Famous Locations in Orlando
- International Drive
International Drive, aka the I-Drive area, is home to several of Orlando’s most popular sites, including ICON Park, The Wheel, Madame Tussauds Orlando, Sea Life Orlando Aquarium, and Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditorium. This 11-mile stretch provides access to some of the top attractions in Orlando and can help you get a feel for what the city has to offer. And when you’ve wrapped up production for the day, I-Drive is an excellent spot to relax, grab some food, or pick up some Florida filming accessories and props.
- Universal’s CityWalk
Orlando's CityWalk is a 30-acre outdoor entertainment complex that offers great dining, shopping, live music, and nightlife. This vibrant shopping area is filled with exciting stores, restaurants, live entertainment options, and fun bars. The complex is conveniently located adjacent to Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Islands of Adventure, with a cluster of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options located in Orlando. It's the ideal spot to enjoy cocktails with your friends or family. During peak season, there is a changing concert schedule, so check ahead of time to see who's playing in the neighborhood when you want to go out.
- Celebration
Celebration is a carefully curated community designed by The Walt Disney Company. About 25 miles southwest of Downtown Orlando and just down the road from Disney World, Celebration features picturesque neighborhoods, neatly kept nature trails, and a scenic, lakefront downtown district. Its small-town aesthetic features beautiful natural backdrops, unique restaurants and boutiques, and artful architecture. It is an excellent place to find production space, film shots for your project, or gain creative inspiration.