About Orlando
There is more to Orlando than theme parks, conventions, and golf. Orlando is also known for its rich culture in performing arts, healthcare, high-tech, film, video, and digital media. The industries housed in Orlando are as rich and as diverse as the population. Of course, visitors to the Orlando area also have the choice of theme parks or experiencing the natural landscape.
This diversity makes for great, and unexpected video shoot locations. Whether in the tourist corridor, in the medical city cluster known as Lake Nona, or in any one of the 115 neighborhoods in the Orlando MSA, the scenes of Orlando bring a multitude of definitions and tones from this one location.
Orlando is very supportive of the film and television industry. In conjunction with Universal and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the University of Central Florida’s College of Arts and Humanities and Full Sail University draw new media students to Central Florida for study and work. Orlando is the perfect location for video shoots in terms of the variety of scenery, local support of the industry, and the deep pool of local talent.
Video Shoot Location Options in Orlando
The multi-media industry is an important driver of the local economy. The local talent supports all related services to a video shoot location by way of pre-and post-production support and crews.
- Staging
The services and products in the video shoot category are set designers, labor, and catering, although on a much smaller scale than a full production. There are locally owned businesses in Orlando that support all aspects of a video shoot.
- Catering
Of the ancillary services supporting a video shoot, the most remembered (and scrutinized) is the catering. Food services to a video shoot location is an art form in and of itself with specific serving detail and coordination.
- Equipment Rental
There is a multitude of local companies offering rentals of equipment and fixtures for technical and special effects, live streaming, lighting, and A/V. These services can be supplemented with design talent. The contract labor for set-up and breakdown of a video shoot can be included within the rental scope.
Video Shoot Location Companies in Orlando
- The Production HUB
This resource has proven invaluable to the video industry with its clearinghouse-style list of companies located in Orlando. The companies within the HUB serve all aspects of a video shoot and the end product. Orlando is served by this solution-based system to complete the crew for the video shoot and the talent for post-production.
- Pro-Gear Orlando
This locally owned company offers camera accessories, flash and continuous lighting and rent, and grip and contract labor for hire. The services for equipment rental can be supplemented with design talent. With years of experience and great reviews, this is one of the many exceptional gear companies in the city.
- Reel Time Production Catering
Founded in 1988 and sponsored by the Production HUB, this company’s flagship service is full-service catering to production locations. Off-premises catering involves the efficiency of self-containment and allegiance to a timetable within a flexible schedule. This service must be delivered without compromises on quality and variety.
The Pros and Cons of Video Shoot Locations in Orlando
When weighing the pros and cons of anything, it takes an open mind and the ability to step back and evaluate the big picture. One advantage is no more important than any disadvantage, but everything must be placed into the context of the project and the flexibility of the team. The list below is an attempt to address the main considerations of a video shoot location in Orlando for the basis of an informed decision.
Advantages
- Orlando film commission
The Orlando Film Commission provides troubleshooting services in all jurisdictions within the MSA. This resource has proven valuable in both time and money to visiting video producers.
- Climate
As is typical in the sub-tropics, the summers are hot and humid, and the winters are mild and dry. The average temperatures in the summer range between 72° to 95°F, and the winter average is 60°F.
- Transportation
The roadways in Orlando are interconnected and easily traveled. The regional highways form a loop around the downtown core.
Disadvantages
- Transportation
Although there are positive aspects to the roadways within the Orlando MSA, the region is car-dependent. The city core and the areas to the North and South are served by a commuter rail system known as the Sun Rail. This transit system does not serve visitors within the tourist or the convention corridors.
- Competition
The demand for video shoot locations in Orlando is high. The limit of indoor space or private homes for rent, or iconic outdoor shoot locations, coupled with the permit process, make for a tight market and specific planning.
- Pedestrian challenged
Orlando is a city that is mostly car-dependent. There are specific areas in the downtowns of incorporated cities that are considered walkable, but these areas are small in relation to the neighborhoods and the shopping areas outside of the core.
Famous Locations in Orlando
- Kennedy Space Center
This awesome visitor complex houses interactive exhibits from the space program. The most popular is to participate in the astronaut training simulator. There are behind-the-scenes guided tours to understand the workings of the Space Center like that of an insider.
- Gatorland
One cannot visit Central Florida without the introduction to its alligators. Gatorland is not just about these huge reptiles. This attraction also offers a zipline, a petting zoo, and off-road adventure rides in a 12-foot monster truck.
- Ecotours
All guests in Central Florida are invited to book a kayak tour through the waterways, the natural springs, and the saltwater marshes. Kayaking is the best way to experience the Florida landscape and view eagles, manatees, and alligators in their natural habitat. These tours can be self-guided or arranged through a professional guide.
