About Philadelphia
Philadelphia is a large urban center located in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. A city with cosmopolitan flair, Philadelphia, sometimes referred to as Philly or The City of Brotherly Love, has much to commend it. Philadelphia is comprised of more than 100 neighborhoods that are all unique yet still connected to one another. Each neighborhood has its own distinct charm and features many different types of homes and apartment buildings.
Travelling throughout Philadelphia is simpler than other cities in located in the same region. Public transit readily available here, and commute times average only slightly more than 30 minutes from the outer boroughs into the heart of Philly.
Since Philly is such a scenic city and is full of incredible historical landmarks, it’s not hard to understand why many directors to want to include shots of this great urban center in their films. If you’re on the hunt for the perfect Philadelphia film shoot space, you’ll have no shortage of wonderful places to choose from here.
Film Shoot Options in Philadelphia
Securing the best Philadelphia film shoot location may be time-consuming but after you find that spot, Philly is full of local experts who can help. Philadelphia is home to many supply vendors and set designers that can help you get your venue organized in a jiffy.
- Catering
Keeping your people well-fed is the best way to make sure everything goes smoothly at your Philadelphia film shoot. Philadelphia has a rich food culture, representing cuisines from all over the world. Whether you are looking for coffee and tea service with some sweet treats on the side, sandwiches with some fruit and cheese, or a full hot buffet lunch or supper, the right catering company in Philly can provide you with it all.
- Hair and Makeup
Most film shoots hire local hair stylists and makeup artists to keep their cast looking their best when the cameras roll at their Philadelphia film shoot. There are many Philly beauty professionals with expertise in makeup and hair for the film industry, giving you a wide selection of talented hair stylists and beauty artists from which you can choose.
- Security
Since it’s not possible to be on your film set at all times, it’s a good idea to partner with one of Philadelphia’s best security services to ensure your property and your possessions remain safe and secure at all times. Whether you are looking for on-site security guards, video surveillance equipment, or a sleek and sensitive alarm system, the right security company can ensure you’ve got precisely what you need.
Film Shoot Companies in Philadelphia
You’ve found the perfect spot for your Philly film shoot. Now it’s time to source the right local companies that can help put the final details in place, so filming can begin.
- Philadelphia Catering Company
Specializing in corporate catering for events of all sizes, Philadelphia Catering Company has been proudly serving the people of Philly for more than 15 years. Philadelphia Catering Company began as a small pizzeria known as Powelton Pizza. The pizza shop gained in popularity to such a degree that the catering company was born.
- Beke-Beau Make-Up Artist
Trained in New York City, Beke-Beau Make-Up Artist is one of the leading beauty professionals in Philadelphia. They specialize in makeup application for such events as weddings, film and photo shoots, and corporate events, and have worked with such high-profile clients as Joey McIntyre, Kelly Preston, John Travolta, and Martin Short.
- OPS Security Group
With more than 80 years of combined experience in the industry, OPS Security Group is the team you can count on to keep your property and possessions safe at your Philadelphia film shoot. OPS Security Group has provided their services to executives, business, residents, and government officials in various regions of Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, and Washington D.C.
Pros and Cons of Film Shoots in Philadelphia
With its abundance of attractions and historical significance, Philadelphia is a city that sees many visitors each year. Still, even with so much to commend it, there are many advantages and disadvantages to selecting Philly as the ideal place for your film shoot.
Advantages
- Nostalgic charm
A city with a rich historical past, Philadelphia may be a large metropolitan center, but it still retains the quaint feel of a small town.
- Well situated for travel
Philadelphia is ideally situated for those who like to travel by land or by air to other urban centers in the United States and Canada such as Boston, New York City, Montreal, and Toronto.
- Reasonable cost of living
Though the cost of living in Philadelphia is higher than what you would pay in smaller suburban areas, it is reasonable when compared to metropolitan cities such as New York or Boston.
Disadvantages
- Poor air quality
Because of its population density and heavy traffic flow, the air quality in Philadelphia is quite poor.
- Excessive crime rate
As with most urban centers, Philadelphia does suffer from an excessively high crime rate.
- Poor parking options
Philadelphia is one city where it is very difficult to find a parking place. This is also a common problem in the suburbs and residential regions of the city.
Famous Locations in Philadelphia
- Philadelphia Museum of Art
The Philadelphia Museum of Art houses one of the biggest collections of rare and valuable artworks in the country. Of particular interest are the medieval exhibits on display here which include work by Rogier van der Weyden and the van Eycks. The steps leading up to the museum are the famed steps seen in the popular Rocky series of films.
- LOVE Park
This popular plaza has been renamed LOVE Park and provides access to the Philadelphia’s Museum Mile, the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the Barnes Foundation, the Franklin Institute, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The focal point of this recreational are is the LOVE sculpture created by Robert Indiana.
- Philadelphia Zoo
True animal lovers will not want to miss the chance to visit the Philadelphia Zoo. Home to many exotic and domestic animals, one of the most popular attractions at this animal facility is Big Cat Falls, a section of the zoo that includes a natural habitat for large cats that includes some beautiful waterfalls to keep the cats cool and provide a scenic backdrop.