About Tampa
One of Florida’s most beloved vacation hotspots, Tampa is an urban center situated along the Gulf Coast. A city renowned for its world-class beaches, incredible restaurants, and popular amusement parks and attractions, Tampa is one metropolitan area that has a lot to commend it.
One of Tampa’s biggest drawing cards is its tremendous food culture. The city is well known for its Latin cuisine with the Cuban sandwich having become the must-have dish when in Tampa. In an urban center with a very diverse population base, you can find nearly any type of cuisine your heart desires here. From Thai, Japanese, Cuban, and Cantonese to Caribbean, Jamaican, diner-style classic American, and even fast food, Tampa is a city that offers it all.
Tampa enjoys sunshine and blue skies nearly every day of the year. Though the city does undergo an annual tropical storm season, most often it is possible to enjoy time in the great outdoors in your favorite active pursuits. Because of its beautiful climate, Tampa is home to many festivals and outdoor attractions each year including the Cuban Sandwich Festival, Tampapolooza, Sunset Music Festival, and Tampa Bay Margarita Festival.
If you’re thinking of including some footage of this scenic city in your next movie, TV show, or commercial, you’ll be pleased to discover the city has many spots that make for the ideal Tampa filming locale.
Filming Options in Tampa
The hunt for the perfect spot in which to do some Tampa filming can mean a lot of traveling throughout the city, taking you on an exhilarating journey through this scenic urban center. Once you’ve made your final decision, it’s time to get your venue perfectly outfitted with everything you’ll need for a successful film shoot. That’s where some of Tampa’s top professionals can be a big help to you.
- Audio-Visual Equipment Rentals
Could you use an upgrade in your equipment before tackling any Tampa filming sessions? Not much money to spend on new gear? Not a problem. There are many excellent audio-visual equipment rental companies in Tampa that offer flexible rental terms and affordable payment plans, giving you access to the tools you need without breaking the bank in the process.
- Prop Rentals
Are you in need of a few props to complete your set at your Tampa filming locale? Not really looking to make a permanent purchase? Why not rent the items you need from one of the city’s most highly recommended prop rental stores? With an excellent selection of everything from wigs, costumes, and stage makeup to furniture, décor, artwork, and even handmade props, you’re sure to find every item on your wish list for a price you can afford with one of Tampa’s best prop rental stores working for you.
- Catering
Staff members do their best work when they are well fed and motivated to deliver their best performances. Keep morale at an all-time high by hiring one of Tampa’s best catering companies to provide snacks, meals, beverages, and treats to keep energy levels primed at your filming locale.
Filming Companies in Tampa
Now that you’ve found the perfect place to do some Tampa filming, your next job is putting the finishing touches in place, so production can begin. Tampa is home to some of the best supply vendors, rental companies, security teams, and set decorators in the state, giving you access to an excellent team of professionals to help you get the job done on time and within your budget.
- Bay Stage Live
Bay Stage Live is a top audio-visual equipment rental business located in the heart of Tampa. First opened to the public in 1957, Bay Stage Live is a family-owned and operated company. A team that specializes in all aspects of rental equipment and entertainment technology, Bay Stage Live is proud to provide its customers with delivery, installation services, and real-time technical support to ensure the success of their event.
- Kate Ryan Event Rentals
Kate Ryan Event Rentals is a top-tier prop and party supply company specializing in rental items for events of all sizes and styles. A team of professionals with a focus on attention to detail, Kate Ryan Event Rentals works collaboratively with each of their clients to help them achieve their ideal vision for their event.
- Catering by the Family
Catering by the Family is one of the most popular catering companies serving the Tampa Bay region. A company that is well renowned for its excellent customer service and exceptional cuisine, Catering by the Family takes great pride in the quality of its product and its affordable pricing. In business since 1976, the cuisine prepared by Catering by the Family has earned a reputation for its innovation, flavor, and beauty.
Pros and Cons of Filming in Tampa
Though Tampa is a city with much to offer those who live here and those who visit, there are still positives and negatives to consider before committing to do some filming here.
Advantages
- Reasonable cost of living expenses
Tampa residents are exempt from paying state income taxes. These substantial cost savings helps to make prices lower than normal for everyone involved.
- Lots of yearly festivals
There are many exciting festivals you can explore in Tampa each year. Some of the most well-attended outdoor events here include the Cuban Sandwich Festival, Shark Con, the Tampa Bay Pride Parade, and the Gasparilla International Film Festival.
- Exciting food culture
Since Tampa is a multicultural city, nearly any type of cuisine you desire can be found here. From American barbecue to Tex-Mex tacos, you can find a plethora of great choices.
Disadvantages
- Very few efficient public transportation opportunities
Though there are several public transit options in this urban center, most are very inefficient and cannot be relied on if timeliness is important.
- Lots of traffic
Tampa, like most sizeable cities, is heavily trafficked. You can expect a minimum commute time of 20 minutes from the center of the city to the suburbs each day.
- Lots of tropical storms
Tampa is deeply affected by tropical weather events such as hurricanes, high winds, and flooding from June through November each year.
Famous Locations in Tampa
- Empower Adventures
If you’re looking for your next great adventure, why not give ziplining at Empower Adventures a try? Located in Tampa itself, Empower Adventures offers a two-hour zip lining experience that is sure to get your adrenaline flowing.
- Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center at Apollo Beach
Located at Apollo Beach you will find a manatee sanctuary adjacent to the Tampa Electric power facility. The manatees gather in this location, drawn by the warmth of the water. A free attraction, picnic tables are provided on the premises for those wishing to enjoy the natural beauty of the region over a light lunch or snack.
- Tampa Bay History Center
The Tampa Bay History Center records the history of the region from 12,000 years ago to the present. One of the most popular attractions here is a new feature called the Treasure Seekers Gallery where you can discover such interesting exhibits as a replica of a pirate ship and artifacts from the 1600s such as cannons and navigational tools.
