About Tucson
Tucson, Arizona is known as the City of Sunshine and offers plenty of fun to be had by both locals and tourists. It can be found just a hundred miles away from Phoenix and has a population of more than 520,000 people as of 2010. The city is a bilingual community, with a large percentage of the population speaking Spanish and English. On the west and east of Tucson are two sections of the Saguaro National Park. The city is surrounded by desert, and the scenic views plus warm weather draw in visitors throughout the year.
There’s also a nearby mountain range offering hiking trails, campsites, and more outdoor fun. Tucson also holds plenty of attractions, museums, historical sites, eateries, and parks. In addition to the close proximity to Phoenix, Tucson is also close to unique small towns, like Bisbee and Tombstone. The city is also home to a major educational institute the University of Arizona.
Filming Options in Tucson
Your Tucson, Arizona filming location can utilize plenty of options in the city. From the required gear to delicious catering options, you can find whatever you might need for your next filming project.
- Gear
You need plenty of gear when filming in Tucson, from the right cameras to good lighting setups and rigs. You can rent everything you need from reputable companies in the city. You can also employ production crews and they often use their own equipment.
- Space
Tucson and nearby major cities have ample studio space you can utilize for your next filming project. You can find spaces of varying sizes, and some come with the included use of amenities. The studio space you find might also offer editing rooms, administrative offices, changing stations, and more.
- Catering
Catering isn’t required when filming in Tucson, but it can be a good way to enhance the entire mood of your project. It’s also a delicious way to show appreciation for your crew and all the work they do.
Filming Companies in Tucson
You’ll have numerous companies to use when working in Tucson for any creative project. There are also nearby major cities you can consider.
- Chef Chic
Chef Chic is the top catering company you can consider using in Tucson. They have experience catering to multiple types of events, from corporate parties to weddings and bridal showers. Chef Chic can work on large or small events all around Tucson, and they always strive to use fresh ingredients. This company can provide top-notch menus for your filming project.
- Arizona Cine Equipment
You’ll find plenty of filming gear to use from Arizona Cine Equipment. You can rent nearly everything you might need, from cameras and lenses to tripods and lighting rigs. Knowledgeable staff members can offer insight and advice on provided equipment, and help you gather everything you’ll need. You’ll also be able to find audio equipment at Arizona Cine Equipment.
- The Annabelle Studio
The Annabelle Studio in Tucson offers versatile studio space you can rent for a range of events. The studio has been used for family photo shoots, wedding photography, live-streamed events, parties, and much more. While this space is designed with photographers in mind, it can be used for numerous types of creative projects.
Pros and Cons of Filming in Tucson
Tucson has pros and cons just like any other city you’ll find in Arizona. It’s always best to know about the good and bad sides of anywhere you plan to work.
Advantages
- Mountains
There are mountains all around the city of Tucson, providing stunning views no matter where you are. This means there are plenty of places to enjoy hiking, including on popular trails like the Signal Hill Trail and Ventana Canyon Hiking Trail.
- Sunshine
It’s sunny most of the time in Tucson, which is a major benefit of being there. It’s sunny over 280 days each year, and the sunsets you’ll see in the city are one of a kind.
- Nightlife
Clubs and bars in Tucson don’t close until two in the morning, leading the city to grow a vibrant and rich nightlife. A major draw is the cowboy-themed bars to experience.
Disadvantages
- Heat
The sun might be great in Tucson, but the heat can become unbearable in the summer. The months of July and August are usually the hottest.
- No seasons
Most of the year is enjoyable in Tucson, but you won’t experience much of a season change. It gets slightly cooler in the winter, but don’t expect any snow.
- Dangerous pests
One of the biggest downsides of Tucson is the dangerous pests you might encounter here. This includes black widow spiders, rattlesnakes, and scorpions. Tarantulas are common too, but not as dangerous as long as you don’t touch them.
Famous Locations in Tucson
- Saguaro National Park
There are two sections to the Saguaro National Park, found on the west and east of Tucson. It provides some of the best ways to explore the Sonoran Desert, with opportunities to hike and spot native Arizona wildlife. Each section of the park has something unique to offer. Saguaro West in the Tucson Mountain District has multiple scenic drives and a rugged landscape. Saguaro East in the Rincon Mountain District has shorter hikes and easier land to traverse.
- Pima Air and Space Museum
The largest privately funded air museum found anywhere in the world is in Tucson. The museum holds over 400 spacecraft and aircraft, including JFK’s presidential plane. There’s also a replica of the Wright Brothers Flyer from 1903. The Pima Air and Space Museum covers six hangars and more than 80 acres of space. There are tram tours of the museum, and bus tours of the nearby Boneyard.
- Reid Park Zoo
Despite the relatively small size, Reid Park Zoo boasts an impressive exhibit of animals. Some of the animals that visitors can see include giraffes, bears, tigers, elephants, and lions. The zoo is divided into three loops and features a few interactive activities. One of these activities includes getting to feed the giraffes. There is also an express train for guests, and different activities are offered every day.
