About Boston
Boston is a New England city that overflows with historical significance and pride. “Beantown”, as it’s known to the locals, is the capital of Massachusetts and is home to many award-winning sports franchises. It is also the most populated city in New England, boasting some of the most prestigious universities around: MIT and Harvard.
When filming your next project, Boston might very well be the best place for it! Beautiful natural areas, regal red brick buildings, and quintessential New England aesthetics make filming in Boston a joy. Whether you are working on a small low-budget project or a major motion picture, you’ll love what Boston has to offer.
Filming Options in Boston
What do you need to make the best Boston filming experience ever? Find the best businesses Boston has to offer and start there.
The quality of your equipment is going to be the quality of your film. Depending on what you want your video to look like, you’ll need to acquire the essentials like a video camera, tripod, camera light, lighting kit, shotgun mic, boom pole, wireless mics, cables, and laptops just to get started. There are varying qualities and price ranges for each of these pieces.
Getting the right lighting is key. This means filming at the appropriate time of day if it is an outdoor shot, but also getting the right lighting equipment to really make the scene look the way you envision it. Correct lighting can set any sort of mood, can highlight important areas, and bring your scene to life.
Make sure you have the correct sound equipment when filming in Boston. Microphones, booms, hidden mics, and recorders are must-haves, just to name a few. When it comes to sound quality for your film, you want the best quality, top-of-the-line sound equipment that you can afford.
Once your filming is complete, it is time to actually turn it into a video. There are tons of paid and free options available for video editing software. You can either acquire them online or at any electronics retailer. Video editing programs are the difference between a poor quality film and a professional one.
Filming Companies in Boston
Help with your Boston filming project is just what you need for everything to go off without a hitch. Hire the right company to help you smooth out the wrinkles and your film production will be perfect.
Whatever kind of equipment you need for your Boston filming project, Hunt’s Photo & Video is sure to have it. They have a wide variety of cameras, sound equipment, lighting, and everything between. Every type of brand at every price point makes it easier to get exactly what you need for your shoot.
One of the parts of making a film is, of course, the casting. Look to Boston Casting Inc. for talent that’s ready to work. Their database is constantly updated and they’ve got an amazing resume of movies, commercials and more to brag about.
If you love all things film or want to submit your very own film to a festival, check out Boston Film Festival which happens annually in September. Meet other filmmakers, interact with cinephiles, and maybe even win an award for your masterpiece! BFF has celebrated independent films for over 35 years and has become a staple on the Boston entertainment calendar.
Pros and Cons of Filming in Boston
Advantages
Not only are these university grounds gorgeous, but they have also built a community of intellectuals and artists. MIT and Harvard are just a few of the 35 universities found in this small city.
Boston is great for walking and biking! Get from one shot to the next with ease in this very walkable city.
There is a ton of rich American history around every corner in this city. Follow a map or just wander around and you’re sure to find something miraculous.
Need a lively crowd for your video? The fanfare for sports teams in Boston is unmatched!
New England is known for its natural and historic beauty. There are plenty of aesthetically pleasing places to film in Boston at any time of the year.
Disadvantages
Being the largest populated city in New England, Boston’s rent and cost of living has gone up significantly and will continue to grow as the city evolves.
This is a city that is always under construction. Plus, the roads were built to be windy, small, and as a result, end up being confusing to follow. It’s easy to get lost while driving and you’ll inevitably find a road closed off for repairs.
Bostonians love their Patriots, Bruins, and Red Sox to the point of self-identity. So when it’s game time, expect every major road into the city and every street near these stadiums to be a complete mess.
Slushy roads, wet shoes, Nor’easters. Boston is cold and nasty, weatherwise, during the chillier months. So bundle up when filming in Boston!
Famous Locations in Boston
No trip to Boston is complete without visiting the 90-year-old, 500-pound green sea turtle: Myrtle the Turtle. She is a legend at the New England Aquarium alongside hundreds of other rare and beautiful aquatic species who attract thousands of visitors every year.
One of the oldest and most beloved baseball parks in the country, Fenway Park is home to the Boston Red Sox. Walk Yawkey Way and take in the full immersion and majesty of a classic baseball experience. Hot dogs, beers, songs, and fanfare await!
Take a walk through history on the Boston Freedom Trail. This trail highlights 16 historic sites which tell the story of part of our nation’s beginnings. See monuments like Paul Revere’s run, the site of the Boston Massacre, and Boston Commons. If your filming project in Boston has a historical feel, consider shooting at a unique historical venue with award-winning spirits for that classic Boston vibe.
- Symphony Hall/Boston Pops
The Boston Symphony Orchestra is one of the prides of Boston, having created breathtaking performances for over 140 years. Symphony Hall rings with both classical and contemporary music played by these talented stars who perform over 250 concerts a year.
