About Hoboken
Hoboken, New Jersey is the home of Frank Sinatra, the first baseball game, and zippers, among other things. What’s not to love? The city is on the Hudson River, directly across from Greenwich Village in New York City.
The industrial vibe of the city has moved along with the closure of the ports and businesses that used to call it home. Today, it’s a trendy city known for its vibrant culture and access to green spaces and New York City. The population is around 60,000 people.
Filming Options in Hoboken
Filming options in Hoboken offer the best of all features. There are waterfront locations, busy city streets, coffee houses, and detailed architecture. The interiors of filming locations are ready for lights and the camera, with acoustics and natural light that augment any project. Add in the support companies in the city and your project is ready for action.
- Catering
Hostess Cupcakes, Wonder Bread, and Maxwell House Coffee have all had their headquarters in Hoboken at one time. Luckily, the food scene has evolved, and catering can offer you five-star experiences or some of the Hoboken favorites.
- Furniture Rentals
The remnants of the port city are still alive and well in one respect – it’s still incredibly easy to secure any furniture and equipment that you need in Hoboken. A variety of companies are ready and waiting to fill your order, including delivery and clean-up.
- Transportation
The Hudson River and the narrow streets of Hoboken can create some transportation challenges. But the companies in the city know the area like the back of their hand and can take care of all your travel needs.
Filming Companies in Hoboken
Filming companies in Hoboken know how much is riding on your project. They’ll handle all the details on their part so that you can focus on the critical issue of creating the best film possible.
- Hudson Table
At Hudson Table, it’s not a meal, it’s an experience. They can cater some of the most delicious meals you’ve ever had. If that leaves you hungry for more, they also offer classes and meal kits so you can recreate the experience on your own. Catering menus are fully customizable and include curated seasonal menus and full-service drop-off.
- Eventa Design and Production Company
Eventa Design and Production Company works with everything from corporate events to red carpet arrivals. Their team can facilitate the filming process logistics from start to finish or fill in any gaps you have. The list of companies they’ve worked with reads like a who’s who for the corporate and media industries.
- Hoboken A-1 Limousine
Hoboken A-1 Limousine has a fleet of cars ranging from a minivan to an SUV that will get you where you need to be. Their service includes limos and taxis, so there is something for every budget. They regularly provide executive service and airport transfers.
Pros and Cons of Filming Options in Hoboken
It is not all blue eyes and baseballs; there are pros and cons of filming options in Hoboken. Whether it ends up being a home run or striking out is dependent on the needs of your film project.
Advantages
- Culture
Hoboken has a long history of being at the center of innovation and culture in New Jersey. It’s a vibrant community with an urban atmosphere while maintaining a community feel. There are also plenty of parks, waterway trails, and green spaces to explore.
- Manhattan feel
Hoboken makes you feel like you’re in Manhattan without the price tag of filming there. It’s a great location because of its proximity, but the price point better aligns with the budget on most filming sets.
- Access
There are a lot of ways in and out of Hoboken and that’s a distinct advantage. It’s easy to arrive in the city by plane, train, bus, or private car, thanks to the proximity of New York City transportation hubs and the interstate system. Getting to and from the city won’t break any budgets and the options mean you can choose what works best for you.
Disadvantages
- Air quality
The smog in Hoboken and its effect on the air quality index can be problematic. In fact, New Jersey has some of the worst air quality in the entire country. Pay attention to the air quality index and take precautions if needed as you are working in the city.
- Winter weather
Beware of Mother Nature. The winter weather in Hoboken can hamper your filming and travel plans. Although the storms rarely shut the entire city down, they can cause delays and other stressful situations.
- Congestion
It can feel like the city of Hoboken is closing in on you. The congestion gets intense, with a lot of people trying to come and go. To top it off, it’s not exactly safe to bike-commute or go for walks. Expect to spend some time dealing with crowds and traffic to get where you want to go.
Famous Locations in Hoboken
- Pier A Park
Pier A Park was once part of the major ports on the Hudson River that served the city and beyond. Today, the park offers views of the Manhattan skyline. There’s a great lawn and gazebo to enjoy. The adventurous can also go fishing.
- Sybil’s Cave
The Stevens Family created Sybil’s Cave in 1832 as a man-made folly, and today, it has the distinction of being the oldest man-made structure in Hoboken. There is a natural spring inside of it and a gothic arch at the front. The family home became the Stevens Institute of Technology, and today, visitors can take a self-guided tour of Sybil’s Cave.
- Frank Sinatra Statue
It’s a toss-up between the birthplace of the game of baseball monument and the Frank Sinatra Statue. If you only have time for one, go to the Frank Sinatra Statue. It was just dedicated and released on December 12, 2021 – what would have been his 106th birthday. The statue is located so that Frank’s back is to the Hudson River and Manhattan, creating a striking image.
