About Orlando, FL
Orlando, the county seat of Orange County in Central Florida, has a population of 385,000 within the city limits and 1.3 million in the Metro Statistical Area (MSA). The MSA comprises 14 incorporated cities in four counties and 115 distinctive neighborhoods. Although the city is well-known for its fantastic theme parks, like Walt Disney World, there is more to Orlando than that.
Orlando is a culture rich in performing arts, digital media, and entertainment industries. It also has parks, beaches, and other outdoor areas. The warm weather year-round makes it a popular tourist attraction.
Interestingly, a city with a storytelling past becomes the location of both Disney’s Hollywood and Universal Studios, the present-day art of storytelling. Regardless of its history, Orlando stands ready, offering something for everyone, including prime filming locations for photo shoots, music videos, and video shoots.
Film Shoot Location Options in Orlando, FL
Orlando locations offered for a photo shoot or a video shoot are as diverse as Orlando’s communities and neighborhoods. The venues in downtown Orlando are residential, specialty commercial spaces with specific aesthetic features or shell spaces for variations in themes and sets. A filmmaker will find many flavors, scenery, and colors in this one Central Florida location.
Pre-Production
Before the cameras roll, the pre-production logistics and the elements of this phase need to be in place. The project budget is based on the costs within each phase of staging from script writing to the film's distribution. While changes can be made and the scope adapted to these changes, the budget needs to be realistic.
Sound Stage Systems
An essential part of constructing a sound stage is integrating the a/v systems. The technical design of these systems needs to be interchangeable with other communication systems supporting the film. Once designed and integrated, the maintenance, operation, and troubleshooting needs to be contracted with the designer for continuity and efficiency.
Permitting
All filming within the Orlando region requires a permit. The permit process is centralized for submitting the application package to the Orlando Film Commission. This commission will act as a bridge between the film producers and the various jurisdictions in the region.
Film Shoot Location Companies in Orlando, FL
Many local companies offer services and products supporting the film industry in Orlando so you will have no trouble making the most of your filming location. The city has been well exposed to the entertainment industry for many decades, and the leaders in local government recognize the significant contributions to the economic and labor bases.
Sound Stage, Inc.
This A/V integration service provider has been in business in Orlando for over 50 years. Sound Stage, Inc. serves many industries, including the design of sound and visual systems for film sets. The technical talent within can design the A/V communications specific to a client’s expectations and provide service and troubleshooting support until the project is completed.
Adrenaline Films
An essential service of Adrenaline Films is the front-end talent for the setting of the sound stage, the control and make-up rooms, and the warehouse space. This team comprises the vision of the producers and the technical artists of this production company to determine the scope of the pre-production plan.
NG Production Films
NG Production Films prides itself on its creative range of video production services in Orlando. They create TV commercials, unique branding videos, and testimonial storylines that inspire ideas and tell compelling stories. Their videos are of high quality and have won awards, showcasing their commitment to excellence. With their combination of talent and passion, they are sure to exceed your expectations.
Pros and Cons of Film Shoot Locations in Orlando, FL
The advantages and disadvantages of a location set are not linear and cannot be treated as equal in weight or importance. Each item within the respective columns of pros and cons must be considered individually before you finalize your plans for a film shoot location in Orlando.
Advantages
Sales tax exemption
Purchases related to the film’s production will be eligible for this exemption, with the exception of hotel and car rental costs. All genres within the production category are invited to apply for the exemption certificate.
Transportation
The highways from Orlando International Airport to the downtown core and the outlying areas of the MSA are interconnected and quickly traveled. The major arterial roads from the airport lead directly to the convention and tourist corridors to the south and to Orlando rental studio locations.
Local support
The University of Central Florida and the private colleges in Orlando offer visual and performing arts and film programs. The students in these programs and the graduates gain real-life experiences at Disney, Universal, and local production companies.
Disadvantages
Transportation
Orlando has a commuter rail system called Sun Rail, serving commuters living north and south of the downtown core. However, the rail system does not serve the tourist or convention corridors, so transportation arrangements must be made for your crew.
Climate
Although Orlando has a subtropical climate, daily summer storms can disrupt outdoor film shoots, requiring a plan B.
Availability
As a popular destination for various productions, filming locations get booked months in advance, leading to schedule delays.
Famous Locations in Orlando, FL
Leu Gardens
Leu Gardens is a favorite of residents and visitors. The garden is a city-maintained park in the Audubon Park neighborhood of Orlando. The park tours are self-guided and can last from 1 to 2 hours, depending on the visitor's prerogative. Improved pathways wind through 50 acres, meandering past flowers, plants, trees, and herbs. Tours of the Leu House Museum are available daily.
Orlando Science Center
The Orlando Science Center is an accredited, hands-on museum that hosts nearly 700,000 visitors each year. Its four floors include an Imax theater, interactive exhibits, both permanent and traveling and a planetarium. Through the programs in the STEM Discovery Center, the science center's mission is to bring science to life and teach the aspects of science in life.
Lake Eola Park
This city park circles Lake Eola and the iconic fountain in the heart of downtown and within the historic Eola Heights neighborhood. The improved 0.9-mile walkway around the lake is a respite from city life offered to the residents and the professionals working downtown. The park is also a venue for local concerts, plays, and movies in the Disney amphitheater at the west end of the lake.
