About Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a vibrant mid-sized city situated at the juncture of three rivers. Steel City has long been known for its industrial history and manufacturing prowess, but in recent decades has also become associated with its creative culture, innovation, and urban renewal. From various sports teams to a thriving art scene and numerous theaters to an abundance of restaurants and local businesses, Pittsburgh is an exciting and dynamic place to be. For film shoots, in particular, Pittsburgh offers countless opportunities.
Filmmakers have access to different types of landscapes and architecture that span centuries – from grand old churches to classic brick houses; from bridges made of iron and steel to modern skyscrapers; from rustic mountain trails to miles upon miles of waterfront along the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio rivers.
Not only are there plenty of interesting options in terms of locations, but Pittsburgh’s tax incentives also make it even more attractive for filmmakers who have limited budgets. Even if you need particular specialist knowledge such as drone pilots or green screen technicians they can usually be found quite easily in this robust market town – making it an ideal place for film shoots both small-budget projects as well as multi-million dollar blockbusters!
Film Shoot Options in Pittsburgh
- Rentals
Several companies in Pittsburgh offer film shoot rentals, including equipment, props, and sets. These companies can help you get everything you need for your shoot, and they often have discounted rates for filmmakers.
- Lighting
Pittsburgh has many lighting companies that can help create the perfect atmosphere for your film. They offer lighting options like LEDs, spotlights, and portable lamps. They also have a wide range of experience, so you can be sure to find a company that can meet your needs.
- Makeup Artists
If you're looking for makeup artists in Pittsburgh, there are a few businesses that offer services for filmmakers. These companies can provide you with a team of makeup artists who will make your actors look their best for the camera.
Film Shoot Vendors in Pittsburgh
- Tony Williams Car Service
Tony Williams Car Service provides high-quality luxury transport options. Their late-model Cadillacs are clean and comfortable, making them ideal for a night in town. They provide dependable and professional service, allowing you to unwind while they're on the way. They rent their cars for film and photo shoots and are available on contracts. Tony Williams Car Service also provides vehicles for VIPs, stars, actors, and more in Pittsburgh while on the shoot.
- Pricelight Electric Company
For over 18 years, Western Pennsylvania's Paul Pekney and his crew at Pricelight Electric Co. have kept the lights on. They are confident in their expertise to tackle any electrical issue, big or little. At Pricelight Electric Company, they understand that choosing the right electrician for your new film project is exceptionally important. They have a professional electrician team that designs their business wiring and lighting for efficiency, energy savings, and aesthetics. Professional Handyman and renovation services are also available.
- The Fluted Mushroom Catering
The Fluted Mushroom Catering service flourished, in part, due to the owner, Peg's, inventive flair. Customers were taken aback by her capacity to transform basic components into elegant meals. Her enthusiasm for cooking was also apparent in her attention to each meal she cooked. Peg's status as one of Pittsburgh's best caterers grew as The Fluted Mushroom expanded. Today, The Fluted Mushroom is well-known as a premium caterer for its delectable cuisine and creatively presented entrees. Whether attending a modest gathering or a large occasion, The Fluted Mushroom Catering can help you create an unforgettable memory.
Pros and Cons of Film Shoots in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is a great location to shoot films due to its beautiful landscapes and diverse cityscape. From its convenient location to its vast array of film-friendly locations, Pittsburgh has something for everyone. Here we take a look at the pros and cons of filming in Pittsburgh.
Advantages
- Being located in the northeast region of the United States, Pittsburgh is easy to reach from major cities like Philadelphia, New York, and Washington D.C., allowing filmmakers the ability to easily travel for their production needs.
- Compared to other larger cities with more robust film industries, Pittsburgh is much more affordable for film production costs such as permits, talent costs, and equipment rental fees.
- Whether it's industrial architecture or the natural scenic views you're looking for, Pittsburgh has it all! You can find plenty of interesting locations that will make your project stand out from the rest!
- With several stages around town and many experienced local crew members available on-site, Pittsburg provides plenty of options when it comes to filming production hubs.
Disadvantages
- While generally mild compared to other regions of the country, weather in Pittsburgh can still be unpredictable at times which could potentially delay or disrupt filming schedules.
- Since Pittsburgh does not yet have an established infrastructure specifically built for film production needs such as soundstages and studios, filmmakers must rely on existing locations or build sets from scratch depending on their particular needs.
- While there is a growing pool of talented actors and crewmembers based in Pittsburgh and surrounding areas that are eager to work on projects within the state – there tends not to be much variety when it comes to the specialized talent needed for high-budget productions or projects requiring specific skills/expertise.
Tips on How to Organize Film Shoots in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, also known as the "City of Bridges," is a great city to organize film shoots in. With its bustling urban landscape and diverse cultural offerings, Pittsburgh offers an abundance of opportunities for filmmakers to get creative. Here are some tips on organizing film shoots in Pittsburgh:
- Start planning early: Ideally, you should begin planning your film shoot at least 3 months before your expected start date. This will give you enough time to research venues, secure necessary permits and permissions, scout locations, hire crew members, and book equipment rentals.
- Research venues: Pittsburgh provides a plethora of interesting venues where you can host a film shoot. Consider unique spaces like abandoned warehouses or the 16th-floor rooftop of one of the city's many skyscrapers. You may have to pay fees for certain venues so make sure you factor that into your budget.
- Recruit the right crew: When looking for crew members, consider their experience level and pricing structure that fits within your budget constraints. Make sure they are familiar with the local area so they know what permits are required in order to legally shoot in certain locations.
- Scout locations: Location scouting is essential when it comes to making sure that all visuals within your movie are consistent with one another and cohesive with the overall theme of the project. Take enough time to thoroughly explore different angles and perspectives before choosing a particular location for shooting scenes from your movie.
- Stay flexible: Always allow yourself some wiggle room when creating an itinerary for shooting days – weather conditions or other unpredictable obstacles may cause unexpected delays or force changes in plans. Allocate an extra day or two at the end of each week just in case something happens that could throw off timing during production days leading up to it!
Famous Locations in Pittsburgh
- Randyland
Located in Pittsburgh, Randyland is a product of the artist Randy Gilson. It is a local Pittsburgh neighborhood known for its fantastic art and welcoming atmosphere. The area was restored by Randy Gibson from its former rundown state into a lively and colorful environment made almost exclusively out of recycled materials. When you visit Randyland, your surroundings include pink flamingos, giant bananas, jumbled furniture, plastic dinosaurs, and mannequins. The streets are lined with beautiful artwork, and the people are friendly and welcoming.
- Warhol Museum
The Warhol Museum is a place that you cannot miss. Years before the invention of social media apps like Instagram, a pop art icon named Andy Warhol set himself apart from everyone else. The Andy Warhol Museum was built to honor his work and career, which includes more than 17 galleries, 900 paintings, almost 2,000 works on paper, 1,000 unique prints, 4,000 photographs, 77 sculptures, and more than 4100 videotaped works and films of Andy Warhol. If you travel to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, take advantage of this magnificent museum dedicated to one of the 20th century's most creative artists.
- Mt. Washington
Mt. Washington provides visitors with a stunning vantage point to take in the cityscape below. On a clear day, you can see for miles in every direction. The view is made even more impressive by the city's sparkling lights at night. USA Weekend has even called it one of the country's top 10 most beautiful views. In addition to the incredible views, Mt. Washington is also home to Emerald View Park, a 257-acre green space perfect for a leisurely stroll or picnic with friends. So whether you're looking for an incredible view or a peaceful park, Mt. Washington has something for everyone.
