About Tacoma
Tacoma, Washington is a vibrant port city situated along the shores of Commencement Bay. Known as the "City of Destiny," Tacoma has cultivated itself into a creative hub, drawing inspiration from its natural beauty and strong community ties. The city's robust film production industry dates back to 1982 and continues to serve as an important center for content creation in the region. With scenic views of Mt. Rainier, access to the waterfront or urban settings, and diverse production studios Tacoma offers filmmakers plenty of opportunity to capture stunning visuals and carry out projects of any scale.
In addition to movies, video games are another notable industry that has flourished within the city limits – Fun Productions Inc., for instance, was founded in 1991 and continues to be one of downtown Tacoma’s mainstay businesses. Tacoma, also known as Tahoma or Takoma, has a land area of 50 square miles, is among the top three largest cities in Washington, and is the second largest in the Puget Sound area. The city has a population of almost 220,000 according to the census done in 2020.
Tacoma has continued to experience growth in its economy over the years. It is home to a lot of international companies and businesses. The major employers in the city are healthcare, insurance, education, finance, government, aerospace, and trade. Tacoma also brags about its infrastructure. The city is home to a good road and railway system and there are also some architectural buildings that add to the city's beauty.
Filming Options in Tacoma
- Catering
You will find a vast array of catering companies as well as first-class restaurants that cater. No matter whether you want a casual buffet-style meal or just some snacks and beverages, you can find it in Tacoma. The city has a variety of cuisines to choose from as well.
- Transportation
It is always good to have some type of transportation service when you are in a new city. There are plenty of car services that offer sedans, limousines, and other vehicles or you can use public transportation. Another option would be to rent a vehicle like a truck to transport the large equipment you need for filming.
- Technology
Your filming session will need technology in some form or another whether it is audio-visual equipment, computerized lighting, or special editing programs. There are many tech companies in Tacoma that can help with these issues and any other tech you need.
Filming Vendors in Tacoma
- The Vault
The Vault is a catering company that provides delicious and elegant food. Their services include weddings, corporate events, and parties. They also provide delivery services, so you can place your order and expect to receive your well-packaged meal in your home or office.
- Tripak Inc.
Tripak is a transportation company that offers logistics, trans-loading, and warehousing services. They serve across the ports of Tacoma and Seattle. Tri Pak is an expert company with the aim to continue providing solutions for their customers.
- Infoblox
Infoblox is a tech company that helps manage DHCP, DNS, and IP addresses. Infoblox opened in Tacoma in 2016 and has become a sought-after company. Their goal is to provide tools to secure businesses against the vulnerability that may arise and automate a business network.
Pros and Cons of Filming in Tacoma
If you want to film in Tacoma, you'll need to take into account all aspects of the city and the locations there. Here are some pros and cons to help you make your decision:
Advantages
- Tacoma is a great place to promote projects due to its close proximity to Seattle. This allows filmmakers access to larger studios, crews, investors, equipment, and other resources needed for quality production work.
- As an emerging media center in the Pacific Northwest region, Tacoma has an abundance of talented local actors and crew members who can help bring any project to life.
- The cost of living in the area is relatively low compared to other parts of Washington state, making it an attractive destination for filmmakers on a tight budget.
Disadvantages
- The weather can be unpredictable at times which may affect outdoor filming schedules or require a backup plan if rain or snow is forecasted during production days.
- Limited parking and traffic congestion can also be an issue if shooting takes place in busy downtown locations where parking permits may need to be obtained beforehand.
- While there are some experienced cast members available locally, access to well-known talent from out of town may require additional travel time or even higher budgeting expenses due to their availability elsewhere.
Tips on How to Organize Filming In Tacoma
Tacoma is a great place to film a movie. There are many scenic locations, and the city has a rich history that can be explored through its architecture and landmarks. However, organizing a film shoot in Tacoma can be a challenge. Here are some tips on how to get the most out of your filming locations in Tacoma:
- Establish a budget and timeline: Before beginning any project, it is important to set a budget and timeline for the production in order to ensure everything runs as smoothly as possible. Consider factors such as the costs of renting or obtaining permits for various filming locations, travel expenses, and other related costs.
- Make sure to check the local ordinances and regulations in the city of Tacoma: Find out if there are any special requirements or permits needed for filming in a particular area. This will help you be prepared and organized before arriving at a location.
- Scout out the locations prior to the shooting day: Take plenty of pictures, notes, and measurements, and make detailed diagrams of each location so everyone involved is on the same page about what’s expected when it comes time to film there.
- Hire an expert: Coordinate with an experienced location manager who can act as a liaison between all parties involved during the pre-production and production stages. The manager will be able to handle all logistics related to finding locations, setting up scheduling times with property owners, obtaining permits/approvals from local authorities, etc.
- Have a plan B ready: If something doesn’t go according to plan while filming at a particular location (ex: extra lighting equipment needed; unexpected traffic delays; poor weather conditions), know exactly how you’ll adapt if necessary and always leave yourself enough flexibility for changes along the way!
- Take into account logistical considerations when selecting a location: In addition to aesthetics, consider other factors like parking availability and accessibility when selecting a location for filming purposes—especially if equipment needs to be transported from one spot to another during shooting days.
Famous Locations in Tacoma
- America's Car Museum
If you are a car enthusiast then you should visit the ACM. On display are various types of cars, including the personal collection of Nancy and Harold LeMay, Tacoma natives. The 165,000-square-foot museum is host to over 300 cars. You can spend as long as you want in this non-profit museum.
- Museum of Glass
Located downtown Tacoma is the Museum of Glass. The building of the museum prompted the restoration of the Thea Foss Waterway neighborhood. The museum's beautiful architecture now serves as a symbol of culture, art, and revitalization. MOG hosts several beautiful exhibits, and a major attraction is the glassblowing studio and hot shop in the facility.
- Washington State History Museum
The Washington State History Museum is located in Tacoma, opposite the Museum of Glass. In the museum are different displays and exhibits of the natural and cultural events that contributed to the current state of Washington. A major display is the Great Hall of Washington History. The museum is open for visitors from Tuesday to Sunday.
