Article by
Matt Smith
Matt Smith is a highly experienced Director of Photography with more than 10 years of industry expertise, recognized for his ability to create unique lighting environments and capture stunning visuals.
Miami is a filmmaker’s paradise, offering a kaleidoscope of settings for every genre and narrative, including the stunning Florida Keys. Dive into this curated list of eight exceptional Miami locations for film location rentals, each boasting its own distinct charm, and perfect for capturing that video production Miami vibe:
From the historical grandeur of Spanish architecture to the modern luxury of a chic condo, these locations offer filmmakers a variety of environments to tell their story. Imagine filming an exciting heist scene in an exotic car warehouse, or the tranquility of a private beach scene with the sun setting over the horizon. Whether you're looking to shoot a music video with the colorful backdrop of Wynwood's street art or a romantic scene on a yacht with the Miami skyline in the background, these locations provide the perfect setting. Each site comes with its own set of amenities and challenges, but they all share one thing in common: they'll make your Miami video production project look amazing.
Price: $500/hr
Specifications:
Pros:
Cons:
Nestled in the affluent Coral Gables neighborhood, Villa Tierra stands as a testament to architectural grandeur, marrying Tuscany and Spanish hacienda styles with finesse. The features of Villa Tierra include:
These features provide a sumptuous backdrop and evoke an air of sophistication, with the art deco mural adding an extra layer of visual splendor, reminiscent of art deco architecture.
Hosting up to 80 people, this villa is more than just a pretty face. It’s equipped with air conditioning, a hair/makeup area, and WiFi, ensuring comfort and connectivity during those long shooting days. The seclusion of a double lot ensures privacy for your cast and crew. However, with parking for only 7 cars and additional truck space, larger productions may need to make extra arrangements. While the villa’s luxurious ambiance is undeniable, it may not align with all film themes, which could limit its versatility.
Price: $250/hr
Tucked away in Miami’s MIMO District, not far from the bustling Miami Beach and the famous South Beach, lies the Urban Oasis, a serene enclave that beckons filmmakers with its tranquil charm. The Urban Oasis features:
The 1937 home is not just a relic of the past; it offers a unique setting for your film.
The production-friendly features extend beyond the aesthetics, with over 30 electrical outlets dotting the property and ample parking for crew and equipment. Yet, filming in such a natural setting isn’t without its challenges. Scenes filmed in this location require strict adherence to local health authority cleaning guidelines, which may affect the size of your crew, and the unpredictability of lighting and sound in an outdoor environment will test your production team’s adaptability.
Specifications:
Pros:
Cons:
Price: $350/hr
The Chic Two Story Condo in Brickell embodies contemporary luxury with its sleek design and towering 14 ft ceilings. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with natural light, ideal for filmmakers seeking a bright and airy setting. The dual balconies not only offer breathtaking city views but also versatility for a range of shots.
While the condo’s modernity is undeniable, parking can be a snag with only metered street parking and valet available, which may require additional planning for larger crews. Quiet hours from midnight to 8 am are enforced, so night shoots will need to be scheduled with care. Despite these constraints, the condo’s proximity to top-notch dining and entertainment is a major plus for cast and crew looking to unwind after a day on set.
Specifications:
Pros:
Cons:
Price: $200/hr
Set sail on a cinematic voyage with the Beautiful Yacht Mansion rentals. With a fleet that includes the opulent Azimut series and the sleek VanDutch 40, filmmakers have a bounty of nautical settings at their fingertips. Each yacht provides a luxurious backdrop, perfect for stories that require a touch of high-seas adventure or an air of exclusivity.
The inclusion of a captain’s service and covered fuel costs in the rental fee ensures smooth sailing for production. However, the absence of food and drink amenities means additional planning is needed for any on-board scenes. Filming on water is inherently challenging, with movement and reflections to contend with, but the payoff is an element of luxury and excitement that’s hard to match on land.
Specifications:
Pros:
Cons:
Price: $650/hr
In the heart of the Wynwood Arts District, near the Art Deco Historic District, the Downtown Gallery Wynwood stands as a canvas of creativity, surrounded by the district’s kaleidoscopic street art. The gallery’s 1600 square feet of space beckon artists and filmmakers alike, offering a blank slate for a variety of creative projects, including:
The pros of filming in this vibrant setting are as colorful as the murals that adorn the district. The proximity to other cultural institutions adds depth, while the monthly Art Walks infuse the air with festivity. However, the gallery’s premium rate reflects its artistic and exclusive nature, which may stretch tighter budgets. Additionally, filmmakers looking to use specific colors or lighting for symbolic storytelling will need to plan meticulously to harness the gallery’s full potential.
Specifications:
Pros:
Cons:
Price: $750/hr
Luxury and exclusivity are the hallmarks of Little Palm Famous White Sand Private Beach. This secluded island resort, only reachable by seaplane or boat, is the epitome of undisturbed filming locations. Its serene ambiance is a siren call to high-end productions seeking a slice of paradise.
While the allure of seclusion is strong, the premium pricing reflects the location’s exclusivity and may not align with every production budget. Additionally, filmmakers must be strategic in planning their shoots, as low tide can expose less visually appealing beach areas and natural odors. Nevertheless, for projects that can afford this slice of heaven, the results can be nothing short of breathtaking.
Specifications:
Pros:
Cons:
Price: $500/hr
The Exotic Car Warehouse is an adrenaline-pumping playground for filmmakers craving high-octane action, especially those looking to recreate the excitement of movies like “Bad Boys” and “Bad Boys II” or even the famous chainsaw scene. Its vast 13,000 square foot space offers high ceilings and a variety of settings, including a dining hall and conference room, to craft the most thrilling chase scenes or dramatic encounters.
With the ability to accommodate large crews and the optional use of exotic cars to rev up your production, the warehouse is a haven for action-packed storytelling. The warehouse offers:
Specifications:
Pros:
Cons:
Price: $500/hr
Elevate your production with the panoramic splendor of Pizza and Rooftop Terrace, a jewel in the crown of Downtown Miami. This exclusive location, one of only two terraces available for film production, offers wrap-around views that capture the city’s electric atmosphere, reminiscent of the iconic Tony Montana era.
The terrace’s stunning vistas provide a perfect backdrop for scenes that require an urban edge. While the staff’s cooperation is a boon, the logistics of transporting equipment to this elevated oasis can be challenging. The absence of a kitchen or staging area means all production assets must remain on the terrace. Despite these hurdles, the ambiance of the beautiful nighttime views more than compensates, making it an ideal location for events that aim to impress.
Specifications:
Pros:
Cons:
When the credits roll, the right location can elevate a film from good to unforgettable. Selecting the perfect Miami film location is a dance of balancing natural light, budget constraints, and logistical challenges. Whether you’re capturing the serene beauty of an urban oasis or the sleek lines of a modern condo, each setting should not only fit your narrative but also allow for the creation of versatile movie scenes that resonate with your audience.
Budget is often the conductor of this dance, guiding the range of available options from the opulent to the practical. Consider the logistics of your scenes shot carefully—transporting heavy equipment to a rooftop terrace requires planning for weight restrictions and ensuring clear paths for crew and equipment vehicles. Natural scenery locations offer the benefit of ambient light, but you must also navigate the unpredictability of weather and noise.
Securing permits and coordinating with local authorities is another key step, ensuring your chosen venue is conducive to filming and public safety is maintained. With careful consideration of these elements, your production can harness the full cinematic potential of Miami’s diverse film locations. There are several Miami corporate video companies that can help you acquire the correct permits and make sure your production runs smoothly.
From the indulgent grandeur of Villa Tierra to the high-seas adventure aboard a yacht mansion, each Miami film location rental offers a unique canvas to craft your visual story. Whether you seek artistic expression at Wynwood Gallery or an exclusive retreat on Little Palm Island, these locales provide the settings you need to bring your cinematic dreams to life. So grab your storyboard and start scouting—your perfect Miami film location is waiting to frame your next big hit.
If you're looking for production support on your project, take a look at the Miami video production company market as there are lots of great options. Many of them offer full-service video production services and can help you source and book your film locations, while providing the correct permits you need.
The vibrant energy of Miami, its cultural tapestry, and the sheer variety of sceneries make it a filmmaker's treasure chest. Each location tells its own story, from the echoes of history in the Spanish architecture to the modern heartbeat of a bustling condo. They offer not just a backdrop but become a character in their own right, contributing to the narrative and setting the tone for unforgettable scenes. Dive into the possibilities and let Miami's spirit infuse your film with its unique flavor.
Yes, Miami has a thriving video production industry and is a popular filming location due to its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and production-friendly infrastructure. Additionally, there is a variety of top notch animation studios in Miami that can assist with your animated projects, making the city a true one stop shop for all your video needs.
Movies that were filmed on Ocean Drive in Miami include "Scarface" (1983) and "The Bodyguard" (1992), both featuring scenes at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach resort.
Yes, "2 Fast 2 Furious" was filmed in Miami, including locations such as Pearl Champagne Lounge in Coconut Grove, Downtown Art House, and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park in Key Biscayne. The movie also features driving and racing scenes on the streets of Miami and other parts of South Florida.
The Scarface Miami Beach scene was filmed at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach resort on Ocean Drive, where the famous chainsaw scene took place.