Top 7 Filming Locations in Boston You Can Rent in 2024

Snapshot of Boston's Best Filming Spots

From the chic, modern spaces to the grand, historical sites, here’s a quick snapshot of some of the finest filming spots in the Boston video production market:

• Best for Waterfront Elegance: Luxury Oceanfront Bayside Jewel ($275/hr)
  • A serene and picturesque setting with the Atlantic as your backdrop, ideal for scenes that require a touch of sophistication and natural beauty.
• Best for Large-scale Events: Boston’s Highly Regarded Events Venue ($500/hr)
  • An expansive space known for its opulent interiors and the ability to host extravagant events, perfect for capturing the essence of high society.
• Best for Contemporary Scenes: Modern and Colorful Film Production Site ($400/hr)
  • A vibrant and dynamic location that offers a plethora of color and light, providing an energetic atmosphere for modern storytelling.
• Best for Skyline Shots: Contemporary Rooftop Lounge ($225/hr)
  • Offers an unparalleled view of the city's skyline, this location is quintessential for filmmakers looking to capture the urban heart of Boston from above.
• Best for Intimate Settings: Beautifully Renovated Bar ($250/hr)
  • With its cozy corners and ambient lighting, this venue is ideal for scenes requiring a personal and engaging setting that resonates with warmth.
• Best for Downtown Vibes: Cafe/Bar in Downtown Boston ($1500/hr)
  • Situated in the bustling core of the city, this location exudes the energy and rhythm of downtown life, making it perfect for scenes full of motion and city sounds.
• Best for Artistic Flair: Biggest Art Gallery on Newbury Street ($500/hr)
  • A space that celebrates creativity and offers an eclectic mix of art, providing a cultured and inspiring backdrop for any scene that calls for an infusion of artistry.

1. Luxury Oceanfront Bayside Jewel

Price: $275/hr

Pros:

• Picturesque waterfront views
• Outdoor grills and beach deck seating

Cons:

• Limited space for large crews or equipment
• Restrictions against events and parties

Nestled by the ocean, the Luxury Oceanfront Bayside Jewel offers stunning waterfront views that can add an elegant charm to your film. With amenities like outdoor grills and beach deck seating, it offers extensive possibilities for outdoor filmmaking. However, due to its private beach access, space for large crews or equipment might be a constraint. The property’s rules against events and parties may also limit the type of filming conducted.

Despite the limitations, the exquisite natural lighting at sunset, as noted in several reviews, dramatically enhances the quality of shots. This makes it particularly ideal for commercials or any production that craves a touch of waterfront elegance.

2. Boston’s Highly Regarded Events Venue

Price: $500/hr

Pros:

• Spacious interiors that can host grand-scale events
• Prestigious reputation

Cons:

• High demand for bookings, potentially limiting availability

Boston’s Highly Regarded Events Venue, located near the beautiful Boston Public Garden, the iconic Fenway Park, the prestigious Harvard Law School, and the historic Massachusetts State House, is synonymous with grandeur. Known for its spacious interiors, it can accommodate up to 2000 guests, making it ideal for large-scale events. However, its prestigious reputation often means high demand for bookings, potentially limiting availability. This venue has even been compared to the elegance of settings seen in movies like the Thomas Crown Affair.

Online testimonials often highlight the versatility and scale of this venue, praising its ability to accommodate diverse set designs and production needs within one location. Whether you’re filming a gala event or a concert, this venue can provide the grand backdrop you need.

3. Modern and Colorful Film Production Site

Price: $400/hr

Pros:

• Bold hues that dramatically influence the mood and tone of scenes
• Reduces the need for extensive set modifications

Cons:

• Not suitable for historical or period-specific settings

The Modern and Colorful Film Production Site is a playground for filmmakers seeking to evoke emotions of happiness, joy, and playfulness in their scenes. The use of bright and vibrant colors can enrich the emotional depth of scenes, but it may not be suitable for projects requiring historical or period-specific settings.

Filmmakers have noted that the controlled color schemes at these sites require less additional set dressing while effectively conveying themes. So, if you’re looking to produce a contemporary film that resonates with the audience, this site can be an excellent choice.

4. Contemporary Rooftop Lounge

Price: $225/hr

Pros:

• Stunning skyline views of Boston
• Modern amenities

Cons:

• Limited indoor space for interior shots

Imagine filming with the breathtaking Boston skyline as your backdrop. The Contemporary Rooftop Lounge offers just that. With a prime view of the city skyline and the Boston Harbor, it provides a picturesque setting for panoramic city shots. However, filmmakers should note that while the outdoor space is expansive, the indoor space is quite limited.

Filming at this location is an unforgettable experience, as per several online reviews. The vibrant buzz captured during filming at this location adds an electric feel to the production, enhancing the authenticity of urban settings in movies filmed here.

5. Beautifully Renovated Bar

Price: $250/hr

Pros:

• Cozy and intimate atmosphere
• Upscale aesthetics

Cons:

• Smaller capacity

Looking for an intimate and cozy setting for your film? The Beautifully Renovated Bar offers just that. Its upscale aesthetics provide the perfect setting for scenes requiring a sophisticated and romantic atmosphere, similar to those featuring Drew Barrymore. However, due to its smaller capacity, it might not be suitable for larger filming crews.

Filmmakers have found the settings at these intimate bars welcoming and visually rich, capturing an authentic Boston pub feel in their productions. If you’re looking for a site to film an intimate scene, this bar could be a great choice.

6. Cafe/Bar in Downtown Boston

Price: $1500/hr

Pros:

• Prime location in the heart of downtown Boston, near Charles River
• Chic and stylish environment

Cons:

• Premium rate

The Cafe/Bar, a popular street tavern on Beacon Street in Downtown Boston, near Beacon Hill and Boston Common, captures the urban vibe with its prime location. Its chic and stylish environment offers filmmakers, like Casey Affleck and Matt Damon, a ready-to-shoot set with minimal need for additional props or decor. However, its prime positioning and high-end aesthetic come with a premium rate.

Online reviews from producers highlight the vibrant buzz captured during filming at this location. The electric atmosphere adds authenticity to urban settings, making it ideal for scenes requiring a downtown feel.

7. Biggest Art Gallery on Newbury Street

Price: $500/hr

Pros:

• Classic and elegant setting with spacious galleries
• Enhances the artistic flair of any production

Cons:

• Restrictions might be in place regarding the filming around certain art pieces

The Biggest Art Gallery on Newbury Street offers a classic and elegant setting with spacious galleries. Its rich collection of art enhances the artistic flair of any production, providing filmmakers with a tapestry of visual environments for different narrative themes. However, filmmakers need to be aware of restrictions that might be in place regarding the filming around certain art pieces.

Online reviews often praise the cultured ambiance of the venue. If your film requires an artistic flair, this art gallery on Newbury Street, near the Mystic River, could be a perfect choice.

Selecting the Perfect Location

Finding the perfect filming location in Boston is an art in itself. The cost of a location should be considered during budget planning, with negotiations handled by engaging with location managers to align with the production’s financial constraints.

Visualizing the desired end result and backdrop’s contribution to the film’s setting during the selection process is crucial. A preliminary visit to the potential filming locations is critical for planning shots, determining the suitability for the film’s period, and assessing the accessibility for the crew and equipment.

If you need production support for you project, consider working with one of the top video production companies in Boston in order to help you achieve the highest quality. There are a plethora of options, and a company like Filmless can help you navigate the Boston landscape quickly and efficiently.

Understanding Film Location Logistics

Navigating the logistics of filming in Boston can seem daunting, but we’re here to guide you. Here are some important things to keep in mind:

• A certificate of insurance with a minimum coverage is necessary for production insurance, which must list the City of Boston as the certificate holder.
• Filming in state parks, public streets, or ways in Boston is associated with a fee.
• There may be extra charges for city services.

Filming on properties of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority requires a prior application, fee, and compliance with their insurance requirements. Use of drones for filming is subject to FAA authorization. And remember, all film productions must apply for permits at least 10 days before the scheduled filming start date in Boston.

Capturing the Essence of Boston

Boston is more than just a filming location; it’s a character in itself. The city’s diversity, from its working-class neighborhoods to its historical landmarks, adds to the authenticity of a film. Whether it’s crime dramas set in Boston featuring elements of the city’s mob history or films that depict the city’s tougher, grittier side, the city’s essence can be captured in diverse ways.

Newbury Street art galleries offer a range of artistic periods and styles, contributing to the diverse aesthetic choices for film settings. Selecting the right environment in Boston not only captures the desired mood and narrative of a film but also ensures authenticity and strong audience engagement.

For a more creative approach to your project, you may want to go with an animated video instead of live action filmed on location. One of the many animation studios in Boston can help you depict your story in a way that custom filming simply can't match.

Summary

Throughout this guide, we’ve journeyed through the diverse filming locations Boston offers, from waterfront elegance to intimate bars, and from downtown vibes to artistic flair. Each location has unique features that can enhance the mood, tone, and visual appeal of your film, playing a pivotal role in creating a compelling and immersive viewing experience for the audience.

We hope this guide helps you navigate the logistics of filming in Boston, understand how to select the perfect location, and capture the essence of this vibrant city in your production. Whether you’re a seasoned filmmaker or just starting out, Boston’s cinematic landscape offers a world of opportunities to bring your vision to life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where have movies been filmed in Boston?

Movies in Boston are filmed in iconic locations such as Boston Public Garden, L Street Tavern, Fenway Park, Massachusetts State House, and Harvard University. You can also spot familiar scenes at the South End Buttery, Thirsty Scholar Pub, and the Boston Marathon Finish Line. Enjoy exploring these famous movie locations!

What movies were filmed in the Boston Public Garden?

You can spot the Boston Public Garden in movies like Good Will Hunting and The Equalizer, giving you a chance to visit the same spots featured on screen and reminisce about the movie scenes.

Was Mystic River filmed in Boston?

Yes, "Mystic River" was indeed filmed in Boston, specifically in the neighborhoods of South and East Boston, giving the film an authentic look and feel. The movie's opening kidnapping scene was shot on Condor Street in East Boston, and the face-off between the main characters was shot at a made-up bar on Border Street.

What are some of the top filming locations in Boston?

Some top filming locations in Boston include the Luxury Oceanfront Bayside Jewel, Boston’s Highly Regarded Events Venue, Modern and Colorful Film Production Site, Contemporary Rooftop Lounge, Beautifully Renovated Bar, Cafe/Bar in Downtown Boston, and Biggest Art Gallery on Newbury Street. You'll find a diverse range of settings for your filming needs in the city. These locations have been widely used by many companies in the corporate video production Boston market.