A scenic riverfront, rooftop terraces with unbeatable views, intimate gardens, spacious green parks…Downtown Philadelphia truly does have it all! It's one of the best places in the country for
film production if you want an iconic city that's easy to recognize. It's blessed with a fantastic abundance of venues to book for films. You can start your production in a historic museum, a trendy cafe, an underground club…It all depends on the sort of story you're looking to tell.
Restaurants are a crucial scene in almost every story. They give the characters a chance to converse in a relatable atmosphere, rich in props and potential encounters. The only problem with restaurants is that they are difficult to recreate without a huge budget. Fortunately, you don't have to do that as there are plenty of restaurants in Philadelphia that have film-friendly rental policies.
Many are located downtown where you can book a venue for a scene that demands sophistication and glamour. Discussions over a fancy dinner, lit with crystal chandeliers and framed by marble statues can be captured in film-friendly venues. Most of these restaurants offer similar policies to those for any private event where the entire venue is being rented out. You may not be able to film in certain areas, like the kitchen or storage areas, depending on the venue. Others may only offer permission to film when the restaurant is closed. It depends on the venue you're looking for and how long you plan on filming!
Themed restaurants offer unique opportunities as well. Those catering to lovers of international cuisine will have elements from the country of origin. Others may have vintage decor or distinctly American motifs. Music choices also play a major role here. Each of these elements will ensure viewers of your film are fully immersed in your storytelling!
Mansions offer another unique place to shoot a film. The spacious grounds and elegant interior are full of possibilities for mysteries and historic thrillers. Philadelphia, being one of the oldest cities in the USA, has quite a few mansions that have been converted into museums, galleries, and event halls. Start with event halls as these will be most accustomed to being booked for private events like film productions. From there, you can widen your search to museums and galleries. Be aware that these venues may only offer a portion of the grounds to
private party rooms, however.