Video Producer's Guide to Shooting in Charleston, SC

Charleston, SC is home to a population of 762,300 and industries spanning Technology, Tourism. Known as Chucktown and Holy City, the city was founded in 1670. This guide covers everything video producers need to know before shooting in Charleston — from hotels and airports to weather, transportation, and local production guidelines.

Written by Dave Baker, Director of Photography — Charleston, South Carolina — Assignment Desk

Charleston at a Glance

Population

762,300

Founded

1670

Nicknames

Chucktown, Holy City

Industries

Technology, Tourism

About Charleston

Charleston is one of the oldest and most historic cities in the nation. Tourism is the city’s largest industry, and it’s not hard to understand why with its abundance of national historic landmarks, art, architecture, restaurants, and beautiful weather. Travel & Leisure Magazine voted Charleston the Top City in the world for 2016. The Spectator Hotel was ranked second best hotel in the world. As stated numerous times by locals and tourists, “There is no place like it.”

Attractions & Things to Do

Charleston’s most popular spots include The Battery/White Point Garden along the Charleston Harbor, Patriots Point with ship tours and promotional events, and Fort Sumter where the Civil War began. Each spring Charleston hosts Spoleto Festival USA with over 120 performances. Other events include Charleston Fashion Week (the second largest in the US), the Volvo Car Open, and SEWE. Visitors can tour plantations and gardens like Magnolia Plantation, Drayton Hall, Middleton Place, Cypress Gardens, and Boone Hall Plantation. Higher education options include College of Charleston, The Citadel, Trident Technical College, Charleston Southern University, and The Art Institute of Charleston.

Sports Teams

South Carolina Stingrays (ECHL hockey), Charleston Riverdogs (minor league baseball), Charleston Battery (USL soccer)

Where to Stay

Two major areas: downtown or the airport. Airport hotels include Embassy Suites and Holiday Inn in North Charleston, 15-20 minutes from most places. Downtown options include the DoubleTree by Hilton and the Francis Marion Hotel — walkable to restaurants, theaters, museums, and landmarks but generally more expensive with limited parking. The Wyndham Garden and Charleston Marriott offer good value at a farther distance from downtown.

Airport & Drive Times

Primary Airport

Charleston International Airport

Approx. 15–20 minutes to downtown

Getting Around

The South doesn’t have reliable mass transportation. You’ll need a taxi, rental car, Uber, or Lyft. Few camera crews would have difficulty providing transportation — just communicate your needs. Allow time to park, especially downtown. Crews always appreciate pre-arranged parking.

Locations & Drive Times

The airport is centrally located in North Charleston near the intersection of I-26 and I-526. Drive times from the airport to anywhere in town are generally no more than 20 minutes unless visiting the Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, or Folly Beach (add 10-15 minutes). Kiawah Island is remote — expect almost an hour from any point in Charleston. Rush hour traffic on weekdays can add time.

Weather

Temperatures in spring and fall are very comfortable. Winter highs can occasionally dip into the 30s. Summer is very hot and humid with temperatures soaring well over 100 degrees. Schedule indoor shooting mid-day and outdoor shoots for early morning or late afternoon in summer. Annual rainfall averages 52 inches with common afternoon thunderstorms June through August.

View 10-day forecast for Charleston →

Production Guidelines

Shoots in Charleston are based on a ten hour day and the crew is on the clock at the specified crew call. Overtime at a rate of time and a half begins after ten hours. A distant location is any location outside a 30-mile radius drawn around where I-26 and I-526 intersect. Verify with your crew their specific policies.

Chamber of Commerce

If you have additional questions about Charleston, you can always contact the city's Chamber of Commerce.

Charleston Chamber of Commerce, 2750 Speissegger Drive, Suite 100, North Charleston, SC 29405, 843.577.2510, www.charlestonchamber.net. Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau, 423 King St., Charleston, SC 29403, 843.853.8000, www.charlestoncvb.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I know before shooting video in Charleston?

Charleston shoots are based on a ten hour day with overtime at time and a half after ten hours. The city offers technology, tourism industries as primary production subjects. Temperatures in spring and fall are very comfortable. Winter highs can occasionally dip into the 30s. Summer is very hot and humid with temperatures soaring well over 100 degrees. Schedule indoor shooting mid-day and outdoor shoots for early morning or late afternoon in summer. Annual rainfall averages 52 inches with common afternoon thunderstorms June through August.

Where should my crew stay in Charleston?

How do I get from the airport to my shoot in Charleston?

The primary airport is Charleston International Airport. The airport is centrally located in North Charleston near the intersection of I-26 and I-526. Drive times from the airport to anywhere in town are generally no more than 20 minutes unless visiting the Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, or Folly Beach (add 10-15 minutes). Kiawah Island is remote — expect almost an hour from any point in Charleston. Rush hour traffic on weekdays can add time.

What is the weather like for shooting in Charleston?

How do I book a video crew in Charleston?

Assignment Desk provides professional video production crews in Charleston, SC. Call 312-464-8600 or visit our booking form at assignmentdesk.com/hire-a-crew. Our staff Directors of Photography come equipped with full camera, lighting, and audio packages.

Read about recent productions shot in Charleston. Browse Production Stories →