Video Producer's Guide to Shooting in Charlotte, NC

Charlotte, NC is home to a population of 2,479,600 and industries spanning Financial Services, Motorsports, Energy. Known as The Queen City, the city was founded in 1768. This guide covers everything video producers need to know before shooting in Charlotte — from hotels and airports to weather, transportation, and local production guidelines.

Written by Tori Musciano, Camerawoman — Charlotte, North Carolina — Assignment Desk

Charlotte at a Glance

Population

2,479,600

Founded

1768

Nicknames

The Queen City

Industries

Financial Services, Motorsports, Energy

About Charlotte

Charlotte is a fast-growing city with the elegance of the old South and the conveniences of a large urban area. It’s a bustling city with big businesses, high tech firms, universities, pro sports teams, museums, and great restaurants. Both Bank of America and Wells Fargo are headquartered here, making it the second largest banking center in the nation. Small business thrives in Uptown Charlotte where the city continues its Corridor Revitalization Project. Nearly 2.5 million people live in the metro area, and it is home to 292 of the top Fortune 500 companies, making it the fifth largest urban region in the country.

Attractions & Things to Do

Charlotte is located in the heart of NASCAR country and is home to Charlotte Motor Speedway. Higher education is available at Queens University, University of North Carolina Charlotte, Central Piedmont Community College, and Pfeiffer University. Scattered throughout Uptown Charlotte and the metro area are art, science, and history museums plus premier restaurants.

Sports Teams

Carolina Panthers (NFL), Charlotte Hornets (NBA), NASCAR at Charlotte Motor Speedway

Where to Stay

Where you stay depends on what and where you’ll be shooting. Most larger businesses are located Uptown, near exceptional hotels including the Morehead Inn and the Westin, close to Bank of America Stadium. For University City or Charlotte Motor Speedway, consider the Hilton in University City. NASCAR drivers are scattered across Mooresville and Kannapolis, about an hour northeast.

Airport & Drive Times

Primary Airport

Charlotte Douglas International Airport

Approx. 30–45 minutes to downtown

Getting Around

The South isn’t known for transportation, but Charlotte has options. The Sprinter bus runs direct from downtown to the airport every 20 minutes (30 on weekends). CATS bus line operates in the city and surrounding areas. The LYNX light rail has 15 stops including UNC Charlotte and South Charlotte ($2.20 each way). There’s also a streetcar system. Consider a cab or Uber since public transport isn’t very extensive and downtown parking can be hard.

Locations & Drive Times

Several distinct districts: Uptown, Myers Park, Dilworth and South End, South Park, University City, Mooresville, Race City/Concord, and Pineville/Matthews. The airport is just west of the city near I-77 (North/South) and I-85 (East/West). From the airport, drive times average 30-45 minutes. Mooresville, Race City, Concord, and Pineville/Matthews require an additional 10-20 minutes. Major route: Tryon Street (N/S) and Trade Street/US Route 74 (E/W).

Weather

North Carolina is home to that “Carolina Blue” sky. Temperatures are mild and comfortable most of the year. Summer average is 76°F, though July and August can reach the 90s with trying humidity. Winter averages around 40°F with occasional snow and ice. Spring and fall are always cool and close to perfect. Average annual rainfall is 43 inches.

View 10-day forecast for Charlotte →

Production Guidelines

Shoots in Charlotte 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 the city. Verify with your crew their specific policies.

Our Crew in Charlotte

Assignment Desk has staff crew members based in the Charlotte area, ready to handle your production needs.

Jalen Phillips

Camera Operator/DP

Charlotte, NC

Chamber of Commerce

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

Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, 330 South Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28232, 704.378.1300, www.charlottechamber.com. Charlotte Convention and Visitors Bureau, 500 South College Street Suite #300, Charlotte, NC 28202, 704.334.2282, www.charlottecvb.org. North Carolina Film Office, 301 North Wilmington Street, Raleigh, NC 27601, 919.733.4151, www.ncfilm.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I know before shooting video in Charlotte?

Charlotte shoots are based on a ten hour day with overtime at time and a half after ten hours. The city offers financial services, motorsports, energy industries as primary production subjects. North Carolina is home to that “Carolina Blue” sky. Temperatures are mild and comfortable most of the year. Summer average is 76°F, though July and August can reach the 90s with trying humidity. Winter averages around 40°F with occasional snow and ice. Spring and fall are always cool and close to perfect. Average annual rainfall is 43 inches.

Where should my crew stay in Charlotte?

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

The primary airport is Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Several distinct districts: Uptown, Myers Park, Dilworth and South End, South Park, University City, Mooresville, Race City/Concord, and Pineville/Matthews. The airport is just west of the city near I-77 (North/South) and I-85 (East/West). From the airport, drive times average 30-45 minutes. Mooresville, Race City, Concord, and Pineville/Matthews require an additional 10-20 minutes. Major route: Tryon Street (N/S) and Trade Street/US Route 74 (E/W).

What is the weather like for shooting in Charlotte?

How do I book a video crew in Charlotte?

Assignment Desk provides professional video production crews in Charlotte, NC. 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 Charlotte. Browse Production Stories →