Video Producer's Guide to Shooting in Cleveland, OH

Cleveland, OH is home to a population of 2,054,700 and industries spanning Manufacturing, Finance, Healthcare. Known as The North Coast and C-Town, the city was founded in 1796. This guide covers everything video producers need to know before shooting in Cleveland — from hotels and airports to weather, transportation, and local production guidelines.

Written by John Riley, Cameraman — Cleveland, Ohio — Assignment Desk

Cleveland at a Glance

Population

2,054,700

Founded

1796

Nicknames

The North Coast, C-Town

Industries

Manufacturing, Finance, Healthcare

About Cleveland

Cleveland is a city evolved from a manufacturing hub into a mecca of art, culture, and fun people. Located right on the edge of Lake Erie, Cleveland is a lakeside city with attractions like sailing and sunbathing. No matter the season, Cleveland has plenty of activities, new restaurants, and events to explore.

Attractions & Things to Do

The Cleveland Museum of Art is a must-see with rotating exhibitions and free admission. Cleveland coined the phrase “Rock and Roll” and is home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Cleveland Clinic has one of the best rated medical programs in the country. The “Emerald Necklace” Metroparks surround the city with nature reservations, trails, and a zoo. The West Side Market has been operating since 1840 with local vendors selling homemade pasta, bread, meats, and hot food. Higher education includes Cleveland State University, Cleveland Institute of Art, and Cuyahoga Community College.

Sports Teams

Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA), Cleveland Browns (NFL), Cleveland Guardians (MLB)

Where to Stay

The Ritz-Carlton offers gorgeous lake views for luxury. For something uniquely Cleveland, try the Kimpton Schofield or the Metropolitan at the 9 with modern art-influenced designs at more affordable prices. Budget options include Holiday Inn and Hilton Garden Inn. Near the airport: Radisson Hotel, Holiday Inn Express, and Four Points by Sheraton.

Airport & Drive Times

Primary Airport

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport

Approx. 20–25 minutes to downtown

Getting Around

Public transportation is great compared to some cities. Four train lines (Rapids), various bus routes, and free hop-on-hop-off trolleys that stop at popular tourist locations. Wait times can be 20+ minutes, so walking may be worthwhile since most major attractions are within 15-20 minutes on foot.

Locations & Drive Times

Average commute time is just under 25 minutes. Downtown driving is manageable with plenty of parking garages. During rush hour, leave an additional 10-15 minutes on I-77. From most areas in greater Cleveland, drives to downtown are usually 20-30 minutes. Airport drive times are 20-25 minutes via I-71 or I-77 from downtown.

Weather

Cleveland winters are cold and brutal with the possibility of dropping below zero. Snow is a non-affair — workplaces don’t shut down. Temperatures can change fast, going from single digits to the 40s in less than 24 hours. Layers are recommended. Summers are warm and humid, hitting highs in the 70s and low 80s in July and August.

View 10-day forecast for Cleveland →

Production Guidelines

Shoots in Cleveland 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 Cleveland

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

Jordan Woods

Camera Operator/DP

Cleveland, OH

Chamber of Commerce

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

This is Cleveland Visitors Bureau, 334 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44114, (216) 875-6680, www.thisiscleveland.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I know before shooting video in Cleveland?

Cleveland shoots are based on a ten hour day with overtime at time and a half after ten hours. The city offers manufacturing, finance, healthcare industries as primary production subjects. Cleveland winters are cold and brutal with the possibility of dropping below zero. Snow is a non-affair — workplaces don’t shut down. Temperatures can change fast, going from single digits to the 40s in less than 24 hours. Layers are recommended. Summers are warm and humid, hitting highs in the 70s and low 80s in July and August.

Where should my crew stay in Cleveland?

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

The primary airport is Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. Average commute time is just under 25 minutes. Downtown driving is manageable with plenty of parking garages. During rush hour, leave an additional 10-15 minutes on I-77. From most areas in greater Cleveland, drives to downtown are usually 20-30 minutes. Airport drive times are 20-25 minutes via I-71 or I-77 from downtown.

What is the weather like for shooting in Cleveland?

How do I book a video crew in Cleveland?

Assignment Desk provides professional video production crews in Cleveland, OH. 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 Cleveland. Browse Production Stories →