Video Producer's Guide to Shooting in Columbia, SC

Columbia, SC is home to a population of 819,200 and industries spanning Healthcare, Education, Defense. Known as Cola Town and Soda City, the city was founded in 1786. This guide covers everything video producers need to know before shooting in Columbia — from hotels and airports to weather, transportation, and local production guidelines.

Written by Craig Goodale, Director of Photography — Columbia, South Carolina — Assignment Desk

Columbia at a Glance

Population

819,200

Founded

1786

Nicknames

Cola Town, Soda City

Industries

Healthcare, Education, Defense

About Columbia

Columbia is located right in the middle of South Carolina. As its capital, it has many historic landmarks and attractions located downtown. Columbia is known as the home of the University of South Carolina, rated 107 in Best Colleges. The college is located right in the heart of the city and college students are the main demographic. It has a big-city feel but still remains a small southern town with aesthetics to please everyone.

Attractions & Things to Do

Things to do include college activities with the Gamecocks, the Riverbanks Zoo, Columbia Canal & River, the South Carolina State House, and many museums. Columbia is home to EdVenture, the largest children’s museum in the south. Concerts are located at the Colonial Life Arena. The most popular festival is the St. Patty’s Five Points Festival. They recently got the Columbia Fireflies minor league baseball team. Higher education at University of South Carolina, Columbia College, South Carolina State, and Midlands Technical College.

Sports Teams

USC Gamecocks (NCAA), Columbia Fireflies (minor league baseball)

Where to Stay

Most hotels in Columbia are decently priced and in great locations, including near the Columbia Metropolitan Airport. Options include Hilton Garden, Hampton Inn, and Staybridge — all within walking distance from downtown and transportation services.

Airport & Drive Times

Primary Airport

Columbia Metropolitan Airport

Approx. 10–15 minutes to downtown

Getting Around

Columbia offers a local bus system with plenty of stops throughout the city. Uber and Lyft are available all hours. Driving your own car or rental is also convenient since Columbia is not too big and parking is not too hard to find.

Locations & Drive Times

Attractions in Columbia are mostly a 10-15 minute drive, all accessible by car with parking. They have a public bus system with stops throughout the city. Uber and Lyft are available all hours of the day.

Weather

The climate has a wide range with lows of 33°F in January and highs of 97°F in July. Snow isn’t expected but they’ve had about two inches in the past. Rain is common and flooding tends to be an issue.

View 10-day forecast for Columbia →

Production Guidelines

Shoots in Columbia 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.

Chamber of Commerce

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

SC Chamber of Commerce, 1301 Gervais St. #1100, Columbia, SC 29201, www.scchamber.net

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I know before shooting video in Columbia?

Columbia shoots are based on a ten hour day with overtime at time and a half after ten hours. The city offers healthcare, education, defense industries as primary production subjects. The climate has a wide range with lows of 33°F in January and highs of 97°F in July. Snow isn’t expected but they’ve had about two inches in the past. Rain is common and flooding tends to be an issue.

Where should my crew stay in Columbia?

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

The primary airport is Columbia Metropolitan Airport. Attractions in Columbia are mostly a 10-15 minute drive, all accessible by car with parking. They have a public bus system with stops throughout the city. Uber and Lyft are available all hours of the day.

What is the weather like for shooting in Columbia?

How do I book a video crew in Columbia?

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