Video Producer's Guide to Shooting in Denver, CO

Denver, CO is home to a population of 2,857,700 and industries spanning Aerospace, Telecommunications, Technology. Known as Mile High City and Queen City, the city was founded in 1858. This guide covers everything video producers need to know before shooting in Denver — from hotels and airports to weather, transportation, and local production guidelines.

Written by Ryan Dumville, Director of Photography — Denver, Colorado — Assignment Desk

Denver at a Glance

Population

2,857,700

Founded

1858

Nicknames

Mile High City, Queen City

Industries

Aerospace, Telecommunications, Technology

About Denver

Denver’s famous nickname is the “Mile High City” due to its official elevation of one mile above sea level. It is unique for its walkable downtown and city park systems. Travel and Leisure rated Denver 11th for “America’s Favorite Cities,” 3rd for “Hipster Cities,” and 2nd for “Being Green.” Denver is becoming a model sustainable, green city. Colorado is popular for its scenic atmosphere and Denver falls right in the sweet spot for availability of a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities.

Attractions & Things to Do

Denver offers numerous museums showcasing Gold Rush and Wild West history. Festivals include the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Colorado Brewers Festival, and A Taste of Colorado. The Red Rock Amphitheater hosts major concerts. Denver’s largest park is the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Park right next to downtown. In winter, some of the world’s most popular ski destinations are nearby. Higher education at University of Colorado Denver, Metropolitan State University, Morgridge College, and multiple community colleges.

Sports Teams

Denver Broncos (NFL), Colorado Rockies (MLB), Colorado Avalanche (NHL), Denver Nuggets (NBA), Colorado Rapids (MLS), Colorado Mammoth (lacrosse), Denver Barbarians (rugby)

Where to Stay

Two major areas: downtown or the airport. Airport hotels include the Westin, Hyatt House, and Days Inn Suite. Downtown hotels include The Sheraton, Staybridge, and the Four Seasons-Denver — more expensive but right in the middle of restaurants, bars, events, and attractions.

Airport & Drive Times

Primary Airport

Denver International Airport

Approx. 30 minutes by train, 45 minutes by car to downtown

Getting Around

Denver has excellent transportation. Bus system, Light Rail, and Union Station all run daily. Uber and Lyft are the most popular car options. If staying downtown, Bike Taxis are available on street corners.

Locations & Drive Times

From Denver Airport, a Union Station ride takes about 30 minutes to reach downtown whereas a car takes at least 45 minutes, not including traffic. Once downtown, almost everything can be reached on foot within 15-20 minutes. The rail system runs every 10 minutes. Denver is known for having one of the most walkable downtowns in the US.

Weather

Denver is known for “300 days of sunshine” but can get quite cold. At elevation, the air is dry. Average January high is 44°F (low 17°F); average July high is 88°F (low 59°F). Humidity is not an issue but moisturize often and wear sunscreen. Average snowfall is about 10 inches during colder months.

View 10-day forecast for Denver →

Production Guidelines

Shoots in Denver 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 Denver

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

Brian Behrens

Denver, CO

Chamber of Commerce

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

Denver Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, 1445 Market St., Denver, CO 80202, www.denverchamber.org

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I know before shooting video in Denver?

Denver shoots are based on a ten hour day with overtime at time and a half after ten hours. The city offers aerospace, telecommunications, technology industries as primary production subjects. Denver is known for “300 days of sunshine” but can get quite cold. At elevation, the air is dry. Average January high is 44°F (low 17°F); average July high is 88°F (low 59°F). Humidity is not an issue but moisturize often and wear sunscreen. Average snowfall is about 10 inches during colder months.

Where should my crew stay in Denver?

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

The primary airport is Denver International Airport. From Denver Airport, a Union Station ride takes about 30 minutes to reach downtown whereas a car takes at least 45 minutes, not including traffic. Once downtown, almost everything can be reached on foot within 15-20 minutes. The rail system runs every 10 minutes. Denver is known for having one of the most walkable downtowns in the US.

What is the weather like for shooting in Denver?

How do I book a video crew in Denver?

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