Video Producer's Guide to Shooting in Miami, FL
Miami, FL is home to a population of 2,718,800 and industries spanning Financial Services, Tourism, Trade, Media. Known as The Magic City, the city was founded in 1896. This guide covers everything video producers need to know before shooting in Miami — from hotels and airports to weather, transportation, and local production guidelines.
Written by Ryan Brower, Cameraman — Miami, Florida — Assignment Desk
Miami at a Glance
Population
2,718,800
Founded
1896
Nicknames
The Magic City
Industries
Financial Services, Tourism, Trade, Media
About Miami
Miami is a city that simultaneously pays tribute to its storied past and remains on the cutting edge of what’s next. Known as the “Magic City,” it serves as a winter getaway for thousands of Americans each year. Its Latin American influence provides a major basis for Miami’s culture and cuisine. Miami is the only major US city founded by a woman, the only one surrounded by two National Parks (Biscayne and the Everglades), and is the Cruise Capital of the World.
Attractions & Things to Do
With year-round outdoor weather, plenty of events and festivals occur including the Coconut Grove Arts Festival, the Lifetime Miami Marathon, and the Ultra Music Festival. Two national parks surround the city offering tours of local wildlife and ecosystems. Higher education includes Florida International University, Miami Dade College, and Lindsey Hopkins Technical College.
Sports Teams
Miami Heat (NBA), Miami Marlins (MLB), Miami Dolphins (NFL)
Where to Stay
Miami has an abundance of hotel options depending on whether you want to be on the beach, near the airport, or away from crowds. Great deals on hotels during June through November (end of peak times). Airport hotels include Sheraton Miami Airport Hotel and Best Western Premier. Closer to downtown: Hotel Colonnade Coral Gables and Hyatt Regency Miami.
Airport & Drive Times
Primary Airport
Miami International Airport
Approx. 25 minutes to downtown
Getting Around
Cars are the best option. If you don’t have a personal car, Uber is great for getting around the city. Miami also has Metrorail and Metromover for public transit, but a vehicle is recommended for production crews.
Locations & Drive Times
Downtown Miami is about 25 minutes from the airport, making travel to and from flights easier than most cities. Fort Lauderdale is only an hour away; Key West is about four hours. Cars are the best transportation option.
Weather
Miami is known for beach weather year-round. July is the hottest at 88°F; January is the coldest at 68°F. June through November are most humid but the best time to visit since crowds are low. January through April are most popular with mid-70s and low humidity. Miami is in the hurricane belt so expect possible inclement weather during hurricane season.
Production Guidelines
Shoots in Miami 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 Miami
Assignment Desk has staff crew members based in the Miami area, ready to handle your production needs.
Chamber of Commerce
If you have additional questions about Miami, you can always contact the city's Chamber of Commerce.
Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, 1601 Biscayne Rd, Miami, FL 33131, www.miamichamber.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I know before shooting video in Miami?
Miami shoots are based on a ten hour day with overtime at time and a half after ten hours. The city offers financial services, tourism, trade, media industries as primary production subjects. Miami is known for beach weather year-round. July is the hottest at 88°F; January is the coldest at 68°F. June through November are most humid but the best time to visit since crowds are low. January through April are most popular with mid-70s and low humidity. Miami is in the hurricane belt so expect possible inclement weather during hurricane season.
Where should my crew stay in Miami?
Miami has an abundance of hotel options depending on whether you want to be on the beach, near the airport, or away from crowds. Great deals on hotels during June through November (end of peak times). Airport hotels include Sheraton Miami Airport Hotel and Best Western Premier. Closer to downtown: Hotel Colonnade Coral Gables and Hyatt Regency Miami.
How do I get from the airport to my shoot in Miami?
The primary airport is Miami International Airport. Downtown Miami is about 25 minutes from the airport, making travel to and from flights easier than most cities. Fort Lauderdale is only an hour away; Key West is about four hours. Cars are the best transportation option.
What is the weather like for shooting in Miami?
Miami is known for beach weather year-round. July is the hottest at 88°F; January is the coldest at 68°F. June through November are most humid but the best time to visit since crowds are low. January through April are most popular with mid-70s and low humidity. Miami is in the hurricane belt so expect possible inclement weather during hurricane season.
How do I book a video crew in Miami?
Assignment Desk provides professional video production crews in Miami, FL. 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 Miami. Browse Production Stories →
Book a Crew in Miami
Ready to shoot in Miami, FL? Call 312-464-8600 or fill out our booking form.
Hire A CrewProduction Resources in Miami
Assignment Desk maintains a network of video production professionals in Miami, FL. Here are the resources available for your next shoot.
More Producer's Guides
Explore our guides for other cities across the US.