Video Producer's Guide to Shooting in Myrtle Beach, SC

Myrtle Beach, SC is home to a population of 480,000 and industries spanning Tourism, Hospitality, Golf. Known as The Grand Strand, the city was founded in 1938. This guide covers everything video producers need to know before shooting in Myrtle Beach — from hotels and airports to weather, transportation, and local production guidelines.

Written by Thomas Hughes, Director of Photography — Myrtle Beach, South Carolina — Assignment Desk

Myrtle Beach at a Glance

Population

480,000

Founded

1938

Nicknames

The Grand Strand

Industries

Tourism, Hospitality, Golf

About Myrtle Beach

The Myrtle Beach area, also known as South Carolina’s Grand Strand, is a 60-mile stretch of coastline. The Grand Strand begins at the South Carolina state line at Little River and stretches south to Pawley’s Island. Considered one of the nation’s top vacation destinations, the Grand Strand hosts an estimated 13.5 million visitors annually. The increasing number of attractions, live music theaters, shopping centers, and golf courses attracts visitors throughout the year. The Grand Strand remains one of the fastest growing areas in the country with big tourism business, light industrial, a major university, professional sports teams, museums, thousands of great restaurants, and nearly 130 golf courses.

Attractions & Things to Do

Major tourism names including Hard Rock Café, Planet Hollywood, and House of Blues. Darlington Raceway is a short drive away. Live entertainment theaters include the Carolina Opry, Medieval Times, Dixie Stampede, and Legends in Concert. Broadway at the Beach hosts shows. More than 1,700 restaurants, over 300 outlet shopping stores, and over 50 miniature golf courses.

Sports Teams

Myrtle Beach Pelicans (minor league baseball), Coastal Carolina Chanticleers (NCAA)

Where to Stay

There are 460 hotels and motels along the Grand Strand with more than 47,000 rooms plus 30,000 condo accommodations. Major beach hotels include Embassy Suites Myrtle Beach and Breakers Resort Hotel. Many properties are older mom-and-pop motels, so choose carefully based on your needs.

Airport & Drive Times

Primary Airport

Myrtle Beach International Airport

Approx. 15–20 minutes to downtown

Getting Around

No reliable mass transportation. You’ll need taxis, rental cars, or crew transportation. Communicate needs with your crew. Allow time to park, especially along the Strand where parking can be very difficult. Crews always appreciate pre-arranged parking.

Locations & Drive Times

Traffic can be horrendous, especially during summer peak times (Friday and Saturday nights in June). US Highways 501 and 17 are the main thoroughfares. Saturdays are the worst since accommodations change over. During peak times, plan up to one hour from North Myrtle Beach to South Myrtle Beach. Typically you can drive the entire strip in about 30 minutes.

Weather

Spring weather is some of the best in the country. Be prepared for extreme humidity and heat in summer. If shooting outdoors, always arrange for shade and water. Summer average stays in the 80s, with July and August reaching the high 90s. Winter temps are mild, averaging in the 60s, with snow and ice very rare. 215 sunny days per year.

View 10-day forecast for Myrtle Beach →

Production Guidelines

Shoots in the Grand Strand area 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. If your shoot takes the crew to a distant location or through heavy traffic areas, travel time can be expected. Verify with your crew their specific policies.

Chamber of Commerce

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

Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, 1200 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577, (843) 626-7444 or 800-356-3016, www.myrtlebeachinfo.com. South Carolina Film Office, 1201 Main Street, Suite 1600, Columbia, SC 29201, 803.737.0490, www.scfilmoffice.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I know before shooting video in Myrtle Beach?

Myrtle Beach shoots are based on a ten hour day with overtime at time and a half after ten hours. The city offers tourism, hospitality, golf industries as primary production subjects. Spring weather is some of the best in the country. Be prepared for extreme humidity and heat in summer. If shooting outdoors, always arrange for shade and water. Summer average stays in the 80s, with July and August reaching the high 90s. Winter temps are mild, averaging in the 60s, with snow and ice very rare. 215 sunny days per year.

Where should my crew stay in Myrtle Beach?

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

The primary airport is Myrtle Beach International Airport. Traffic can be horrendous, especially during summer peak times (Friday and Saturday nights in June). US Highways 501 and 17 are the main thoroughfares. Saturdays are the worst since accommodations change over. During peak times, plan up to one hour from North Myrtle Beach to South Myrtle Beach. Typically you can drive the entire strip in about 30 minutes.

What is the weather like for shooting in Myrtle Beach?

How do I book a video crew in Myrtle Beach?

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