Video Producer's Guide to Shooting in Orlando, FL

Orlando, FL is home to a population of 2,000,000 and industries spanning Tourism, Aerospace, Defense, Technology. Known as The City Beautiful and Theme Park Capital of the World, the city was founded in 1875. This guide covers everything video producers need to know before shooting in Orlando — from hotels and airports to weather, transportation, and local production guidelines.

Written by Dan Beckmann, Cameraman / DP / Partner — Orlando, Florida — Assignment Desk

Orlando at a Glance

Population

2,000,000

Founded

1875

Nicknames

The City Beautiful, Theme Park Capital of the World

Industries

Tourism, Aerospace, Defense, Technology

About Orlando

Located in Central Florida, Orlando is situated in the middle of the I-4 Corridor between Daytona Beach and Tampa Bay. The population of the Greater Orlando area is just over 2 million, making it the third largest metropolitan area in Florida. Orlando is one of the fastest growing metro areas in the Sunbelt. The most critical part of Orlando’s economy started when Walt Disney announced plans to build Walt Disney World. The Magic Kingdom opened in October 1971 and the population and economic growth exploded. Tourism has become the centerpiece of the area’s economy, boasting more theme parks and entertainment attractions than anywhere else on the planet.

Attractions & Things to Do

Walt Disney World, Universal Studios Florida, Sea World, Gatorland, and Busch Gardens are just a few of the world-famous theme parks. The Orange County Convention Center is the second-largest convention center in the United States. Orlando is close to Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral, and Port Canaveral (one of the largest cruise ship terminals in the US). The city has numerous PGA Tour designed golf courses. Major companies with offices in the area include Lockheed Martin, Boeing, General Dynamics, Siemens, and Raytheon.

Sports Teams

Orlando Magic (NBA), Orlando City SC (MLS), Orlando Pride (NWSL)

Where to Stay

Downtown hotels include the Grand Bohemian Hotel, Sheraton Orlando Downtown, and Embassy Suites Hotel Orlando-Downtown. Near Universal: Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando (Loews) and DoubleTree Hotel. Near the convention center: The Peabody Orlando, Rosen Centre, and Holiday Inn International Drive. The Florida Hotel and Conference Center is also popular for production crews.

Airport & Drive Times

Primary Airport

Orlando International Airport (MCO)

Approx. 20–30 minutes to downtown to downtown

Getting Around

Orlando does not have extensive public transit. I-4 is the primary highway and can be heavily congested. Rental cars and ride-sharing services (Uber, Lyft) are the best options for production crews. Toll roads are common throughout central Florida — carry cash or get a SunPass.

Locations & Drive Times

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the busiest airport in Florida and was ranked #1 in the nation by J.D. Power. Orlando Sanford International Airport serves as a secondary airport. The East-West Expressway (Toll 408) and Beachline Expressway (Toll 528) provide key access routes. I-4 is Orlando’s primary interstate and the only one serving the metro area. Most attractions are accessible within 20-30 minutes.

Weather

Orlando has a humid subtropical climate with two main seasons: hot and rainy (June-September) and dry and mild (October-May). Average highs exceed 90°F for almost five months. Summer humidity can push the heat index over 110°F. Strong afternoon thunderstorms are nearly daily in summer. Winter nighttime lows average around 50°F with daytime highs in the low 70s. Annual rainfall is about 50 inches, mostly June through September.

View 10-day forecast for Orlando →

Production Guidelines

Shoots in Orlando 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 locale, travel time can be expected. Verify with your crew their specific policies.

Chamber of Commerce

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

Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce, 75 South Ivanhoe Boulevard, P.O. Box 1234, Orlando, FL 32802-1234, 407.425.1234, www.orlando.org. Orlando Film Office, 301 East Pine Street, Suite 900, Orlando, FL, 407.422.7159

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I know before shooting video in Orlando?

Orlando shoots are based on a ten hour day with overtime at time and a half after ten hours. The city offers tourism, aerospace, defense, technology industries as primary production subjects. Orlando has a humid subtropical climate with two main seasons: hot and rainy (June-September) and dry and mild (October-May). Average highs exceed 90°F for almost five months. Summer humidity can push the heat index over 110°F. Strong afternoon thunderstorms are nearly daily in summer. Winter nighttime lows average around 50°F with daytime highs in the low 70s. Annual rainfall is about 50 inches, mostly June through September.

Where should my crew stay in Orlando?

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

The primary airport is Orlando International Airport (MCO). Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the busiest airport in Florida and was ranked #1 in the nation by J.D. Power. Orlando Sanford International Airport serves as a secondary airport. The East-West Expressway (Toll 408) and Beachline Expressway (Toll 528) provide key access routes. I-4 is Orlando’s primary interstate and the only one serving the metro area. Most attractions are accessible within 20-30 minutes.

What is the weather like for shooting in Orlando?

How do I book a video crew in Orlando?

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