Video Producer's Guide to Shooting in Raleigh, NC

Raleigh, NC is home to a population of 1,390,000 and industries spanning Technology, Education, Healthcare. Known as The City of Oaks and The Research Triangle, the city was founded in 1792. This guide covers everything video producers need to know before shooting in Raleigh — from hotels and airports to weather, transportation, and local production guidelines.

Written by Jimmy Hall, Director of Photography — Raleigh, North Carolina — Assignment Desk

Raleigh at a Glance

Population

1,390,000

Founded

1792

Nicknames

The City of Oaks, The Research Triangle

Industries

Technology, Education, Healthcare

About Raleigh

Raleigh is part of the Research Triangle along with Durham and Chapel Hill, forming one of the premier technology and research hubs in the United States. As the state capital of North Carolina, Raleigh combines a rich history with a modern, innovative economy. The Research Triangle Park (RTP) is one of the largest research parks in the world, home to companies like IBM, Cisco, and SAS Institute. The area’s cost of living, quality of life, and educated workforce continue to attract major companies.

Attractions & Things to Do

The North Carolina Museum of Art, the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences (the largest in the Southeast), and the North Carolina State Capitol are top attractions. Duke University and its beautiful campus in nearby Durham draw visitors year-round. The American Tobacco Campus in Durham is a popular dining and entertainment district. Higher education is a major draw with NC State, Duke University, UNC Chapel Hill, and numerous smaller colleges.

Sports Teams

Carolina Hurricanes (NHL), NC State Wolfpack (NCAA), Duke Blue Devils (NCAA), UNC Tar Heels (NCAA)

Where to Stay

Hotels are available throughout the Triangle area. Downtown Raleigh offers options like the Raleigh Marriott City Center and the StateView Hotel. Near RTP, numerous hotels serve business travelers. Budget-friendly options are available near the airport and along the I-40 corridor.

Airport & Drive Times

Primary Airport

Raleigh-Durham International Airport

Approx. 20 minutes to downtown Raleigh to downtown

Getting Around

A car is essential for getting around the Triangle. GoTriangle provides bus service between Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. Uber and Lyft are available throughout the area. Parking is generally easy and affordable. The area is spread out, so plan for driving between shoots.

Locations & Drive Times

Raleigh-Durham International Airport is centrally located between Raleigh and Durham, about 20 minutes from downtown Raleigh. I-40 and I-440 are the main highways connecting the Triangle cities. Drive times between Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill are generally 20-30 minutes. Traffic is manageable compared to larger metros.

Weather

Raleigh has a humid subtropical climate with warm, humid summers and mild winters. Summer highs reach the upper 80s to low 90s. Winter highs are typically in the 50s with occasional freezing temperatures. The area receives about 46 inches of rain per year and occasional winter ice storms. Spring and fall are the best seasons for outdoor production.

View 10-day forecast for Raleigh →

Production Guidelines

Shoots in Raleigh 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 Raleigh, you can always contact the city's Chamber of Commerce.

Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce, 800 S. Salisbury St., Raleigh, NC 27601, www.raleighchamber.org

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I know before shooting video in Raleigh?

Raleigh shoots are based on a ten hour day with overtime at time and a half after ten hours. The city offers technology, education, healthcare industries as primary production subjects. Raleigh has a humid subtropical climate with warm, humid summers and mild winters. Summer highs reach the upper 80s to low 90s. Winter highs are typically in the 50s with occasional freezing temperatures. The area receives about 46 inches of rain per year and occasional winter ice storms. Spring and fall are the best seasons for outdoor production.

Where should my crew stay in Raleigh?

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

The primary airport is Raleigh-Durham International Airport. Raleigh-Durham International Airport is centrally located between Raleigh and Durham, about 20 minutes from downtown Raleigh. I-40 and I-440 are the main highways connecting the Triangle cities. Drive times between Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill are generally 20-30 minutes. Traffic is manageable compared to larger metros.

What is the weather like for shooting in Raleigh?

How do I book a video crew in Raleigh?

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