Video Producer's Guide to Shooting in Richmond, VA

Richmond, VA is home to a population of 1,310,000 and industries spanning Finance, Government, Healthcare, Education. Known as River City, the city was founded in 1737. This guide covers everything video producers need to know before shooting in Richmond — from hotels and airports to weather, transportation, and local production guidelines.

Written by Shawn Moffatt, Director of Photography — Richmond, Virginia — Assignment Desk

Richmond at a Glance

Population

1,310,000

Founded

1737

Nicknames

River City

Industries

Finance, Government, Healthcare, Education

About Richmond

Richmond is the capital of Virginia and a city rich in American history. From its role in the American Revolution to serving as the capital of the Confederacy during the Civil War, Richmond’s historical significance is unmatched in the region. Today, Richmond is a thriving modern city known for its arts scene, award-winning restaurants, craft breweries, and outdoor recreation along the James River. The city has been named one of the top food cities in America and continues to attract young professionals and creatives.

Attractions & Things to Do

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the American Civil War Museum, and St. John’s Church (where Patrick Henry gave his famous “Give me liberty or give me death” speech) are top attractions. The James River runs through the city offering rapids for kayaking and tubing. The Carytown shopping district and Scott’s Addition brewery district are popular neighborhoods. Higher education includes University of Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), and Virginia Union University.

Sports Teams

Richmond Kickers (USL soccer), Richmond Flying Squirrels (minor league baseball), VCU Rams (NCAA)

Where to Stay

Downtown Richmond offers hotels like the Omni Richmond Hotel, Hilton Richmond Downtown, and the Graduate Richmond. Hotels near the airport and along I-95 offer more affordable options. The Fan District and Shockoe Slip areas have boutique accommodations.

Airport & Drive Times

Primary Airport

Richmond International Airport

Approx. 20 minutes to downtown to downtown

Getting Around

A car is recommended for production crews. GRTC Transit System provides bus service throughout the metro area, including the Pulse rapid transit line. Uber and Lyft are available. Parking downtown is metered but generally available. Street parking in neighborhoods like the Fan and Carytown can be tight.

Locations & Drive Times

Richmond International Airport is about 20 minutes from downtown via I-64. Washington DC is about 100 miles north (1.5-2 hours). Virginia Beach is about 100 miles east. I-95 and I-64 are the main highways. Traffic is generally manageable but rush hour on I-95 can be heavy near the interchanges.

Weather

Richmond has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Summer highs reach the upper 80s to mid 90s with high humidity. Winter highs are typically in the mid 40s to low 50s with occasional snow. Spring and fall are the most pleasant seasons for production work.

View 10-day forecast for Richmond →

Production Guidelines

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

Greater Richmond Chamber, 600 E. Main St., Suite 700, Richmond, VA 23219, www.grcc.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I know before shooting video in Richmond?

Richmond shoots are based on a ten hour day with overtime at time and a half after ten hours. The city offers finance, government, healthcare, education industries as primary production subjects. Richmond has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Summer highs reach the upper 80s to mid 90s with high humidity. Winter highs are typically in the mid 40s to low 50s with occasional snow. Spring and fall are the most pleasant seasons for production work.

Where should my crew stay in Richmond?

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

The primary airport is Richmond International Airport. Richmond International Airport is about 20 minutes from downtown via I-64. Washington DC is about 100 miles north (1.5-2 hours). Virginia Beach is about 100 miles east. I-95 and I-64 are the main highways. Traffic is generally manageable but rush hour on I-95 can be heavy near the interchanges.

What is the weather like for shooting in Richmond?

How do I book a video crew in Richmond?

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