Video Producer's Guide to Shooting in St. Louis, MO

St. Louis, MO is home to a population of 2,807,800 and industries spanning Bio-Science, Healthcare, Education. Known as The Gateway City, Mound City and The Lou, the city was founded in 1764. This guide covers everything video producers need to know before shooting in St. Louis — from hotels and airports to weather, transportation, and local production guidelines.

Written by Kyle Kaiser, Director of Photography — St. Louis, Missouri — Assignment Desk

St. Louis at a Glance

Population

2,807,800

Founded

1764

Nicknames

The Gateway City, Mound City, The Lou

Industries

Bio-Science, Healthcare, Education

About St. Louis

St. Louis is a historic river city sitting on the western bank of the Mississippi River. As the “Gateway to the West,” St. Louis played a pivotal role in the westward expansion of the United States. Today, the city is known for its world-class cultural institutions, many of which are free to the public. The healthcare and bio-science industries anchor the economy, with major employers including Washington University, BJC Healthcare, and Monsanto (now Bayer). The city’s cost of living is significantly lower than coastal metros, making it attractive for businesses and residents alike.

Attractions & Things to Do

The Gateway Arch is the city’s most iconic landmark and the tallest man-made monument in the US. Forest Park (larger than Central Park) houses the St. Louis Zoo, the St. Louis Art Museum, the Missouri History Museum, and the St. Louis Science Center — all with free admission. The City Museum is a uniquely St. Louis experience. The Delmar Loop, Soulard, and Lafayette Square are popular neighborhoods. Higher education includes Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis University, and the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

Sports Teams

St. Louis Cardinals (MLB), St. Louis Blues (NHL), St. Louis City SC (MLS)

Where to Stay

Downtown St. Louis offers hotels near the Arch and convention center, including the Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch, Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark, and the Drury Plaza Hotel. The Central West End near Forest Park has boutique options. Airport hotels are available along I-70 near Lambert Airport.

Airport & Drive Times

Primary Airport

St. Louis Lambert International Airport

Approx. 15 miles from downtown (20–25 minutes) to downtown

Getting Around

MetroLink light rail provides service from the airport through downtown to East St. Louis. MetroBus covers the metro area. Uber and Lyft are available. A rental car is recommended for production crews since the metro area is spread out. Parking downtown is plentiful and affordable compared to coastal cities.

Locations & Drive Times

Lambert Airport is about 15 miles northwest of downtown, a 20-25 minute drive via I-70. MetroLink light rail also connects the airport to downtown. The metro area spans both Missouri and Illinois (East St. Louis). I-64, I-70, and I-44 are the main highways. Traffic is generally manageable compared to larger cities.

Weather

St. Louis has a humid continental climate with hot, humid summers and cold winters. Summer highs reach the upper 80s to mid 90s. Winter highs are in the 30s and 40s with occasional snow and ice storms. Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are possible in spring. The city sits at the confluence of weather patterns, so conditions can change rapidly.

View 10-day forecast for St. Louis →

Production Guidelines

Shoots in St. Louis 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 St. Louis

Assignment Desk has staff crew members based in the St. Louis area, ready to handle your production needs.

Manny Frances

St. Louis, MO

Chamber of Commerce

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

St. Louis Regional Chamber, One Metropolitan Square, Suite 1300, St. Louis, MO 63102, www.stlregionalchamber.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I know before shooting video in St. Louis?

St. Louis shoots are based on a ten hour day with overtime at time and a half after ten hours. The city offers bio-science, healthcare, education industries as primary production subjects. St. Louis has a humid continental climate with hot, humid summers and cold winters. Summer highs reach the upper 80s to mid 90s. Winter highs are in the 30s and 40s with occasional snow and ice storms. Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are possible in spring. The city sits at the confluence of weather patterns, so conditions can change rapidly.

Where should my crew stay in St. Louis?

How do I get from the airport to my shoot in St. Louis?

The primary airport is St. Louis Lambert International Airport. Lambert Airport is about 15 miles northwest of downtown, a 20-25 minute drive via I-70. MetroLink light rail also connects the airport to downtown. The metro area spans both Missouri and Illinois (East St. Louis). I-64, I-70, and I-44 are the main highways. Traffic is generally manageable compared to larger cities.

What is the weather like for shooting in St. Louis?

How do I book a video crew in St. Louis?

Assignment Desk provides professional video production crews in St. Louis, MO. 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 St. Louis. Browse Production Stories →