Video Producer's Guide to Shooting in Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix, AZ is home to a population of 4,675,300 and industries spanning Technology, Tourism. Known as Valley of the Sun and Silicon Desert, the city was founded in 1881. This guide covers everything video producers need to know before shooting in Phoenix — from hotels and airports to weather, transportation, and local production guidelines.

Written by Jacob Satterfield, Director of Photography — Phoenix, Arizona — Assignment Desk

Phoenix at a Glance

Population

4,675,300

Founded

1881

Nicknames

Valley of the Sun, Silicon Desert

Industries

Technology, Tourism

About Phoenix

Phoenix is one of the fastest growing cities in the United States. Located in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, Phoenix offers a unique blend of southwestern culture, outdoor adventures, and a booming tech industry that has earned it the nickname “Silicon Desert.” The city receives over 300 days of sunshine per year, making it ideal for outdoor productions year-round. The Greater Phoenix area, known as the Valley of the Sun, is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the country.

Attractions & Things to Do

Popular attractions include Camelback Mountain for hiking, the Desert Botanical Garden, the Heard Museum of Native American art, and Old Town Scottsdale for shopping and dining. The Phoenix Zoo and Papago Park offer outdoor activities. Spring Training baseball draws fans from across the country. The city hosts numerous golf courses and spa resorts. Higher education options include Arizona State University, Grand Canyon University, and the University of Phoenix.

Sports Teams

Arizona Cardinals (NFL), Phoenix Suns (NBA), Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB), Arizona Coyotes (NHL), Phoenix Mercury (WNBA)

Where to Stay

Phoenix and Scottsdale offer a wide range of accommodations from luxury resorts to budget-friendly chain hotels. Popular resort options include The Phoenician, Scottsdale Princess, and Arizona Biltmore. Downtown Phoenix hotels include the Westin Phoenix Downtown and Hyatt Regency Phoenix. Airport hotels are available along the I-10 corridor.

Airport & Drive Times

Primary Airport

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

Approx. 10–15 minutes to downtown to downtown

Getting Around

Phoenix is a car-dependent city. The Valley Metro light rail connects downtown Phoenix, Tempe, and Mesa. Uber and Lyft are widely available. Rental cars are recommended for production crews as the metro area is very spread out. Parking is generally easy and affordable outside of downtown events.

Locations & Drive Times

Phoenix Sky Harbor is conveniently located just minutes from downtown Phoenix and Tempe. Drive times to Scottsdale are about 20-30 minutes. The Valley’s freeway system (I-10, I-17, Loop 101, Loop 202) makes most destinations accessible within 30-45 minutes. Traffic can be heavy during rush hours on the I-10 and I-17 corridors.

Weather

Phoenix is known for extreme heat in summer with temperatures regularly exceeding 110°F from June through September. Winters are mild and pleasant with highs in the 60s and 70s. The dry desert air means low humidity year-round. Monsoon season (July-September) brings dramatic thunderstorms and flash flooding. Spring and fall are ideal for outdoor productions.

View 10-day forecast for Phoenix →

Production Guidelines

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

Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, 201 N. Central Ave. Suite 2700, Phoenix, AZ 85004, www.phoenixchamber.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I know before shooting video in Phoenix?

Phoenix shoots are based on a ten hour day with overtime at time and a half after ten hours. The city offers technology, tourism industries as primary production subjects. Phoenix is known for extreme heat in summer with temperatures regularly exceeding 110°F from June through September. Winters are mild and pleasant with highs in the 60s and 70s. The dry desert air means low humidity year-round. Monsoon season (July-September) brings dramatic thunderstorms and flash flooding. Spring and fall are ideal for outdoor productions.

Where should my crew stay in Phoenix?

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

The primary airport is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Phoenix Sky Harbor is conveniently located just minutes from downtown Phoenix and Tempe. Drive times to Scottsdale are about 20-30 minutes. The Valley’s freeway system (I-10, I-17, Loop 101, Loop 202) makes most destinations accessible within 30-45 minutes. Traffic can be heavy during rush hours on the I-10 and I-17 corridors.

What is the weather like for shooting in Phoenix?

How do I book a video crew in Phoenix?

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