Video Producer's Guide to Shooting in Washington, DC

Washington, DC is home to a population of 4,844,400 and industries spanning Federal Government, Education, Tourism. Known as The Capital and The American Rome, the city was founded in 1790. This guide covers everything video producers need to know before shooting in Washington — from hotels and airports to weather, transportation, and local production guidelines.

Written by David DiFalco, Director of Photography — Washington, D.C. — Assignment Desk

Washington at a Glance

Population

4,844,400

Founded

1790

Nicknames

The Capital, The American Rome

Industries

Federal Government, Education, Tourism

About Washington

Washington, D.C., the nation’s capital, is one of the most important and recognizable cities in the world. Home to the three branches of the federal government, the city is also a center for international diplomacy, world-class museums, and national monuments. The DC metro area is one of the most educated and affluent in the country. The city’s neighborhoods are diverse and vibrant, from the political power of Capitol Hill to the trendy restaurants of Shaw and the waterfront development at The Wharf.

Attractions & Things to Do

The National Mall stretches from the US Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial, lined with the Smithsonian museums (all free admission), the Washington Monument, the World War II Memorial, and the Reflecting Pool. Other attractions include the Library of Congress, the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Georgetown’s historic streets, and the National Zoo. Cherry blossom season in spring draws over a million visitors. Higher education includes Georgetown University, George Washington University, Howard University, and American University.

Sports Teams

Washington Commanders (NFL), Washington Wizards (NBA), Washington Nationals (MLB), Washington Capitals (NHL), D.C. United (MLS)

Where to Stay

DC has hotels in every neighborhood at every price point. Downtown and Penn Quarter hotels are centrally located near the Mall and convention center. Dupont Circle and Adams Morgan offer boutique options. Crystal City and Rosslyn in Virginia are convenient to Reagan National Airport. Georgetown has upscale options near the waterfront.

Airport & Drive Times

Primary Airport

Washington Dulles International Airport / Reagan National Airport

Approx. 20–30 minutes from Dulles, 10–15 minutes from Reagan National to downtown

Getting Around

DC has the Washington Metro (subway) which is extensive and convenient for getting around the city and inner suburbs. Buses, Uber, Lyft, and Capital Bikeshare are also available. Parking in DC is limited and expensive. Street parking requires careful attention to signs (many streets have restrictions during rush hours). Pre-arranged parking is strongly recommended for production crews.

Locations & Drive Times

Reagan National Airport (DCA) is the closest to downtown, just across the Potomac in Virginia, reachable by Metro in about 15 minutes. Dulles International (IAD) is about 30 miles west and takes 30-50 minutes depending on traffic. BWI in Baltimore is about an hour away. DC traffic is notoriously bad, especially on the Beltway (I-495) and I-66 during rush hours.

Weather

DC has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers (highs in the high 80s to low 90s) and cold winters (highs in the 40s, lows in the 20s and 30s). Spring cherry blossom season (late March to early April) is spectacular but crowded. Fall is pleasant with comfortable temperatures. Summer humidity can be intense and thunderstorms are common.

View 10-day forecast for Washington →

Production Guidelines

Shoots in Washington, DC 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. DC requires permits for most commercial filming on public property. Contact the DC Office of Motion Picture and Television Development. Verify with your crew their specific policies.

Our Crew in Washington

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

Ryan Brower

Washington, DC

Chamber of Commerce

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

DC Chamber of Commerce, 1133 21st St. NW, Washington, DC 20036, www.dcchamber.org

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I know before shooting video in Washington?

Washington shoots are based on a ten hour day with overtime at time and a half after ten hours. The city offers federal government, education, tourism industries as primary production subjects. DC has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers (highs in the high 80s to low 90s) and cold winters (highs in the 40s, lows in the 20s and 30s). Spring cherry blossom season (late March to early April) is spectacular but crowded. Fall is pleasant with comfortable temperatures. Summer humidity can be intense and thunderstorms are common.

Where should my crew stay in Washington?

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

The primary airport is Washington Dulles International Airport / Reagan National Airport. Reagan National Airport (DCA) is the closest to downtown, just across the Potomac in Virginia, reachable by Metro in about 15 minutes. Dulles International (IAD) is about 30 miles west and takes 30-50 minutes depending on traffic. BWI in Baltimore is about an hour away. DC traffic is notoriously bad, especially on the Beltway (I-495) and I-66 during rush hours.

What is the weather like for shooting in Washington?

How do I book a video crew in Washington?

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