About Washington DC
Fans of history love the city of Washington DC. Not only is it the capital of the United States but it is also a plethora of historic places and monuments to see. In fact, there are more of these sites in such a small space than anywhere else in the US. The city is a bustling metropolis on its own with a vast array of dining, shopping, and entertainment to keep you busy when you are not filming.
The city was named after the first president of the United States, George Washington, and is one of the most popular tourist cities in the world. Each year, the city plays host to over 20 million people. With an average low of 55 and an average high of 70, outdoor activities are popular as well. The city has over 30 different national parks as well as dozens of city and community parks to enjoy.
There are quite a few museums in the city as well like the National Museum of Natural History, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, and the National Gallery of Art. You may also enjoy the Washington Ballet, Washington National Opera, and the National Symphony Orchestra. With all of the history, entertainment, and beauty, you will be spoiled for choice of filming venues in Washington DC.
Filming Options in Washington DC
Are you looking for where to shoot great films? Washington DC has the atmosphere and history to provide tons of places to choose from. Filming in Washington DC will not be an issue no matter what you are looking for.
- Catering
Filmmakers tend to consume a lot of energy when working. Fortunately, the caterers in Washington DC cook delicious and healthy meals to satisfy your cravings and rebuild your energy. Many excellent restaurants offer various menus for catering to many different cuisines. You will not have to look too hard to find what you want.
- Props, Furniture, and Equipment Rental
All filming venues need props no matter what it is you are shooting. But if you are planning on flying, good luck getting all that on the plane. Instead of bringing all your heavy equipment, furniture, and props with you, just rent them at one of the great vendors in Washington DC.
- Technology
Technology plays a vital role in boosting the state's economy. The community here offers stability to tech workers and consumers. As a result, Washington DC is a place where people with tech skills can thrive. This, in turn, means you can find the tech equipment and experts you need right there in town.
Filming Companies in Washington DC
In recent times, Washington DC has become a great place for filming companies. It has several notable features that give company owners a reason to stay. However, other companies have played essential roles in building a safe environment for filming, and the quality of services offered makes filming in Washington DC easy and pleasurable.
- Farm to Feast
Farm to Feast is a reliable restaurant in Washington. Customers say the most amazing thing about the coming is the caliber of staff they employ. The employees are hardworking and skilled. You can also order meals from the comfort of your home. Whether you want appetizers or a full meal, you can get it from here.
- Talk of the Town
Since 1993, Steve Rothenberg and his team have been providing awesome props to the people of Washington DC and the surrounding area. If you are looking for tents, tables, and chairs or giant slides and a bouncy house, Talk of the Town has it. Other items available include dance floors, photo booths, casino tables, and concessions like hot dog and funnel cake stands.
- Smartsheet
Smartsheet is a company that offers commercial establishment collaboration software to boost efficiency, productivity, and teamwork. The company loves hiring graduates of the University of Washington DC. This is why it is one of the most popular tech companies in the state.
Pros and Cons of Filming in Washington DC
Do you want to start your filming in Washington DC? It would help if you knew the advantages and disadvantages of filming in the city. Although they might seem negligible, they often significantly influence your experience. To enjoy filming in Washington DC, you must consider the pros and cons.
Advantages
- Beautiful environment
Washington DC is home to many attractive features like its famous cherry blossom trees. Flanked by the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers, there are hundreds of parks and green spaces to enjoy with hiking trails, swimming, and boating opportunities.
- Historical sites
You cannot go wrong here if you want to enjoy some historical sites. From the Lincoln Memorial to The White House, there are dozens of memorials and historical attractions here.
- Low tax rate
One of the most enticing things about Washington DC is the low tax rates. This affects the overall prices, which means you will not be spending as much as you will in neighboring cities.
Disadvantages
- Traffic
Washington DC is a busy and highly populated city. Many people choose to visit due to the White House and all the historic attractions and it can cause quite a bit of traffic.
- Crime
Most residents in the state are friendly and calm. But due to its population, a high crime rate is bound to occur. Residents and tourists must always be vigilant and report strange activities to the state police.
- Weather extremes
If you do not like extremely hot summers with temperatures in the 100s or brutally cold winters with below-freezing temperatures, you may want to plan your filming in the spring or fall.
Famous Locations in Washington DC
- The White House
It would be a shame to spend time in Washington DC without seeing The White House. Of course, you have to make reservations way in advance if you want to get a tour of the inside. If not, you can always take some pictures of this iconic building from the outside at Lafayette Square as well as the Washington Monument right behind it and the Lincoln Memorial to the west of the monument.
- National Gallery of Art
To the east of the Washington Monument on the National Mall, you will find the most important art museum in the country. The National Gallery of Art boasts over 75,000 pieces including the Cowper Madonna by Raphael from 1504-1505, The Mill by Rembrandt from 1648, and Self-Portrait by Vincent van Gogh from 1889. Other famous artists whose work you will see include Cezanne, Gauguin, Monet, Picasso, and Matisse.
- Smithsonian American Art Museum
Another famous gallery, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, is just to the east of The White House and features over 7,000 artists in its vast collection. Main attractions here include American artists like Georgia O’Keeffe, Uncle Jack Dey, Winslow Homer, and John Singer Sargent. In the same building, you can visit the National Portrait Gallery with thousands of paintings including Abraham Lincoln from 1865 by Alexander Gardner, Barak Obama from 2018 by Kehinde Wiley, and Mary Cassatt from 1880 by Paul Cezanne.