The Top 5 Filming Locations in Miami – Let's Explore!

Welcome to Miami, the Magic City known for its vibrant culture, iconic skyline, and sandy beaches - a city that doubles as a movie star, featuring in countless films and commercials. If you are looking for the best filming location in Miami to shoot your business promotion, then discover the city's cinematic side with Artex, the leading video production company Miami.

Why Miami, Florida?

Many people believe there is no place in the United States like Miami. With such a distinct atmosphere, the city has long piqued the interest of film directors, acclaimed cinematographers, producers, and others. Here's an example of the city's uniqueness. Imagine someone showing you a photograph of the Miami skyline. You probably wouldn't waste time coming up with an answer.

You'd realize it right away! You will recognize the city's charm even if you are not a US citizen! If you're planning a trip to this southern Florida treasure, check out the famous movie locations filmed in Miami!

Miami's beautiful scenery, historic buildings, and vibrant atmosphere make it a top choice for many filmmakers when it comes to filming locations. Miami has appeared in numerous films and television shows, whether for a brief scene with an iconic landmark in the background or films shot on-location to capture the city's magic and energy.  

Understanding Commercial Production Meaning

When discussing commercial production, we're referring to creating video content primarily intended for advertising. This process covers every step, from the initial concept and scripting to the final product, including shooting, editing, sound design, and post-production.

The ultimate goal is to create engaging, high-quality video content that resonates with viewers and promotes a product, service, or brand.

Every detail matters in commercial production, from the script and cast to the location and color scheme. These factors work together to create a commercial that doesn't just sell a product but tells a story, inspires audiences, and builds brand identity.

The Allure of Famous Movie Locations in Miami

So, why do clients frequently seek famous movie locations in Miami for commercial productions? The solution is multifaceted:

1. Recognizability: Filming in locations associated with popular films can instantly capture viewers' attention and create a sense of familiarity.

2. Atmosphere: Iconic Miami locations provide a vibrant, one-of-a-kind atmosphere that adds depth to the narrative and creates a memorable viewing experience.

3. Versatility: From the sandy beaches of South Beach to the vibrant streets of Wynwood Walls, Miami provides a diverse range of locations that can accommodate a wide range of brand images and commercial themes.

4. Prestige: Filming in well-known movie locations lends credibility and prestige to the commercial, increasing its overall impact.

Choosing the right location for your commercial is an art, and a professional video production company like Artex is intimately familiar with Miami's landscape. Artex, with a deep understanding of commercial production and local knowledge, can assist you in finding the ideal Miami location to bring your brand's story to life.  

Commercial Productions: Crafting Cinematic Stories

Commercial production is the art and business of creating video content primarily for advertising purposes. It involves every stage, from conceptualization and scripting to shooting and post-production. The goal? To produce compelling commercials that captivate audiences and effectively promote products, services, or brands.

What should you look for in commercial production? First, consider the team's expertise and the quality of their previous work. Second, assess their understanding of your brand and audience. Lastly, see if they have the resources and equipment to deliver top-quality content.

As one of the top commercial production companies, Artex checks all these boxes, ensuring your brand stands out in today's competitive marketplace.

Now, let's dive into the list of Miami's top 5 filming locations that have served as backdrops for famous movies and commercials:

Top 5 Filming Locations in Miami

1.      Bridge of Seven Miles

Let's play a game of Guess a Movie! We have a spy thriller here with a daring bridge escape before the bridge is demolished. It also stars California's 38th governor in the lead role. Yes, you've got it right! We're talking about True Lies, an action-packed film. So, do you remember that bridge? Fortunately, it was not destroyed in real life and is still alive.

Driving from the city to the Florida Keys would be impossible otherwise. The bridge will please moviegoers, but it's also a place where everyone across it will be treated to a breathtaking view you won't take your eyes off! Also, the Keys are one-of-a-kind, so make sure you obtain them.

2. The Hard Rock Stadium

You'd probably go to this one even if we didn't mention it on the list, but it's good to know which movie scenes took place there! This multi-purpose stadium, home to the famous NFL team, the Miami Dolphins, was featured in the tearjerker Marley & Me. You've probably seen it with your partner/spouse.

Do you remember the scene when the gang goes to a stadium for some quality family time? If you like movies, don't forget to go to Jose Mart Park, where several scenes were shot (notably the dog-training one). The stadium is located north of downtown Miami. It is also the home of the Miami Hurricanes and the Florida Marlins of Major League Baseball.

3. Restaurant Versailles

Have you seen Chef from 2014? Is it the scene where that guy (Jon Favreau) orders a late-night Cuban sandwich that inspires the film's plot? You might be interested that the scene was shot at Miami's cult Versailles Restaurant. It's also not far from downtown Miami, and it's known to serve as a political platform for Cuban anti-Castro exiles.

This restaurant is trendy among the city's Cuban population!

Given the heat and humidity, it's strange that so many films and television shows have been shot in Miami. However, one of the reasons the city is a popular filming location is the proximity of numerous climate-controlled storage facilities. When filming in Miami, electronics are essential.

4. The Fontainebleau Miami Beach (Scarface & The Bodyguard) 

The Fontainebleau Miami Beach is an opulent resort on Ocean Drive that appeared in the films "Scarface" (1983) and "The Bodyguard" (1989). (1989). (1992). The hotel is where the famous chainsaw scene from "Scarface" takes place, and Tony Montana, the main character, uses a pay phone in a scene with the resort in the background.

Fontainebleau Miami, located on the oceanfront east of downtown, is a beautiful backdrop for movie scenes and captures the city's energy and culture. The pool area was used in a scene in "Scarface," where Tony and his friend were looking for women, but it is now a popular spot in the city for day parties.

5. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens (Bad Boys II)

The stunning European-style estate of James Deering used as Tapia's house in "Bad Boys II" is the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens (2003). The mansion was blown up in the film, but the filmmakers blew up another villa. The real-life Vizcaya estate was used in the other house scenes. Other Miami Beach landmarks featured in the film include Downtown Miami, the MacArthur Causeway, and the Mandarin Oriental.

The opulent villa and estate are located east of downtown in the Coconut Grove neighborhood and feature Italian-renaissance gardens, woodland areas, and historic outbuildings. You can see where scenes from the film were shot and admire the beauty of the 20th-century estate.  

Other Recommendable Location

Hard Rock Stadium

You'd probably go even if we didn't mention it on this list, but it's good to know which movie scenes occurred there! This multi-purpose stadium, home to the famous NFL team, the Miami Dolphins, was featured in the tearjerker Marley & Me.

You've probably seen it with your partner/spouse. Do you remember the scene when the gang goes to a stadium for some quality family time? If you like movies, don't forget to go to Jose Mart Park, where several scenes were shot (notably the dog-training one). The stadium is located north of downtown Miami. It is also the home of the Miami Hurricanes and the Florida Marlins of Major League Baseball.

Helpful Tips for Shooting in Miami

Miami's diverse landscape and dynamic cultural blend make it a filmmaker's dream, but like any locale, it has unique challenges and considerations.

Here are a few tips from Artex, Miami's leading video production company, for a successful shoot in the Magic City.

Tip 1 -  Time it Right

Miami stands for its tropical monsoon climate, which means it can get scorching during the summer, and there's a high chance of rain, particularly in the afternoon. The best times to shoot outdoors are early morning and late afternoon when the light is most beautiful, and the temperatures are more manageable.

Tip 2 - Secure Permits

Most public spaces in Miami require a permit for commercial filming. Ensure you plan and secure all necessary access to avoid any last-minute hiccups. Some areas, like the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, have specific guidelines for commercial shoots.

Tip 3 - Plan for Traffic

Miami is known for its heavy traffic, particularly in popular areas like South Beach. Factor this into your schedule, especially when planning shoots that require moving equipment or changing locations.

Tip 4 - Consider the Wind

Miami's coastal location can mean breezy conditions. This can affect audio recording and the stability of lighter equipment. Plan for wind-resistant equipment or suitable alternatives.

Tip 5 - Be Respectful of Local Culture

Areas like Little Havana are rich in culture and tradition. Be respectful of the local community, customs, and traditions when filming.

Tip 6 -  Hire Local Experts

Partnering with a local video production company like Artex can make your shoot in Miami a breeze. From understanding the best local spots to connecting with local authorities for permits, their expertise can be invaluable.

Are you ready to begin filming in Miami?

These are just a few of the attractions that Miami has to offer. When you work with Artex, Miami's premier video production company, you choose more than just a company that produces high-quality commercials. You've selected a partner who understands Miami inside and out, ensuring that your commercial captures the true spirit of the Magic City.

Contact Artex today for the best commercial video production and begin crafting your brand's different story.

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The Process of Video Production: From Pre-Production to Post-Production

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The Role of a Video Production Company in Branding and Marketing