![\"Ambient-Skies_Budweiser](\"https:\/\/ambientskies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/BudweiserBTS-89-1500x1001.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBut now, the film industry within the mostly-desert state is heating up (pun intended), thanks to a new tax incentive that gives filmmakers across the country, for productions big and small, a whole new reason to shoot in the state. Here\u2019s a quick breakdown, thanks to our friends at Visit Tucson<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This incentive is about to bring in a lot of newbies to the 48th state, so, as one of the longest-standing production companies in town, we thought we\u2019d help out by offering some must-know details and sharing some must-see locations to help your next video production in Phoenix go off without a hitch! <\/p>\n\n\n\n As the Phoenix metro area continues to grow at a rapid pace, the location possibilities are only getting more and more accessible. From historic hotels (like Barrister Place, as seen in Alfred Hitchcock’s \u201cPsycho\u201d) to chic modern office buildings to tree-lined streets and neighborhoods, Downtown Phoenix and its surrounding areas are prime spots for filming locations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re looking for one of the most incredible shots of Downtown Phoenix (and beyond), look no further than South Mountain. A short hike\u2014which is also totally film-worthy\u2014leads you to a landing large enough to hold a small- to medium-sized crew to capture the stunning juxtaposition of desert and city sprawl. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Pro Tip: Reach out to our friend, Phil Bradstock, at the Phoenix Film Office<\/a>, who can hook you up with special access to the landing via a private gate, along with other permits you might need to get the perfect shot<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Located in Mesa, about 45 minutes from Central Phoenix, Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch offers film crews a stunning backdrop for a wide range of productions<\/a>. With the Bulldog Cliffs, Saguaro Lake, and Salt River all in close proximity, there\u2019s a ton of natural scenery to choose from. And with 20 cabins, a dining hall, a pool, horses, and other outdoor activities available on the property, you\u2019ll have plenty of options for indoor and outdoor shots\u2014not to mention housing accommodations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Home to Arizona State University and one of the fastest-growing parts of the Phoenix Metro area, Tempe has a longstanding tradition of being a hotspot for film in the valley. With palm-tree-lined streets full of historic homes, the growing business parks, and the famous Mill Avenue, there is no shortage of locations throughout Tempe. Plus, you can take advantage of Tempe Town Lake for some pretty amazing sunset shots and even Papago Park for some otherworldly rock formations and perfect views of Downtown Phoenix. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Pro Tip: Be careful about filming on the ASU Campus; with so many sponsorships and logos on the grounds, you\u2019ll have a lot of clearing to do in post. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When you\u2019re filming in Arizona and are in need of some great homes or neighborhoods that fit within the \u201cAnytown U.S.A.\u201d vibe, look no further than Paradise Valley, which encompasses some of the most sought-after locations in the area\u2014for homebuyers and film productions. Here, you\u2019ll get a great range of \u201cattainable\u201d and \u201caspirational\u201d homes with a variety of styles, including Mid Century Modern, Ranch, and even a few \u201cMcMansions\u201d throughout. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Plus, there are tons of high-end shopping, dining, and hotels scattered across P.V.\u2014for filming and for enjoying after a long day of filming in the Arizona sun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Speaking of \u201cAnytown U.S.A.,\u201d the growing scene of Downtown Phoenix is quickly becoming one of the best places to film in the Southwest. With a great mix of modern and historic buildings and a skyline that always seems to be growing, the DTPHX is full of incredible backdrops and even office residential buildings that will give a \u201ccity center\u201d feel to your next shoot without having to deal with too many \u201cbig city\u201d problems (i.e. traffic jams and terrible parking!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Drive an hour (or four) in any direction from Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix, and you\u2019re sure to find another incredible location for your next video production. Take a look at some of our favorites below. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Known for its stunning red rocks and mystical hikes, Sedona is a perfect blend of desert landscapes and pine tree-lined creeks and trails. Its bustling arts community and luxe shopping provide a great backdrop for that high-end getaway aesthetic, while its biking and off-roading trails are perfect for a more rugged scenescape. Plus, with mild temperatures pretty much all year round (with the occasional snowfall in winter), Sedona offers any production with an unbeatable filming environment. If you\u2019re planning a shoot in Sedona\u2019s <Coconino<\/a>> or <Tonto<\/a>> National Forests, be sure to reach out for film permits as soon as you can\u2014both are popular places to film! <\/p>\n\n\n\n Pro Tip: If you\u2019re looking to capture some killer drone footage (who wouldn\u2019t?) in Sedona, it\u2019s best to work directly with the <Sedona Airport<\/a>> well in advance of your shoot. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While Phoenix has city culture and suburban paradise, it\u2019s no match for the panoramic views and unbridled wilderness of Flagstaff. If you\u2019re looking for a historic downtown with a Western flair, Dark Sky City is your place. It’s surrounded by a wide variety of natural backdrops\u2014from lush meadows to lava tubes, from serene lakes to snow-capped mountains, Flagstaff has location options for days. Best of all, it sits on Historic Route 66 to help give your production that classic Americana feel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When it comes to cowboy culture and the way of the old west, there\u2019s no other place in the country quite like Tucson. Home to a quaint downtown, sprawling saguaro, and adobe-style buildings dating back to 1848, it\u2019s no wonder that The Old Pueblo has been used for hundreds of productions since the early 1900s. Plus, with its luxurious hotels, golf courses, and casinos, Tucson gives any production team a huge range of locations and experiences. Looking for a studio in Tucson? Read up on <Old Tucson Studios> below. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Looking for a barren wasteland that won\u2019t leave your film crew completely stranded and begging for water? Yuma might be right up your alley. Located right where Arizona, California, and Mexico converge, the town of Yuma is known in the film community for hosting crews for films such as Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, Dune (1984), and of course, 3:10 to Yuma (1957) among others. What brings such big names to this tiny town? Yuma is home to some of the most pristine sand dunes in the Southwest\u2014aptly named the Imperial Sand Dunes\u2014and is easily accessible from LA and Phoenix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Memorialized by the famous Eagles song, Winslow has so much more to offer than just \u201cStandin\u2019 on the Corner.\u201d Each year, millions of tourists stop off Historic Route 66 to hang with the local characters, check out some museums and greasy spoons, and, of course, snap a quick pic of the famous corner. From the historic La Posada hotel to the artist\u2019s paradise at Snowdrift Gallery to the outdoor adventures at Clear Creek Reservoir, the town and surrounding areas can tell a spectrum of stories with perfect backdrops for period pieces and dusty desert shots. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Just because the summer months bring the (dry) heat doesn\u2019t mean filming shuts down in Arizona. With tons of studios to choose from\u2014some rivaling L.A. lots\u2014film crews flock from around the country to take advantage of the Arizona film production tax incentive with the air conditioning at full blast! <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re looking for a studio that is quite literally in the middle of everything, Cinevo should be at the top of your list. A few minutes from Sky Harbor airport (but, thankfully out of the flightpath) and a quick drive to Downtown Phoenix, Tempe, and Scottsdale, this 13,000 square-foot custom facility houses a studio that was literally built to support commercials, interviews, and live streams, with a full staff of experts and a huge selection of <equipment available to rent>. Plus, it\u2019s one of the most affordable options you\u2019ll find in town. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Click here to see more about their Phoenix and Los Angeles studios. <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n Bitfire is bringing the future of production technology to the Valley of the Sun. With two soundstages, each with a 500 square-foot Chroma Key stage and each equipped with the latest LED technology, you can get Hollywood-level quality at a fraction of the cost. Plus, with control rooms, edit bays, product and podcast suites, fully equipped hair, makeup, and wardrobe rooms, and (not just one but) two in-house production teams, Bitfire is an all-encompassing, North-Phoenix-based studio ready to take on anything. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Click here to learn more about Bitfire.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n No one in Southern Arizona offers studio space and accommodations quite like Modern Studios. With two studios (one of which with an impressive 4,500 square feet), edit and color bays, and a production lounge perfect for an agency, client, or production staff, Modern Studios has been a go-to in Tucson for years. But what really sets them apart is their Bolt High-Speed Cinebot (which they\u2019ve named Bert). The fastest of its kind, it can capture images that no other camera operator can, and is perfect for commercial, tabletop, film, or television work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Click here to learn more about Modern Studios (and Bert). <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n With three studios (including a two-wall Cyclorama, a three-wall Cyclorama, and a set build Studio), Loft 19 has been a staple in Phoenix photography for the past two decades, working with major brands like Nike Golf, Google, and Coca-Cola just to name a few. Based just outside of North Phoenix, this studio sits on a sprawling lot, giving you and your production team plenty of space. Plus, with a VO room and equipment rentals, Loft 19 is great for any additional needs you may have. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Click here to learn more about Loft 19 Studios<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n Originally established by Columbia Studios in 1940, Old Tucson Studios was constructed as a set specifically for the classic Western film aptly named, \u201cArizona.\u201d Over the course of about 20 years, an additional 30 films were produced on this set before it was transformed into a public theme park in 1960. Today, a fire that almost destroyed the entire property in 1995 and two years of closure due to COVID-19 restrictions, Old Tucson is back to its bustling state as a popular tourist destination for families who are looking to experience stunt shows, as well as film crews looking for that historic Arizona look they can\u2019t find anywhere else! <\/p>\n\n\n\n Click here to learn more about Old Tucson Studios<\/a>, or reach out to <Ambient Skies> to book your production here. <\/p>\n\n\n Since Phoenix has been a longstanding destination for transplants\u2014especially from film hubs like New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago\u2014and a top spot for production in general, there are tons of places for filmmakers to grab their gear. Below are just some of our favorites! <\/p>\n\n\n\n Formally known as \u201cReelmen\u201d (and listed above as one of our <Top 5 Studios to Use in Arizona>), Cinevo has been a go-to place for rentals in the Valley of the Sun. Cinevo boasts an incredible list of gear: from lenses and electrical to camera accessories and grip equipment, they have pretty much everything you could ever want for a shoot\u2014hell, they even have trucks! Plus, with an additional location in Los Angeles (formerly Brainbox Cameras), and national shipping on select gear, you can rest assured they\u2019ve got what you need no matter what scale of production you\u2019re planning. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re looking for camera rentals with a personal touch, you\u2019ll definitely want to check out AZ Camera Rentals. No one combines gear and friendly customer service quite like these guys, who have curated their list of equipment after years of working in the film industry themselves. And while they might not list grip and electrical on their site, their sister company, <Arizona Grip & Electric<\/a>>, has what you need. Plus, we\u2019ve had the pleasure of growing our business right alongside theirs, working together on a huge list of projects\u2014so they have the Ambient Skies guarantee!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Specializing in the latest and greatest in lighting and grip technology, Image Equity is another fantastic option for Phoenix production rentals\u2014especially if you\u2019re looking for an all-in-one package. Their \u201csmall but mighty\u201d 1-Ton package features Aputure LEDs, Quasar-Kino\u2019s, and a Grip Package on par with a 2-Ton, while their 4-Ton that\u2019s \u201cpacked more like a 5-Ton\u201d features all brand new, cart-based equipment\u2014both of which come with budget-friendly pricing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When we say these guys have everything, we mean EVERYTHING. MP&E + Gear is one of the biggest (and farthest reaching) rental companies in Phoenix; with anything you need for broadcast, film, grip, and electrical production gear, and offices in Austin, Dallas, Denver, and Phoenix, they have some of the widest range of equipment rentals outside of the bigger film hubs in the country. Plus, their \u201cwhatever it takes\u201d business approach makes them some of the best of the best in the Southwest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When it comes to equipment rentals for filming events and live streams, Broadcast Rentals should be at the top of your list. Not only do they have a wide range of gear\u2014including switchers, cranes, projectors, and screens\u2014they also have a staff experienced in webcasting, data management, prompting, and event production. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This list just wouldn\u2019t be complete without mentioning one of the O.G.s in Phoenix camera rentals. Headquartered just around the corner from Mill Avenue and University, just a few blocks away from the ASU campus, Tempe Camera has been a staple of the Phoenix film community for decades. Along with a killer list of gear, they also offer repairs and even have an on-site lab for image processing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Now, of course we want to say that Ambient Skies is the top video production services company in Phoenix, but with so much growth happening around us, we thought we\u2019d take a moment to acknowledge some of the other heavy hitters in town. One of the best parts about working in the Phoenix Film scene is that, while we may be \u201ccompetitors,\u201d we\u2019ve all worked together\u2014or continue to help each other out\u2014in some capacity. Below are some of the best of the best here in the Valley. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Hands down one of the most versatile production companies in Phoenix, True Story Films is a staple in the community. From documentaries to digital, from pro sports to hotels and gaming, these guys cover all the bases with professionalism, killer creativity, and easy-to-work with personalities you\u2019ll want to work with time and time again. <\/p>\n\n\n\n See more from True Story Films here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Black and Veteran owned, Save The Airwaves is a small-but-mighty company out here in Phoenix. Their nimbleness and forward thinking helps creative teams bring their vision to life no matter how big or small the budget may be. And even though the production company is \u201cnew\u201d to the scene, their team comes with years of experience in the world of camera\/gear rentals, production, and casting, so you know you\u2019re always in good hands. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Learn more about Save The Airwaves here<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Another somewhat new production company in the Valley, Reelbros offers some of the best camera movement services you\u2019ll find in the Southwest. With pursuit vehicles, aerial cable cams and everything in between, Reelbros Media has worked with some of the biggest brands in the country (including Yeti, Lexus, and Ferrari just to name a few) to capture stunning, high-action shots in the air, over water, and offroad. Aside from their high-tech gear, Reelbros brings it all together with pre- and post-production services and even some creative help. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Click here to read more about Reelbros here<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n With over 30 years of experience in storytelling and production in Phoenix, Randy Murray Productions is one of the most seasoned production companies you\u2019ll find. This husband-and-wife-owned production company offers some of the friendliest staff of producers, directors, and creatives here in town. On top of that, they\u2019ve recently pivoted their production company to focus more closely on creating socially responsible content. <\/p>\n\n\n\nTop 5 Locations to Film in Phoenix<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Location 1 – South Mountain<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Video](\"https:\/\/ambientskies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC06628-1500x1001.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nLocation 2 – Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Ambient-Skies_Video](\"https:\/\/ambientskies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/ES-5-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nLocation 3 – Tempe<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Ambient-Skies_Video-Production-Tempe_Phoenix-Production-Company\"](\"https:\/\/ambientskies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/JJP_1608-1500x1000.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nLocation 4 – Paradise Valley<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Ambient-Skies](\"https:\/\/ambientskies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/ES-7-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nLocation 5 – Downtown Phoenix<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Ambient-Skies_Five-Star-Franchising_Commercial-Production_Video-Production-Services\"](\"https:\/\/ambientskies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Sullivan_20221209_46476-1500x1001.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nTop 5 Locations to Film in Arizona<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Location 1 – Sedona<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"FORD-Bronco_2021_Ambient-Skies](\"https:\/\/ambientskies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/ambientskies-productions-ford-motor-company-1024x576.jpg\")
Location 2 – Flagstaff<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Ambient-Skies_Video-Production_Company_Phoenix-Video-Production_Flagstaff-Arizona\"](\"https:\/\/ambientskies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/skiing-video-production-arizona-snowbowl-1024x684.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nLocation 3 – Tucson (New and Old) <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Tucson_Video-Production-Services_Arizona-Video_Production\"](\"https:\/\/ambientskies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/tucson-5371392_1280.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nLocation 4 – Yuma <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Yuma_Video-Production-Services_Arizona-Video_Production\"](\"https:\/\/ambientskies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/638126643660230000.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nLocation 5 – Winslow<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Ambient-Skies_Winslow-Tourism](\"https:\/\/ambientskies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Winslow_Tourism-Commercial_60_WIP1.00_00_01_09.Still001-1500x844.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nTop 5 Studios to Use in Arizona <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Studio 1 – Cinevo (Reelmen)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Video](\"https:\/\/ambientskies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/DSC01942-1500x1001.jpeg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nStudio 2 – Bitfire<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Video](\"https:\/\/ambientskies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/studio-slider-final-5-1500x808.jpeg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nStudio 3 – Modern Studios <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Video](\"https:\/\/ambientskies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/facilities-carousel-studio2-01.jpeg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nStudio 4 – Loft 19 Studios <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Video](\"https:\/\/ambientskies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Loft19.jpeg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nStudio 5 – Old Tucson Studios<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Video](\"https:\/\/ambientskies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/OldTucsonStudios.jpeg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nTop 5 Resources for Video Production Equipment & Gear Rentals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Resource 1 – Cinevo (Reelmen)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Resource 2 – Arizona Camera Rentals<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Resource 3 – Image Equity <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Resource 4 – MP&E<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Resource 5 – Broadcast Rentals <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Resource 6 – BONUS! Tempe Camera<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Video](\"https:\/\/ambientskies.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Sullivan_20221209_45771_FSF-1500x1001.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nTop 5 Phoenix Video Production Companies <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
True Story Films <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Save The Airwaves <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Reelbros Media <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Randy Murray Productions <\/h4>\n\n\n\n