MovieMaker Magazine recognized the Orlando region as a leading destination for film, television, commercial and web production as part of its annual list of the best destinations to live and work in the film industry.
Orlando is one of the best places in the North America to live and work as a moviemaker in 2023. MovieMaker Magazine recognized the Orlando region as a leading destination for film, television, commercial and web production as part of its annual list of the best destinations to live and work in the film industry.
Tied for No. 25, Orlando was chosen thanks to its density of state-of-the-art soundstages, reliably sunny skies, year-round warm weather and more than 4,000 miles of unique filming locations. The fact that the Orlando region is one of the busiest production centers in the United States is another example of what makes Orlando Unbelievably Real.
“Orlando is honored to join this elite list of top cities for Moviemakers,” said Brooke Hill with the Orlando Film Commission. “The Orlando region has a long history of being the backdrop, setting and development ground for popular film and television projects.
“Not only are filmmakers able to film all year round in Orlando, but there are also so many unique locations that save time and money for those desired aesthetics.”
Brooke Hill, Orlando Film Commission
“Much more than just the home of Disney World, Orlando is especially popular lately for commercial shoots,” said Tim Molloy, editor of MovieMaker Magazine.
“One of the best parts of the Orlando film scene is the presence of Full Sail University, which recently made our list of the best film schools in the U.S. and Canada. Full Sail students provide a steady flow of talent and creativity.”
Tim Molloy, Editor of MovieMaker Magazine
Orlando was cited for having homes ranging from modern to rustic, a plethora of bodies of water including swamps, shimmering lakes and streams, and various landscapes that include pastoral, jungle and cityscape.
“The cost of living is close to the national average, and, while Florida ended its statewide film-tax incentive program in 2016, productions can apply for a sales and use tax exemption on certain production-related purchases,” Molloy said.
MovieMaker compiled its annual list based on surveys, production spending, tax incentives, additional research, and personal visits, whenever possible. More information on the Best Cities to live and work as a MovieMaker can be found here.
The Orlando Film Commission acts as a central information source for on-location productions, providing location assistance, one-stop permitting and a comprehensive production directory.
Here’s the list of MovieMaker’s 2023 Best Cities to Live and Work as a Moviemaker:
| 25. TIE Orlando, Florida |
| 25. TIE Fort Worth, Texas |
| 24. Kansas City, Missouri |
| 23. St. Petersburg, Florida |
| 22. San Antonio, Texas |
| 21. Houston, Texas |
| 20. Dallas, Texas |
| 19. Tulsa, Oklahoma |
| 18. Cleveland, Ohio |
| 17. Memphis, Tennessee |
| 16. Missoula, Montana |
| 15. Salt Lake City, Utah |
| 14. Baltimore, Maryland |
| 13. Boston, Massachusetts |
| 12. Austin, Texas |
| 11. Cincinnati, Ohio |
| 10. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
| 9. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| 8. Calgary, Alberta, Canada |
| 7. Chicago, Illinois |
| 6. Montreal, Quebec, Canada |
| 5. Albuquerque, New Mexico |
| 4. Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| 3. New Orleans, Louisiana |
| 2. Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada |
| 1. Atlanta, Georgia |
MovieMaker is dedicated to the art and craft of making movies. Our list of the Best Places to Live and Work as a Moviemaker in 2023 appears in its new issue, with Creed III star and director Michael B. Jordan on the cover.
