Planning a film shoot in Providence? From The Great Gatsby and There's Something About Mary to Hocus Pocus 2, Good Burger 2, High Society, Irrational Man, and even Wes Anderson's Moonrise Kingdom, a host of iconic movies have been filmed in Rhode Island. With diverse and historically rich locations, attractive film incentives, and a unique atmosphere, it's easy to see why Providence attracts filmmakers, photographers, influencers, and other artistic individuals.
If you're looking for the best filming locations in Providence but don't know where to start, Giggster has got you covered. Our curated selection of Rhode Island sites offers a range of creative opportunities for video projects, giving you the freedom to compare and choose spaces that bring their own character and charm to any scene. Browse Giggster's listings today, and keep reading to find out how to locate your perfect backdrop and plan a successful shoot.
You've probably seen the Newport Colony House, Marble House, the Cranston Street Armory, Chase Farm, LaSalle Academy, and Washington Square in your favorite films, TV shows, or music videos. But aside from these iconic Providence locations, Giggster offers eye-catching settings and hidden gems that will bring your vision to life.
Set on a quiet street is a beautiful Victorian home with numerous modern touches and stunning water views, providing the perfect backdrop for family drama scenes and photo shoots.
Need an auditorium space for your project? A massive historic theater that has hosted everyone from Johnny Cash to Ice Cube fits the bill perfectly.
Maybe you're looking for fitness and workout settings for your Rhode Island production. Choose from our yoga studios, weight rooms, pilates, and cardio spaces with all the bells and whistles.
For dining scenes, dance shows, or party sequences, consider those retro diners, chill outdoor patios, classy speakeasies, vibrant hangout bars, and swanky restaurants that offer a diverse range of settings for your movie.
Exceptional Variety & Quality: With 32 exceptional Rhode Island locations to choose from on Giggster, there's a vast collection of filming possibilities just waiting to be explored.
Hassle-Free Booking: There are a lot of things you need to stress about when planning a shoot, but finding the best filming location shouldn't be one of them. Browse the listings, see transparent prices, and use convenient search filters—finding your ideal Rhode Island spot is a breeze. Then book it right away for as low as just $75/hour.
24-Hour Free Cancellation Policy: Plans can change instantly, but don't worry—we want you to be flexible. That's why we offer free cancellations for bookings canceled within 24 hours of confirmation, provided the booking is made at least 48 hours before the event.
Platform Protections: With optional liability, damage, and cancellation protection all available, you can enjoy complete security and peace of mind when booking a filming location. Film in a fabulous location like Massive and Stunning Theater and Events Venue in Providence and concentrate on the project above all.
Robert Redford, Mia Farrow, Steven Spielberg, the Farrelly Brothers, and the Sanderson Sisters (Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy) from Hocus Pocus 2 are just some of the big names that have been featured in your favorite film productions in Rhode Island. But before you take your team to film in the city, weigh the pros and cons to ensure a smooth and successful shoot from start to finish.
Advantages
The historic buildings for old-school charm, awe-inspiring architecture, bustling city streets, quaint neighborhoods, and modern spots—no matter what look or backdrop you want for a specific scene, you'll find it in Providence.
If you want your money to go a lot further, check with the Rhode Island Film & Television Office for filming incentives that can make a massive difference to your budget.
Although it's a vibrant city, Providence is not as busy and crowded as other film cities like LA or NYC, which means less competition for locations, easier permitting, and a more relaxed atmosphere for your crew.
Disadvantages
The fact that Rhode Island film locations have featured prominently in many projects may dissuade filmmakers looking for unused sites.
The weather in Providence can be a bit tricky, with snowy and cold winters, rainy springs, and even summers that can become humid. If your script relies on very specific weather (like consistent sunshine), you'll need to plan carefully and have backup strategies.
Although there are talented film professionals in Rhode Island, the local crew base isn't as massive as in major film hubs like New York or Boston. For larger productions or very specialized roles, you might need to bring in crew from out of state, which adds to travel and accommodation costs.
From North Providence and East Providence to East Greenwich and nearby New England or Massachusetts, there's no shortage of filming locations across Providence and beyond. Here are just some of the popular Rhode Island sites worth checking out for your project.
Gyms – Witness the Fitness. Forget about building a set from scratch or renting fitness gear and equipment to film an exercise scene in a studio or a romantic encounter in a gym. Many gyms and fitness centers in Providence offer a wide variety of backdrops for shoots.
Bars – Wet Your Whistle. Providence bars come in a variety of styles and sizes, from intimate speakeasies to spacious and sunny beer gardens, providing plenty of options for your shoot. A welcoming space will add authenticity and unique vibes to any production.
Mansions – Old-World Glamor. Gilded Age mansions in the Providence area offer a glimpse into the opulence and luxury of times gone by. The rich history, glamour, and sophisticated setting are just hard to replicate in a soundstage.
Film Studios – Practical Venue. When you need to shoot in front of a green screen or a diverse array of backdrops in one location, film studios are your best bet. They can be a small production studio or a well-equipped space for massive film projects.
Boutique Hotels – Charisma and Character. Rather than the bland, cookie-cutter feel of a chain hotel, a boutique venue offers a unique setting for your scenes. These places are built on the idea of individuality and character.
Planning a shoot on the rocky shores of Rhode Island? With its pristine beaches and secluded coves, the Ocean State has a lot to offer filmmakers. But you'll need to plan carefully to make your production a success.
Start With a Plan – What emotions do you want to evoke in your viewers? What sort of atmosphere will you capture in each scene? What will your finished product look like? Hone your creative vision first before moving on to other steps in the planning process.
Set Your Budget – Get a clear idea of exactly how much you can afford to spend on your film. Remember to leave some of your total budget aside to cover any emergency expenses that may arise.
Book a Rhode Island Site – Compare filming locations in Providence to find your perfect property. Whatever you're looking for in a Rhode Island site—a Federal Hill location or a spot on historic Benefit Street, views of Narragansett Bay, the small-town vibes of North Providence, or anything else—shop around for a space with all your key features.
Hire Cast and Crew – From actors and sound technicians to make-up artists and camera operators, hire all the key personnel you need to bring your production to life.
Hire Equipment and Props – Do you need extra props or backdrops for your filming set? How about extra furniture, a camera, and lighting equipment for your crew? Explore the local rental companies near you to find all the gear you need.
Add the Extras – If you need to rent trailers for your stars, hire porta potties, book security, arrange filming permits, or just organize catering for the day of your shoot, don't wait until the last minute.
Providence, the noun that shares the same name as this Rhode Island city, refers to divine care or guidance. And if you need some assistance sticking to a budget as you bring your story to life, these tips should help.
Plan it out.
Start by planning out every detail of your shoot—what scene are you filming, which cast members are involved, and what shots will be captured in which order. A thorough plan will allow you to be as efficient and avoid costly delays.
Sort out your budget.
Filmmaking is an expensive business, so it's important that you have a realistic idea of how much your filming events will cost. Break down your predicted expenses into individual items to work out exactly how much your film will cost—are you on track to hit your budget?
Use the price search filter.
Don't bother with filming locations in Providence that are beyond your means. Use Giggster's convenient search filter to ensure that you only find spaces within your price range.
Treat your viewers to a glorious Rhode Island film experience by booking the right place. Download the Giggster app now, browse our listings, and book the best filming locations in Providence.
