When you think of Tucson, Arizona, you probably think of dazzling western movies. If you've ever visited the film set and theme park Old Tucson Studios, near the Tucson Mountain Park and Saguaro National Park, you'll know it's a reminder of the amazing movies filmed and brought to life here. The exceptional films starring celebrities like John Wayne, Paul Newman, Ava Gardner, and William Holden are great inspiration for you to film your own stellar movie in Tucson.
Western movies aside, Tucson is also a popular modern movie location: think movies such as Major League starring Charlie Sheen and Boys on the Side starring Drew Barrymore, which was filmed at Teatro Carmen.
So, if you're shooting a movie, browse Giggster for a range of cost-effective and striking film shoot locations in Tucson, whether you're looking for a canyon home for a short film production or a desert paradise for a documentary or blockbuster.
From stunning resort-style houses in the desert to art galleries in downtown, here's a snippet of the beautiful filming locations you can search for in Tucson, or "Old Pueblo," on the Giggster app.
If you're looking for a great location for a television show or movie, rent a modern desert home filled with gorgeous features that come to life on camera, like floor-to-ceiling windows, views of saguaro cactuses, and designer furnishings. Get ready for your world premiere.
If you want to draw inspiration from your favorite western movies starring Angie Dickinson, Robert Wagner, Anthony Edwards, and others, book a spectacular ranch surrounded by rugged landscapes for capturing beautiful views.
If you're a movie fanatic, book a Tucson film location in which to host a birthday party or other social event. A stunning spot like a tent rental in the desert is perfect for stargazing and glamping experiences with your guests.
Modern movies like Tin Cup have been shot in and around Tucson. If you require an outdoor space for your upcoming movie, book an eye-catching swimming pool with sparkling water and beautiful designs that seem straight out of a JW Marriott Starr resort.
Exceptional Variety & Quality: From chic art galleries to gorgeous ranches, Giggster's 36 creative venues give you many Tucson locations from which to choose when you want to find the best filming space.
Hassle-Free Booking: The booking process is easy because Giggster provides all the info you need about the venues, whether you want to know about price, features, or ratings. The budget-friendly spaces start at $25/hour, so they'll fit into your production budget.
24-Hour Free Cancellation Policy: If you've got to postpone your film production or social event, you can cancel it for free up to 24 hours after booking confirmation, as long as you made the booking at least 48 hours prior to your event.
Platform Protections: Giggster makes it easy to book a stunning location like The Rubi House - 1903 Italianate Victorian Manor. It offers add-on protection packages covering damage and liability, so you can feel secure ahead of your next event instead of worrying about what can go wrong on the day.
While you're dreaming of Hollywood premieres or making iconic movies like Three Amigos starring Chevy Chase, you'll want to weigh the pros and cons of booking a filming location in Tucson.
Pros
Tucson has a range of unique and fun spaces to rent for your production, from desert locations to luxury venues.
Tucson has a lower-than-average cost of living compared to cities farther west, such as those in California. This can reduce your production costs.
Tucson has beautiful sunny weather throughout the year, which is fantastic for outdoor photo and film shoots.
Cons
Tucson becomes crowded with tourists, especially from January to April, when people travel to the city to escape the cold weather.
Tucson is far from other popular film hubs, like LA, so it's not super-convenient to travel to them.
Tucson's public transportation services aren't the best, which could result in production delays.
When planning movie scenes filled with entertainment to grab your audience, you'll want to choose the best filming location for your crew. Here are some of the best venues to book on Giggster's 36 memorable spaces.
Ranches – Western Movies. Fancy making a movie that James Garner or Martin Short would be happy to star in? Book a Tucson ranch with gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains and artistic interiors for dialogue scenes. It's also great for taking pictures.
Pools – Glam Productions. If you want a beautiful outdoor spot for creating the right atmosphere, book a private poolside retreat with sun loungers and nature views that has El Dorado apartment vibes. Choose one on the same property as a beautiful home to give your crew more settings to capture on camera.
Art Galleries – Elegant Venues. If you want a sophisticated spot for filming, try renting an art gallery. You can find unique spaces, such as ones in converted historic warehouses. The beautiful natural light and high ceilings will accommodate various shots.
Golf Courses – Versatile Green Spaces. With rolling greens and blue open skies, golf courses provide a great setting for comedy, romance, or action sequences. Choose one with spectacular views of the rugged mountains.
Restaurants – Great Social Scenes. If you're filming a social scene or conducting an interview for a documentary, a stylish and comfortable restaurant works well. You might want a contemporary one or a retro setting with quirky interiors that draw inspiration from the Cup Cafe at Hotel Congress.
When you're ready to book your film shoot, consider some important tips to ensure your session is organized and creative.
Get Film Permits – Depending on the nature of your filming project, and if it's commercial or private, you might require a permit. Check out the Filming Tucson website to get the lowdown so you can organize any required paperwork before your session.
Guard Your Gear – If you're filming outside in the desert, you'll want to ensure you've protected your expensive filming gear. You can do this by sourcing items such as dust covers or gaffer tape so your various equipment doesn't fail you halfway through a session.
Check Your Crew Size – Some venues only allow smaller crews on site, which is something to be mindful of when sourcing your team members. You want to properly accommodate everyone and ensure you have enough space for your gear. Don't forget to check the venue capacity on Giggster's 36 memorable venue listings.
Plan Ahead for Blockbuster Status – Consider when you're planning to release your movie. Generally, for big blockbusters, the months of May to July are ideal because they're known for drawing in the crowds.
There are ways to cut costs on your movie production without sacrificing a high-quality result. Here are some tips to help you out.
Choose quirky over costly.
You can save money by avoiding expensive or elaborate production studios and choosing creative properties instead. You can find many in Tucson, from trendy pools and tents to courtyards.
Use natural light as much as possible.
Try to film during the day so that you can highlight Tucson's breathtaking views and desert landscape. A smart way to capture the best scenes is to film during the "golden hour," which is just before sunset.
Work with local crews.
Since Tucson can feel isolated from other cities, consider working with local crews as much as possible. It'll be easier for them to travel to and from the film shoot location while reducing additional costs.
Select an outdoor space with shelter.
If you're shooting scenes outdoors, you don't want your crew to suffer from the intense heat. To prevent you from having to source your own shelter, book a venue that already has tents, canopies, or other structures included in the rental price.
Tucson, AZ, is a filmmaker's dream city, filled with amazing and unique scenes and natural beauty you won't easily find elsewhere. Whether you're looking for an artistic or designer house in the mountains or a quirky cafe with lots of character, you'll find it and more creative options on the Giggster app. Say "Action!" with a smile!
