Why More National Brands Are Shooting in Oregon
Oregon is having a moment. More and more national brands are choosing to shoot their commercials here—and for good reason. As an art director and production designer based in Portland, I’ve seen firsthand why producers keep coming back.
Here’s what’s driving the trend:
1. Incredible Visual Range
Where else can you film mountains, forests, urban streets, farmland, and coastline—all within a few hours’ drive? Oregon offers unmatched location variety, which makes it easy to shoot multi-location stories on a single production schedule.
2. The Right Mood, Naturally
From misty woods to sun-dappled highways, Oregon has a built-in atmosphere. Brands that want a natural, cinematic feel don’t have to fake it here. I design with the surroundings in mind, making sure the set feels integrated, not imposed.
3. Cost-Effective Compared to Major Hubs
Shooting in Oregon can be significantly more affordable than LA or NYC. Local crews, location fees, and vendor rates are often lower—and there’s no trade-off in talent or quality. I’ve worked with national brands who were surprised at how far their budgets stretched here.
4. Supportive Production Infrastructure
Portland and surrounding cities have built up a solid base of rental houses, prop shops, fabrication spaces, and seasoned crew. When a brand chooses Oregon, it’s not starting from scratch—it’s plugging into a creative ecosystem that’s ready to go.
5. Creative Energy, Without the Noise
There’s something about working in Oregon that fosters focus. You still get big ideas and great visuals, but without the burnout energy that can come from larger production cities. It’s creative, collaborative, and grounded.
Thinking about bringing your next campaign to Oregon? Let’s talk. I help brands and directors make the most of what this region offers—with set design that’s thoughtful, flexible, and production-ready.
