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How Production Studios Are Turning Cities into Travel Destinations (and Where to Go Next)

UUnknown

2026-02-18

10 min read

Follow studios, not landmarks—how Vice, Disney+ EMEA and EO Media’s production push is creating new, camera-ready travel spots in 2026.

Hook: Want the next viral travel spot before anyone else?

Struggling to find fresh, highly shareable places that look great on Reels and build your feed fast? You’re not alone. As media companies pivot from publishing and distribution into full-scale production, they’re turning ordinary streets and neighborhoods into must-visit, camera-ready destinations. This shift creates a new playbook for travelers, creators and job-seekers: follow the studios, not just the landmarks.

Why this matters in 2026: the studio-to-city feedback loop

Studios create travel demand. When a production sets up in a city it brings crews, cast, location shoots, pop-ups and press attention. Tourism boards notice. Cafés and hotels lean in with themed packages. Local tours spring up to show fans the spots where scenes were shot or where a creator filmed viral content. The result is a sustained attention cycle that turns production hubs into travel destinations.

In late 2025 and early 2026 we saw a clear acceleration: legacy media companies and nimble indie studios restructured to focus on owned production slates. Notable moves — Vice Media beefing up its C-suite to become a production studio, Disney+ EMEA elevating commissioning executives in London to push regional originals, and EO Media expanding a 2026 content slate — aren’t just corporate reshuffles. They map directly to where crews will be working and where travel demand will concentrate in the next 12–36 months.

“Post-bankruptcy, Vice is remaking itself as a production player — a change that will ripple into the cities where it shoots.” — industry reporting, 2026

Case studies: Vice Media, Disney+ EMEA, EO Media — what the moves mean for travelers

Vice Media: From publisher to studio — and new city hotspots

Vice’s 2026 strategy centers on rebuilding studio capability. That means larger, longer shoots and more location variety — exactly the conditions that spawn studio tourism. Cities that host Vice projects gain:

Increased local hiring and short-term media jobs (producers, PAs, grips) that attract visiting crew and freelancers — fueling media jobs tourism.
Higher-profile premieres, pop-up exhibitions and press coverage that create new photo ops and event-driven travel.
More opportunities for creators to access behind-the-scenes content — valuable for social-first travel posts.

Practical tip: follow Vice Studios' social channels and local film commissions. When a show goes into prep, book a flexible stay within walking distance of the studio — you’ll capture BTS content and potentially meet crew members who can point you to little-known set-adjacent locations.

Disney+ EMEA: Commissioning talent means more European production hubs

Disney+ EMEA’s promotions signal a continued commissioning push across Europe. That translates into more scripted and unscripted originals shot in cities across the UK, Ireland, and continental Europe — not just London. The side effect is a spreading of production-friendly micro-hubs (e.g., Belfast, Manchester, Lisbon, and Prague).

Why that matters: these cities are already optimized for visitors, so production activity instantly dovetails with tourism infrastructure. Expect themed walking tours, café signage, and boutique hotels tailoring packages to fans.

Insider move: check EMEA commission announcements and the British Film Commission’s location notices. Local DMOs often publish “set-spotting” guides within weeks of principal photography wrapping.

EO Media: Niche slates and film festivals = destination lift

EO Media’s Content Americas 2026 slate — including rom-coms, holiday titles and specialty films — shows how smaller broadcasters and distributors catalyze regional filming. Their partnerships with Miami-based and U.S. producers create demand for shoots in non-traditional hubs (Miami, coastal Mexico, Miami’s film-friendly neighborhoods).

Why travelers should care: festivals and local premieres tied to these slates create short-term tourism spikes. Creators and fans who time visits with festival weeks capture higher-engagement content and networking opportunities.

How production hubs actually turn into travel destinations

It’s not magic. Cities become travel magnets through a predictable set of mechanics:

Production activity brings people (cast, crew, press).
Media coverage & social content amplify specific locations.
Local businesses create experiences (cafés, tours, boutiques).
DMOs and studios co-market packages and tours.
Repeat production locks in the destination as a recurring draw.

For travelers and creators the play is to intercept this cycle early — during prep and the first waves of press — when new places are freshest on social feeds.

Top production-friendly cities to watch (and how to go there like a creator)

Below are production hubs that are already converting shoots into tourism — with quick, actionable itineraries for creators, photographers and job-hunting media pros.

Atlanta, GA

Why now: major studio facilities and tax incentives keep big TV and film projects here year-round.
Do this: book a guided studio tour (where available), time your trip around wrap parties or cast appearances, and scout neighborhoods used for exterior shoots.
Photo tip: shoot golden-hour cityscapes from the Jackson Street Bridge and capture behind-the-scenes alleyways in Atlanta’s Midtown.

London & surrounding studios (Pinewood/Leavesden)

Why now: Disney+ EMEA commissioning and independent studios continue to expand UK production.
Do this: combine a city tour with a weekend at a studio open day (Pinewood has public events periodically) and a day pass to local production houses.
Photo tip: create contrast reels—ancient London facades vs. modern studio lots—and tag local DMOs to boost reach.

Toronto

Why now: North America’s second production center after LA — steady pipelines for TV and streaming.
Do this: align visits with TIFF or local trade events, join location-walking tours that highlight film sites, and contact local film schools for guest workshops.
Photo tip: use the Distillery District’s cobblestones and mural walls for portrait content that reads as “on set.”

Miami & Miami Beach (growing because of EO Media ties)

Why now: EO Media’s partnerships and Latin-America co-productions push more shoots to South Florida.
Do this: time trips with Content Americas and local premieres; find boutique hotels that cater to production guests.
Photo tip: capture pastel exteriors in early morning for low-contrast footage and use ND filters for daytime smooth-water timelapses.

Prague / Budapest (central European hubs)

Why now: cost-effective stages and crews attract period dramas and genre shoots.
Do this: join location scouting tours, book a local fixer for behind-the-scenes access, and use public transit passes to hop between classic locations.
Photo tip: dusk shots of historic squares with practical set lighting can look cinematic without heavy editing.

Viral travel breakdowns: what works when a city becomes 'Instagram-famous' from production

Here are three social-driven mechanics that consistently generate viral travel posts tied to productions — and how to replicate them.

1) The set-spot reveal

Format: short Reel (15–30s), quick clip of arriving at a recognizable exterior, cut to a behind-the-scenes peek, end with a CTA to follow the production’s schedule.

Why it works: authenticity + exclusivity. Audiences want a peek behind the curtain. When Vice or a streaming drama films nearby, followers engage heavily with any BTS footage.

How to replicate: arrive early, use a gimbal, capture ambient sound, and overlay minimal text like “Set-spotting: [city] — more in bio.”

2) The “then vs. now” location comparison

Format: side-by-side clips showing a famous scene and a current-day shot from the exact spot.

Why it works: nostalgia + discovery. This format converts well on carousels and TikTok duets.

How to replicate: screenshot a scene from the show (respect copyright — link and tag the show), match framing, and shoot during the same lighting conditions.

3) The career-travel mini-doc

Format: 60–90s narrative of someone who traveled to work on a production (PA, craft service, local actor), mixing interview clips with location B-roll.

Why it works: aspirational and practical — audiences learn how to get the job and see the destination through a career lens.

How to replicate: get permission from subjects, keep it tight, and end with actionable steps for viewers to pursue similar gigs.

Actionable roadmap: how to plan a production-focused trip (step-by-step)

Scan trade publications weekly: Set Google Alerts for “Vice Studios,” “Disney+ EMEA,” and “EO Media” plus city + “principal photography.”
Follow local film commissions: they list location notices, studio open days and public notices for upcoming shoots.
Book flexible accommodation: stay within 20 minutes of the studio and opt for refundable rates — prep schedules change fast.
Pack creator essentials: gimbal, prime lens (35mm/50mm), fast 24–70mm, portable lights, spare batteries, ND filters, and a compact shotgun mic.
Security & permissions: never cross set boundaries. Ask for permission, respect NDAs, and if you plan pro-style BTS, consider production insurance.
Network locally: attend meetups, workshops and market events (Content Americas, TIFF, local film festivals) to turn a trip into career capital.

Quick packing checklist for creators

Gimbal + phone mount
Mirrorless camera with 35mm and 85mm
Portable SSD for footage
Multi-plug adapter & power bank
Comfortable footwear for long scouting days
Business cards + digital contact QR

Booking smart: where to find deals and production-friendly stays

Production periods can spike prices — but industry patterns create booking opportunities:

When a show ramps up, short-term rentals in the immediate neighborhood fill. Book a week or two before production begins to catch early-bird rates.
DMOs sometimes offer curated packages (studio tours + hotel + local transit). Subscribe to destination newsletters.
Use local co-living or extended-stay options aimed at crews — they often have kitchenette suites and flexible dates.

Future predictions (2026–2028): how travel and production will interlock

Rise of “media jobs tourism”: Short-term contracts and training workshops will draw people to hubs for months, not just weekends.
Studios launching public experiences: Expect more brand activations and visitor centers where audiences can buy tickets to curated studio tours or immersive pop-ups.
DMO + studio co-marketing: Destination marketing organizations will actively package content-centric itineraries marketed to creators and fans.
AR set-locating apps: Augmented reality apps will overlay scene annotations onto city streets, driving walkable production tours.

Responsible travel & on-set etiquette

Never interfere with production — your viral moment isn’t worth delaying a shoot or risking safety.
Respect privacy and NDAs. If you’re offered access, confirm what you can film and what must remain off-camera.
Support local businesses impacted by production (cafés, craft services, hoteliers) — they often rely on crew spending.

Final takeaways: what every traveler and creator should remember

Studios choose cities — and those choices become travel signals. Vice Media’s pivot into production, Disney+ EMEA’s commissioning hires and EO Media’s broader slate are early indicators of where shoots — and attention — will land in 2026. If you want unique, camera-ready content, follow production calendars, pack like a creator, and show up with respect and curiosity.

Actionable recap:

Set alerts for studio and commission announcements.
Book flexible stays near studios and festival calendars.
Produce short, authentic BTS and set-spot content that respects production rules.
Network at markets and festivals to turn travel into career moves.

Call to action

Ready to plan a production-focused trip? Get our free Studio-Hub Travel Checklist and 5 micro-itineraries for 2026’s top production cities — tailored for creators and job-seekers. Sign up for the Viral Vacations newsletter to get alerts the moment studios announce shoots and public events in your target cities.

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Contributor

Senior editor and content strategist. Writing about technology, design, and the future of digital media. Follow along for deep dives into the industry's moving parts.