Comparing Filming Locations in Pembroke Pines

Purpose of This Research

However, for the purpose of this stage of our project, our group has conducted research on the possible filming locations in Pembroke Pines that will be used for the thriller spy opening scene of our film. Two of the places that our group has talked about the most in relation to the possible filming location for our film are the Shops at Pembroke Gardens and the Pembroke Lakes Mall. Both of these places are accessible to our group and have environments that will be used for the restaurant scene of our film.

Our group wanted to compare these two places and determine the best one for the filming purpose.

Option 1: Pembroke Lakes Mall

The first location would be Pembroke Lakes Mall. This is because this location is indoors. Therefore, it would be a good choice because the weather would not be a challenge in filming. In addition, this would be a good choice because the lighting would be constant during filming.

On the other hand, this location would be associated with a number of challenges. First, this location would be associated with a number of challenges because of the crowd in this location. Malls are usually very crowded, especially during the daytime. This would be a challenge because it would be hard to handle the background noise.

In addition, it would be hard to film at this location because this is a privately owned facility. Therefore, it would be hard to record this film at this location.

Option 2: The Shops at Pembroke Gardens

The second location we looked at was The Shops at Pembroke Gardens. This is an outdoor shopping and restaurant area. The advantages of this location are as follows:

The cinematic look is an advantage in this location. The lighting in this area at night would be very interesting and would provide a good atmosphere for the suspenseful scenes in the movie.

The other advantage is the fact that this is an outdoor location. This would give us more space as we move around when filming the scenes. It would also be easier to take many angles as we do the filming.

The disadvantages associated with this location are as follows: The disadvantage in this location is the fact that we would be forced to use the weather as we do the filming. However, this location would be more advantageous in terms of the visuals.

Our Current Decision

Based on the two locations, our group is leaning towards shooting the scene at The Shops at Pembroke Gardens. This is because we think that the location is visually interesting and has the flexibility to be able to move the camera as desired.

The open space and outdoor environment can also be helpful in creating the cinematic effect that we want for our thriller spy scene.

Next Steps

The next step is to visit the place and assess the level of activity at different times of the day. At the same time, we will start thinking of the shots and the mood created by the light.

This comparison was very instrumental in helping us narrow down our choices and move on with the best location for our style of production.

Work Cited:

City of Pembroke Pines. Shops at Pembroke Gardens. City of Pembroke Pines, www.ppines.com. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.

“Pembroke Lakes Mall.” Simon Property Group, www.simon.com/mall/pembroke-lakes-mall. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.

“The Shops at Pembroke Gardens.” Brookfield Properties Retail, www.shopsatpembrokegardens.com. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.

Brown, Blain. Cinematography: Theory and Practice. 3rd ed., Routledge, 2016.

Rabiger, Michael, and Mick Hurbis-Cherrier. Directing: Film Techniques and Aesthetics. 6th ed., Focal Press, 2020.

Bordwell, David, and Kristin Thompson. Film Art: An Introduction. 12th ed., McGraw-Hill Education, 2019.