Portland, Oregon, has earned its reputation as a top filming destination for commercials, blending urban grit, natural beauty, and a creative production ecosystem. From the city’s historic warehouses to the nearby Columbia River Gorge, brands flock here for authentic Pacific Northwest vibes. At Pixthis Stage Rentals and Productions, we’ve supported countless shoots with our AV rentals in Portland, helping crews capture that signature Portland essence. Drawing from Oregon Film Office records, local archives, and industry reports, here’s a curated list of standout commercials filmed in and around Portland, highlighting national hits and beloved local classics that showcase the city’s filming legacy. These productions not only leveraged Portland’s unique locations but also benefited from the area’s talented crews and facilities, making it a cost-effective alternative to bigger markets like Los Angeles or New York. The city’s film-friendly policies, tax incentives, and diverse backdrops, from rainy downtown streets, to lush forests, continue to attract major brands, contributing millions to the local economy each year.

Portland’s commercial production scene boomed in the 1970s to 1990s, thanks to agencies like Wieden+Kennedy and studios like Will Vinton’s. Today, it’s still thriving, with over 400 commercials shot here since the 1980s, per the Oregon Film Office. These spots not only boosted brands but also put Portland on the map for filmmakers. We’ve focused on verified examples, emphasizing the most popular ones first, followed by notable mentions. Each of these commercials demonstrates how Portland’s blend of creativity, accessibility, and natural settings has made it a go-to spot for advertisers seeking real-world authenticity combined with professional production capabilities.

Nike “Just Do It” Campaigns (Ongoing)

Nike, with its global headquarters in nearby Beaverton, has filmed countless “Just Do It” commercials in Portland, turning the city into a recurring backdrop for its motivational messaging. Many athlete-focused spots, like the 1990s Bo Jackson series that featured the multi-sport star in cross-training scenarios, used local tracks, downtown streets, and Forest Park trails to capture raw energy and urban athleticism. Produced by Wieden+Kennedy’s Portland office, these aired worldwide on networks like ESPN and during Super Bowls, boosting Nike’s brand to iconic status. Portland’s sports culture, rainy weather for dramatic shots, and proximity to HQ made it ideal, influencing global marketing with the city’s innovative edge. The campaigns not only highlighted Nike’s commitment to pushing limits but also showcased Portland’s diverse locations, from the Willamette River bridges for running sequences to indoor gyms for training montages. Over the years, these ads have helped solidify Portland as a hub for sports marketing, with local crews and facilities like sound stages providing the technical support needed for high-energy productions. The “Just Do It” slogan, born in Portland, has become synonymous with determination, and the city’s filming legacy continues in modern Nike spots that often feature local athletes or community elements.

Old Spice Campaigns (2000s to 2010s)

Old Spice’s viral “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like” ads, starring Isaiah Mustafa, were created by Wieden+Kennedy in Portland and filmed in local studios and warehouses, capturing the brand’s shift to humorous, over-the-top storytelling. The Terry Crews “Power!” series also relied on Portland crews for high-energy production, with rapid-fire editing and exaggerated effects that became internet sensations. Aired globally on networks like Comedy Central and during major events, these spots increased sales by 107 percent and won Emmys, showcasing Portland’s quirky humor and creative talent. W+K’s local HQ was central, blending absurdity with seamless AV execution, including green screens for the seamless transitions in Mustafa’s ads. Portland’s industrial spaces provided perfect controlled environments for the fast-paced shoots, allowing for quick setups and reshoots. The campaigns not only revitalized the Old Spice brand but also highlighted Portland’s ad industry strength, influencing how brands use humor in marketing. Local production teams handled the AV rentals in Portland, ensuring high-quality sound and visuals that made the ads pop on TV and online, leading to millions of views and parodies.

Apple “Shot on iPhone” Series

Apple’s “Shot on iPhone” campaign featured several Portland locations, especially the Pearl District and waterfront, using local filmmakers and crews for visual-driven spots that emphasized user-generated content. These aired nationwide on channels like ABC and online platforms, highlighting everyday photography with professional polish to promote iPhone cameras. Portland’s diverse urban and natural backdrops, from graffiti-covered alleys to the Willamette River views, provided the perfect canvas, leveraging the city’s creative talent for authentic, high-quality visuals. The series often included Portland’s street art, food trucks, and rainy atmospheres to show the iPhone’s capabilities in real-world conditions. Local production companies handled the shoots, incorporating AV rentals in Portland for on-location sound and editing. This campaign not only boosted iPhone sales but also inspired user submissions, turning Portland into a showcase for mobile photography. Apple’s choice of the city underscored its reputation as a creative hub, with spots capturing the essence of Portland’s eclectic neighborhoods and contributing to the brand’s narrative of innovation through simplicity.

Intel Tech Commercials (Ongoing)

With Intel’s massive Hillsboro presence, numerous processor launch and workforce ads were filmed in Portland offices, downtown areas, and Tillamook Forest roads, emphasizing innovation and tech lifestyles. These spots aired on networks like CNN and during tech events, featuring sleek visuals of engineers and product demos to highlight Intel’s advancements. Portland’s proximity to Intel’s campuses and skilled production teams made it a natural choice, supporting complex shoots with local AV rentals in Portland for high-fidelity sound and visuals. The commercials often used the city’s tech ecosystem, like filming in co-working spaces or along the Silicon Forest trails, to convey collaboration and cutting-edge work. Intel’s ads have helped reinforce Portland as a tech hub, with local crews providing the infrastructure for seamless productions. These campaigns not only promoted processors but also recruited talent, showcasing Portland’s role in the semiconductor industry and its blend of urban innovation and natural inspiration.

Budweiser “Stand By You” (Super Bowl 2018)

Budweiser’s emotional disaster-relief ad incorporated Oregon coast scenes and Portland brewery locations, produced with local crews to highlight the brand’s water-relief efforts during natural disasters. Aired during the Super Bowl on Fox, it featured heartfelt narratives with Anheuser-Busch employees, generating massive buzz and emotional resonance. Portland’s brewing heritage and scenic variety added authenticity, making the spot a national hit that emphasized community support. Local production teams handled the filming, using AV rentals in Portland for crisp audio and visuals that captured the raw emotion. The ad not only boosted Budweiser’s image but also spotlighted Oregon’s role in the beer industry, with shots of local facilities underscoring the brand’s commitment. This commercial stood out for its timely message, resonating with viewers and earning praise for its production quality.

The California Raisins Claymation Campaign (1986 to 1989)

This Motown-inspired series of singing raisins became an 1980s phenomenon, produced by Will Vinton Studios in Portland using pioneering Claymation. Filmed in Northeast Portland warehouses, the ads aired on CBS, selling millions of records and earning an Emmy for outstanding animation. Portland’s animation innovation was key, influencing global ads and leading to spin-offs like TV specials. The controlled studio environments allowed for detailed stop-motion work, showcasing the city’s creative talent. These commercials not only promoted raisins but also put Portland on the map as an animation center, with Vinton’s techniques inspiring later hits like The Nightmare Before Christmas.

Travel Oregon “Only Slightly Exaggerated” Series (2008 to Present)

Created by Wieden+Kennedy Portland, this quirky tourism campaign used local talent and was inspired by Hawthorne District and Waterfront Park scenes to promote Oregon’s wonders with humorous exaggeration. Animated but rooted in real Oregon landscapes, it aired on CNN, winning Telly Awards and boosting tourism by 20 percent. Portland’s ad agencies shone here, blending whimsy with stunning visuals to attract visitors. The series featured elements like flying fish and dancing trees, drawing from the city’s creative vibe and natural surroundings.

Audi A6 “Release the Hounds” (2011)

Audi’s Super Bowl spot featured the A6 on Oregon backroads near Portland and Sherman County, with local crews showcasing the car’s performance in dramatic chases. Aired on Fox, it generated buzz but sparked controversy over road depictions. Portland’s rugged terrain was perfect for automotive filming, highlighting the area’s versatility for high-speed sequences.

Other Notable Commercials Filmed in Portland Oregon

• Blitz-Weinhard Beer “Border Guard” Series (1980s): Humorous ads filmed in Portland and the Columbia River Gorge, aired locally on KOIN. Watch on YouTube

• Tom Peterson Furniture Commercials (1970s to 2000s): Folksy spots in Tigard showrooms, aired on KPTV, with iconic catchphrases. Watch on YouTube

• Franz Bakery “Family of Breads” Jingle Ads (1960s to 1980s): Bakery-focused spots in Portland studios, aired on KOIN. Watch on YouTube

• Trunk Monkey Commercials (2000s): Viral auto PSAs in Portland warehouses, 10M+ YouTube views. Watch on YouTube

• Subaru PNW Ads (Ongoing): Lifestyle spots in Forest Park and Sauvie Island. Watch on YouTube

• Kia Mid-2010s Commercials: Downtown shots on the Broadway Bridge. Watch on YouTube

• New Seasons Market Ads: Local store-filmed with Portland shoppers. Watch on YouTube

• Tillamook Cheese Commercials: Studio work in Portland for the coastal brand. Watch on YouTube

• Fred Meyer Seasonal Ads: Family spots in Portland-area stores. Watch on YouTube

• Pacific Power “Kite Man” PSAs (1970s to 1980s): Animated safety ads in Portland studios. Watch on YouTube

• Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour Birthday Commercials (1960s to 1970s): Chaotic party ads in Portland locations. Watch on YouTube

• Rainier Beer “Earl & Vern” Ads (1970s): Folksy humor in local bars. Watch on YouTube

Portland productions move fast. Locations change, call times shift, weather flips, and suddenly you are solving problems in real time while still trying to keep the shoot looking expensive. That is exactly where Picture This Productions and Stage Rentals earns its keep. If you are producing a commercial, brand film, live event, corporate shoot, music video, documentary interview, or a full crew day on a tight schedule, you need a rental partner who understands pacing, load-in reality, and what it takes to keep a set calm when the pressure is on. Picture This is built for that pace, with pro-grade AV rentals, staging, and on-the-ground support tailored to Portland crews who want reliable gear and clean execution.

Whether you need audio that stays crisp in a noisy environment, video that reads perfectly on camera, staging that looks sharp from every angle, or the practical extras that keep a production from stalling, our team helps you spec the right setup and get it delivered, prepped, and ready to perform. We know the difference between equipment that technically works and equipment that works all day, on location, with real people depending on it. If you are coordinating multiple vendors, working around permits, or building a run-of-show that cannot slip, we will help you streamline the rental plan so you are not reinventing the wheel every time a project pops up.

If you are shooting in Portland, the Columbia River Gorge, or anywhere in the region, make the next production easier on yourself. Call (503) 235-3456 or contact us to tell us what you are building. Share your dates, your venue, your crew size, and your goals, and we will map out a rental package that fits the job. When you are ready to lock in gear, start here: AV rentals. Get the support, the equipment, and the confidence that comes from working with a local team that shows up ready.