Santa Clarita had another strong year of location filming in 2018 with the Film Office recording 547 film permits and 1,376 location film days, which generated an estimated economic impact of $32.9 million to the local community.
This is the fifth consecutive calendar year the Santa Clarita Film Office has recorded more than 500 permits, over 1,300 film days and $30 million or more in estimated economic impact generated from location filming alone. Not included in the reported numbers are the film days and economic benefit from filming that takes place on certified sound stages, which do not require a film permit.
“It’s been another great year of filming in Santa Clarita. It’s no wonder why our city is one of the preferred destinations for film production and location filming in the Los Angeles Area,” said Mayor Marsha McLean. “Filming remains a critical part of our business community and local economy by supporting high paying jobs and companies involved in the industry.”
More than half of the filming days in 2018 were attributed to television production alone, many of which were from shows locally based in Santa Clarita including “Future Man,” “Good Trouble,” “Goliath,” “Mayans MC,” “NCIS,” “Santa Clarita Diet,” “Shooter,” “S.W.A.T.,” “Untitled Suits Spin-off” and “Westworld.”
TV shows weren’t the only productions taking advantage of Santa Clarita film locations in 2018. Numerous feature films were also shot in the area last year including “A Quiet Place,” “Bird Box,” “Call of the Wild,” “Captain Marvel,” “Ford vs. Ferrari,” “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” “Vice” and more, in addition to countless commercials, music videos, still photo shoots and online content.
Santa Clarita is consistently one of the most filmed places in California because it offers thousands of film-friendly locations that can double for almost anywhere in the world, more than 20 sound stages, over 10 movie ranches, a one-stop shop Film Office, low cost permit fees and expedited permit processing, in addition to being located within the industry’s coveted “30-Mile Zone.”
Several other factors have contributed to the continued success and appeal of filming in Santa Clarita including the city’s Film Incentive Program and Movie Ranch Overlay Zone. The Santa Clarita Valley has also benefited from the California Film and Television Tax Credit Program as numerous approved projects have filmed and continue to do so on location in the area.
