Written by on Nov 15, 2011. Posted in On Location

Location filming promoted at Santa Clarita ‘movie ranches’ in California

Ten so-called ‘movie ranches’ in San Clarita, Los Angeles County, will be the first to benefit from a new zoning designation to promote filming in Los Angeles’ Studio Zone. The ranches have areas specifically intended to be used as filming locations and the intention is to boost local business.

The zoning designations mean that production-related resources or facilities can be built on the ranches without having to get special planning permission, while the landowners won’t have to get new film-use permits for the ranches every decade, as they’ve had to do in the past.

We are committed to doing everything we can to support and grow California’s signature industry, while making a name for Santa Clarita as the city that not only understands the industry, but supports filming at every level.

Marsha McLean, Mayor of Santa Clarita

Marsha McLean is the Mayor of Santa Clarita: “Filming is important to us in Santa Clarita. Not only is it a part of our community’s past and our state’s history; filming is one of Santa Clarita’s top industries today, employing thousands of residents and infusing millions of dollars into our local businesses.

“We are committed to doing everything we can to support and grow California’s signature industry, while making a name for Santa Clarita as the city that not only understands the industry, but supports filming at every level, from ordinances and policies to infrastructure and zoning.”

California’s movie ranch heritage dates back to the silent cinema of the 1920s, when permanent sets were built on undeveloped land normally within 30 miles of the centre of Los Angeles. Los Angeles - and California in general - remains a national production hub in the US, although it faces stiff competition from New York and Louisiana.

(Image copyright: GregManninLB)