The City of Santa Clarita saw an increase in location filming in 2021, with the Film Office reporting 570 film permits and 1,505 location film days, which generated an estimated $37.6 million in economic impact to our local community. This represents a 62 percent increase in permits, a 42.6 percent increase in film days and a 40.8 percent increase to the estimated economic impact when compared to 2020.
Accounting for the disruption the pandemic had on filming activity in 2020, this calendar year marks a return of the Santa Clarita Film Office, recording more than 500 permits, over 1400 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.
“Santa Clarita has a rich history of film production and location filming, and we are thrilled to see the numbers have rebounded from the pandemic shutdowns,” said Santa Clarita Mayor Laurene Weste. “Filming provides thousands of jobs locally and supports every segment of our local economy. We continue to be a film-friendly City and ensure our beautiful valley remains a top choice for productions now … and well into the future.”
Many factors have contributed to the continued success of filming in Santa Clarita, including the City’s Film Incentive Program, Movie Ranch Overlay Zone, low-cost permit fees and expedited permit processing, along with the California Film and Television Tax Credit Program. The Santa Clarita Valley is also located within the entertainment industry’s advantageous “Thirty Mile Zone” and offers thousands of film-friendly locations that can double as many diverse locations.
Last year, television shows accounted for more than half of the film days reported in 2021. Locally based shows include “Cesar’s Way;” “CSI: Vegas;” “Dollface;” “Good Trouble;” “Holey Moley;” “LA Fire and Rescue;” “Mayans MC;” “Miracle Workers;” “NCIS;” “Promised Land;” “Star Trek: Picard;” “S.W.A.T.;” “Westworld;” “Wipeout;” and “With Love.”
Other shows that have been filmed on location in Santa Clarita this past year include “911;” “911: Lonestar;” “American Crime Story: Impeachment;” “American Horror Story;” “Atypical;” “Blindspotting;” “The Dropout;” “Euphoria;” “Foodtastic;” “Hacks;” “Jay Leno’s Garage;” “Shameless;” and “This is Us.”
For more information about filming in Santa Clarita, visit FilmSantaClarita.com or contact the Film Office at (661) 284-1425. For an insider’s view to filming in Santa Clarita, follow the Santa Clarita Film Office on Instagram @FilmSantaClarita.
