The City of Santa Clarita Film Office is pleased to announce April 2008 was the best April to date for the City, with the Film Office issuing 63 percent more permits in the month than in April 2007.  The Film Office issued 31 permits in April 2008, compared to 19 film permits in April 2007.  Previous April numbers include 24 permits in April 2006, 18 permits in April 2005, 23 permits in April 2004, and 17 permits in April 2003, the first full year the City handled film permitting.     


Santa Clarita, like many other film-friendly communities, was affected by the recent writer’s strike and has been working to encourage pre-strike filming levels to regain the momentum the Santa Clarita enjoyed in recent years.  The entertainment industry remains one of Santa Clarita’s top business sectors, employing thousands of residents and supporting hundreds of industry-specific companies and businesses that rely on the film industry.    


“The City of Santa Clarita was eager to see film production return to pre-strike levels because so many of our residents and businesses rely on the industry for work,” said City of Santa Clarita Mayor Bob Kellar.    


In recent weeks Santa Clarita has seen increases in television production, which was severely affected by the strike, as a result of concerted efforts by locally based studio executives.  Santa Clarita Studios (SCS) owner Mike DeLorenzo worked with networks to bring several new shows to the community.  


At present SCS is home to a new HBO pilot “1%,” the new television series “Knight Rider,” the 20th Century Fox pilot “This Might Hurt.”  This is in addition to the programs already based at SCS, which include “The Unit,” and “The Riches.”  SCS and Melody Ranch will also be home to the feature “Manure” starring Billy Bob Thornton.  Santa Clarita remains home to other network programs including “NCIS” and “Big Love.”  Many of these shows went dark as a result of the strike, but are ramping up production to prepare for fall premieres


Film production contributes more than $20 million in economic benefit annually to Santa Clarita and its businesses as a result of location filming alone.  


To help market Santa Clarita to the entertainment industry, the City’s Film Office has increased its visibility, promoting Santa Clarita as an ideal place to work via newsletters, an annual film guide and online at FilmSantaClarita.com, in addition to regular outreach to the entertainment industry through film specific tradeshows, trade and regional media, and special events.


The City of Santa Clarita’s Film Office was created in 2002 to help attract and retain the filming industry including both location filming and film-related businesses.  The office currently issues permits for all location filming within the city, ensuring there is a minimal impact on residents and businesses.  The Film Office also promotes the City as an ideal place for the film industry to do businesses with coveted incentives offered through the Santa Clarita Enterprise Zone program.  


The film industry continues to be a major economic engine of the Santa Clarita economy, providing increased revenue for City programs through sales tax revenue, and jobs for residents.  For more information please contact Jason Crawford, Marketing and Economic Development Manager at (661) 255-4347.