Santa Clarita… Hollywood’s Backlot

by Stephanie Elgin

You’re in a theatre – popcorn, candy, soda and all.  The lights are dimming and the movie is ready to begin.  Lights. Camera. Action.  And then it happens.  There’s something about the movie, something all too familiar…the buildings, the landscape, the scenery, everything.  You begin to recognize the mall you shop at, the sidewalk you stroll on and even the park you play at – all on the big screen. 
And while you may have not experienced this particular situation, I’m sure you’ve seen the signs posted for film production around town.  That’s because Santa Clarita is a popular place to film, after all, we are known as Hollywood’s backlot. 
Monica Harrison, owner of L.A. Film Locations, a location service company, helps Hollywood find its way to the Santa Clarita Valley.  “We provide all types of locations for filming purposes,” states Monica.  “Commercial and industrial buildings, golf courses, retail centers, houses, parking lots, streets and more.” 
After 15 years as an Asset Manager in commercial real estate, Monica decided to try out the film industry.  With several family members in the entertainment business, it seemed like a good idea.  Combining her real estate management and ownership experience with her existing contacts in the entertainment business, she formed L.A. Film Locations in 2003.   “There are several hundred location managers, assistant location managers and location scouts.  The process begins when one of the managers or scouts gets a script and they see exactly what they need, whether it’s a large lobby, parking lot, office, house, street or locker room, basically anything.   Once the client knows what they are looking for, they call me and ask if I have what they need.  I will show them the property if available or refer them to one.”
And as you see in movies and television shows, Santa Clarita is quite a popular place for filming.  “Columbia Pictures’ Bad Teacher starring Cameron Diaz will be filmed out here this month,” states Monica.  “Movies like Twilight and Race to Witch Mountain have also been filmed out here.”  Santa Clarita is not limited to the big screen as television shows such as The Mentalist, Knight Rider, Journeyman, Heroes, Big Love, 11th Hour, 24, Chuck, Parenthood, Lawman, NCIS, Parks & Recreation, Sons of Tucson, Make it or Break it, and 10 Things I Hate About You, have been filmed out here as well.”
Let’s not fast forward through the commercials because you may recognize a familiar Burger King, First National Bank, Federal Express or Hallmark location, some of the many commercials filmed out here.  “Skechers just shot their Superbowl commercial on Town Center Drive,” states Monica.
What makes Santa Clarita so popular for filming?  “People choose Santa Clarita because it is a very film friendly city and it is cost effective,” states Monica.  “The City also offers some film incentives such as rebates and more.  Our City welcomes the revenue and therefore makes it easy for studios and production companies to film.” 
“It amazes me that it takes many talented people to get the job done and make it all work well.  It really is a collaborative effort and it’s very satisfying to be a part of the whole experience.  And it’s nice to be based in Santa Clarita, where the group from the City works well with me to make things happen.” 
For more information about L.A. Film Locations visit www.lafilmlocations.org.