We’d Like to Thank the Academy…

What do you get when you mix equal parts scenic landscapes, fast and affordable permits and an overall film-friendly community? You get a recipe for producing some of Hollywood’s most iconic and celebrated television shows and films. Year after year, TV and film companies choose Santa Clarita as their preferred place to create the shows and movies that are enjoyed by billions of people around the world. And if 2022 was any indication – Santa Clarita saw a record year for film permits issued (591), location film days recorded (1,549) and estimated economic impact ($38.5 million) – the City is on track for another outstanding year of filming in 2023.
The successful recipe for filming in Santa Clarita is put on display for all to see each year during awards season – and this year is no different. A pair of movies are among those nominated for the top prizes at the 95th Academy Awards, which will be held Sunday, March 12.
“Top Gun: Maverick,” starring Tom Cruise, is the long-awaited sequel to the 1986 action film that won the Oscar for Best Original Song (“Take My Breath Away”). In the movie, Maverick crashes outside of a diner that Santa Clarita residents will recognize as the Halfway House Cafe. Numerous scenes were also filmed within local movie studios. “Maverick” is up for six Academy Awards this year and is hopeful for a repeat win in the Best Original Song category with “Hold My Hand,” written by Lady Gaga and BloodPop. The film, which follows Maverick’s path as a top naval aviator 30 years after the original, is also nominated for Best Sound, Best Visual Effects, Best Film Editing, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Picture. Additionally, cinematographer Claudio Miranda was nominated for his work on “Maverick” by 50 different organizations, notably winning the Critics Choice Award for Best Cinematography in January.
Another film that had scenes shot in Santa Clarita and is getting a great deal of Oscar buzz is “The Fabelmans,” which was written and directed by Steven Spielberg and included driving shots on Sierra Highway and Newhall Avenue, as well as interior scenes at local studios. The movie is loosely based on Spielberg’s life and tells the story of a young man growing up in post-World War II era Arizona. An aspiring filmmaker, the young man learns how the power of films can help us all see the truth about ourselves and one another. “The Fabelmans” stars Michelle Williams, Paul Dano, Judd Hirsch, Seth Rogen and Gabriel LaBelle (as Sammy Fabelman) and has been nominated for seven Academy Awards. It is up for Best Original Score, Best Production Design, Best Original Screenplay, Best Supporting Actor (Hirsch), Best Lead Actress (Williams), Best Director and Best Picture. Earlier this year, the film won Golden Globes for Best Motion Picture (Drama) and Best Director (Motion Picture).
“Top Gun: Maverick” and “The Fabelmans” are just two of the many award-winning movies made in Santa Clarita. To see a list of productions that have been based or shot in the City, visit www.FilmSantaClarita.com. 

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