Location filming in Santa Clarita just broke another record when it granted 545 film permits in fiscal year 2016/2017, up from 528 in the prior fiscal year.
The number of film days, however, dipped a little with the city’s film office issuing permits representing 1,265 location film days as compared to 1,305 in the last fiscal year.
Still, that number represents roughly 3.5 film projects every day of the year.
“We are up in two of the three main categories that we track (total permits and estimated economic impact),” said Evan Thomason for the city’s film office.
The location filming generated an estimated of $30,147,500 million of additional revenue, he reported, pushing extra dollars to local businesses as projects spent and film crews money locally. Last fiscal year estimate revenue was pegged at $30,085,000.
“Overall, the numbers are very consistent with the last few years,” Thomason said. “There’s not much variance between this fiscal year and last, which is great because last year was strong too. “
The numbers represent fourth fiscal year in a row that the city’s film office has recorded more than 500 permits and the estimated economic impact generated from location filming has reached $30 million or more.
Not included in the reported numbers are the film days and economic benefit from filming that takes place on certified sound stages, which does not require a film permit.
There are more than 10 movie ranches and 20 soundstages in the Santa Clarita Valley, all located within the 30-mile zone – the circumference around Hollywood – which holds down costs production companies would incur outside the zone.
“Film and television production has deep roots in the Santa Clarita Valley and to see production return year after year at such a significant rate is a testament to the quality and character of our community,” said Mayor Cameron Smyth in a statement.
More than half of the filming days for FY 2016-2017 were attributed to television production alone, many of which were Santa Clarita-based shows which included “Atypical,” “Ballers,” “The Guest Book,” “Mistresses,” “MythBusters,” “NCIS,” “Santa Clarita Diet,” “Shooter,” “Shut Eye,” “Stitchers” and “Ultimate Beastmaster.”
Many other TV shows also filmed locally, along with commercials, multiple music videos and more.
Movies also accounted for the filming activity, including A Star is Born, A Wrinkle in Time, All-Star Weekend, The Female Brain, Fighting with My Family, Gone Are the Days, Inner City, The Lovers, Magic Camp, Miles, #REALITYHIGH, Villa Capri.