About Costa Mesa
A city found at the midway point between Los Angeles and San Diego, Costa Mesa is a scenic urban center that is nestled within driving distance of some of the most incredible beaches in the region. Founded in 1953, Costa Mesa’s land was originally dedicated for agricultural use.
Though its population was relatively small, the city’s residents lived within close proximity to one another, and the community enjoyed a close-knit feel. Over the years, Costa Mesa has experienced much growth and its city limits now include such amenities as shopping malls, fine arts venues, and world-class restaurants.
Costa Mesa’s original name was Harper. Since this name was very similar to nearby Harperville, it was changed to Costa Mesa in 1920. Costa Mesa literally translates to coastal tableland, an apt description of the topographical features of the region. Costa Mesa received its name from a teacher named Alice Plumer who participated in a naming contest and received $25 in prize money for her contribution.
Only one mile from the SoCal coast, Costa Mesa is ideally situated for those who enjoy spending time at the beach. Among the most popular attractions in this city are the South Coast Plaza and the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. If you’re on the hunt for the ideal Costa Mesa film shoot location, you’ll have no shortage of great options to choose from here.
Film Shoot Location Options in Costa Mesa
When it comes to Costa Mesa film shoot locations, you’re spoiled for choice here. Once you’ve selected the perfect spot, it’s time to bring in the professionals to outfit your venue with everything you’ll need so filming can begin. Whether you are in need of supply vendors, rental companies, set designers, or something completely different, you’ll find the help you need to get the job done right in Costa Mesa.
- Audio-Visual Equipment Rentals
If you need some AV equipment, there are plenty of great AV equipment rental companies in Costa Mesa. Whether you need speakers, microphones, and staging or cameras, video equipment, and lighting, you can find what you need for your film shoot location in Costa Mesa.
- Security
Making certain your valuable equipment is kept protected at your Costa Mesa film shoot location is very important. Since you can’t be on set all the time to provide oversight of your belongings, it’s a great idea to hire a top-tier security firm to offer you the protection you need.
- Catering
Keeping your cast and crew well-fed is a great way to keep morale at an all-time high at your film shoot location in Costa Mesa. The right catering company can provide a spread that is sure to keep energy levels primed and your staff well fuelled to deliver their next great performance. From Mexican fare to Italian, Chinese, traditional American, and even good old-fashioned fast food, you’ll have no trouble finding eats to suit you.
Film Shoot Location Companies in Costa Mesa
You’ve secured the perfect spot for your film shoot in Costa Mesa. Now you have to focus on getting all the items you need for a professional film shoot. That’s where Costa Mesa’s top professionals can be a big help to you. From supply vendors, catering companies, and rental businesses to prop stores, and set designers, Costa Mesa is one city that can offer you it all.
- Plums Catering
In the heart of Costa Mesa, Plums Catering has its own café as well as a renowned catering business that both hold excellent reviews and even a few awards. With over 25 years of experience, the team at Plums has a love of foods of all kinds and truly enjoys what they do. Whether you are looking for a whole spread, a soup and sandwich bar, or just appetizers and drinks, Plums Catering has you covered.
- Orange County Visual I Solutions
No need to pack all your expensive cameras and other AV equipment for the trip to your Costa Mesa film shoot location. Just rent some when you get there. Orange County Visual I Solutions is a top-notch rental center with everything you need from stages to video cameras and everything in between. Their team will deliver and even help set up and pickup as well.
- Garda World
Since you cannot be at your Costa Mesa film shoot location 24/7, why not hire a security team to protect your space as well as your valuables. After all, your equipment is expensive whether you bring your own or rent it from a local company. Garda World has more than 120,000 trained professionals who can help.
Pros and Cons of Film Shoot Locations in Costa Mesa
Costa Mesa is a charming little town with a lot to offer those who live, work, or play here. However, as with most urban centers, Costa Mesa offers its benefits and its drawbacks.
Advantages
- Reasonable cost of living
Costa Mesa is a wonderful place in which to live, work, and play. The standard of living is quite high in Costa Mesa, and best of all, its cost of living expenses are considered to be quite reasonable.
- Minimal crime rate
Though California does have a high crime rate in many of its urban centers, Costa Mesa sees very little crime on a yearly basis.
- Beautiful year-round weather
Costa Mesa’s weather is truly sublime. The city is well renowned for its climate, enjoying the sunshine, blue skies, and pleasant temperatures almost every day.
Disadvantages
- Heavily congested roads
Costa Mesa is located between two large cities, and unfortunately, is also subject to the heavily trafficked highways and streets seen in more populous centers like Los Angeles.
- Overcrowding
Costa Mesa’s beaches draw visitors from all across the state. The influx of tourists means that everything from the streets to the shops and restaurants can be overcrowded at times.
- Lots of property-related crimes
Though Costa Mesa is not known for excessive amounts of crime, property-related offenses are considerably higher here than in other urban centers in the state.
Famous Locations in Costa Mesa
- Orange County Museum of Art
It may not be as large as some of the art galleries in California, but the Orange County Museum of Art boasts over 4,500 pieces to appreciate during your visit. From the 1800s to the present, you can see sculptures, paintings, and photography as well as installation art, digital, and video. You can see items from Tony Cragg, Chris Burden, Julian Opie, and Charles Ray as well as many others.
- South Coast Plaza
This huge shopping center has more than 175 retailers and is the largest shopping mall on the West Coast and the fourth largest in the US. Besides the typical shops like Zara, Pandora, and Bath & Body Works, you will also find high-end boutiques like Chanel, Armani, and Prada. There are even a few galleries and a concert hall.
- Huntington State Beach
You cannot visit Costa Mesa without visiting at least one of the beaches. This state beach has over 120 acres with two miles of golden sand beach. Many of the locals come to surf, swim, and fish. But you can also have fun on dry ground with activities such as hiking, volleyball, and soaking up the sun. At night, you can roast hotdogs or marshmallows in one of the fire rings or just enjoy a bonfire.
