About Riverside
Just 60 miles away from Los Angeles, California is the city of Riverside. It’s the largest city in the county and is home to over 330,000 people. Riverside is known in the citrus industry for the tasty oranges it was built around. The city has a vast and rich history, with 24 national historic sites you can visit.
There are also over a hundred landmarks that commemorate Riverside’s past. The first college established in the city was Riverside City College. It was soon followed by Cal Baptist University, La Sierra University, and the University of California, Riverside.
In its early days, a family built the Glenwood Cottages guest house which has since turned into a famous destination called Mission Inn Hotel and Spa. Since its opening, this spa has seen several celebrities come through, from musicians to film stars. Presidents Nixon and Reagan were also guests at one time. The city of Riverside spans an area of over 80 square miles.
Filming Options in Riverside
Riverside is a great city to choose from for filming. The city boasts a vast array of different venues where you can film a movie, television show, or whatever else you are filming. There will be numerous options at your disposal when filming in Riverside.
- Lighting
Lighting is a vital part of any filming project and works to bring the entire vision together. You can rent the needed lighting gear or hire experienced designers.
- Cameras
Just like lighting equipment, cameras are just as important for your Riverside filming project. You can rent whatever gear you need or hire an entire production crew.
- Crew
If you need a crew for your Riverside filming project, then you can hire a production company. These teams of experienced professionals will often provide their own gear as well.
- Transportation
It’s possible to get around Riverside, California on your own, but you also have the option to hire a private company. Private companies can provide a luxurious and comfortable way to explore Riverside and nearby areas.
Filming Companies in Riverside
Since filming is such a big deal, it is best if you have other professionals to help you with some of the preparation and work. When using Riverside for your next filming project you will have plenty of companies you can benefit from. Also, if you don’t happen to find what you need in Riverside, you can turn to Los Angeles.
- Image One Camera and Video
Image One Camera and Video is a camera company in Riverside that has a wide range of options to choose from. No matter what kind of filming experience you have, they have the equipment you can use. Image One Camera and Video has cameras that can be used for both photography and filming projects.
- Big Ear Audio
Big Ear Audio in Riverside offers lighting, sound, and stage rentals that can benefit your next filming project. They can service all of California, as well as the entire country. They have experience working on trade shows, as well as concerts, festivals, and more. Clients they have worked with in the past include Comicon, LA Convention Center, and Fox Sports.
- Limo Services Riverside
For more than fifteen years, Limo Services Riverside has been serving the region. They can offer exceptional luxury private car options for your filming project in Riverside. They provide airport pickups, drop-offs, and transfers in addition to city tours and more. They have a fleet of vehicles, from SUVs to limos.
Pros and Cons of Filming in Riverside
There are good and bad sides to Riverside that may impact your filming project. It is important to understand the pros as well as the cons before signing anything. While a Riverside filming seems perfect, you should find out all the facts first.
Advantages
- Music
There is a thriving music scene in Riverside that locals and tourists alike enjoy. There are plenty of music venues that host concerts throughout the year, and many big-time musicians got their start here. These include Blink 182 and Frank Zappa.
- Los Angeles
Los Angeles is close enough to Riverside that it is easy to enjoy all of the amenities of the major city. It’s one of the biggest pros of Riverside for both locals and tourists. You can take a trip to LA to enjoy its nightclubs, theme parks, restaurants, and more.
- Affordability
Despite being so close to Los Angeles, Riverside is known for being quite affordable. Home prices are lower, and so are everyday costs like restaurants and hotels.
Disadvantages
- Air quality
With the proximity to Los Angeles, Riverside has to deal with a lot of smog. This also affects the air quality, and sometimes it can get pretty bad. However, nearby nature stops have fresher air you can escape to.
- Urban sprawl
There is a lot of concrete and buildings in Riverside that are seen as a big downside. This urban sprawl makes it harder to enjoy the natural beauty of surrounding areas. There isn’t a designated downtown because of the urban setup.
- Traffic
A lot of people who live in Riverside commute to Los Angeles for work, which contributes to a major traffic problem. This traffic can make it a headache to get around.
Famous Locations in Riverside
- Mission Inn
One of the top spots to visit in Riverside, California is Mission Inn, which represents the city's rich history. It can be found downtown and covers an entire block. This historic building is a great place to go to enjoy some relaxation. There are public tours, and guests who stay overnight get access to exclusive parts of the Inn. Each room is unique, representing the Spanish architecture the Inn was built around.
- California Citrus State Historic Park
Just a short trip away from downtown Riverside, you can find the California Citrus State Historic Park, which spans about 250 acres. It preserves the citrus legacy the city was built on and is also significant in the history of California as a whole. There’s a visitor center to educate guests about the early citrus industry, an old-time fruit stand, and guided tours of the citrus groves.
- Van Buren Drive-In Theater
One of the top family attractions in Riverside is the Van Buren Drive-In Theater. It’s near Citrus State Park and shows the latest blockbuster movies. Tickets are notoriously cheap, with showings every day of the week, and locals rave about the tasty concession foods. During certain days of the week, a swap meet is held at the theatre, and over 300 vendors are set up.
