About San Diego
San Diego, an urban center located in perennially sunny California, has often been referred to as “America’s Finest City.” With its consistently pleasant weather, friendly residents, beautiful beaches, and prosperous economy, it’s not hard to see why people love to live, work, play, and visit San Diego.
The second biggest city in the state, San Diego is nestled in the far southwestern section of California. Its current population is 1.5 million people, and the city continues to grow with experts predicting the number or residents will surpass two million by the year 2050. The city’s main industries include the military, technology, and tourism.
From its scenic beaches to its acres of beautifully manicured farmland, it’s not hard to see why San Diego tops the list of locations for directors to do some filming. If you are searching for the perfect San Diego film shoot, you won’t have any difficulty finding it here.
Film Shoot Options in San Diego
Finding the right place for your San Diego film shoot can feel like a big score. Once you’ve settled on your ideal spot, it’s time to hire some local professionals to help you put all the details in place for a camera-ready film set.
- Catering
The best way to keep your San Diego film shoot on schedule is to ensure your cast and crew have access to a tasty spread of snacks, beverages, and meals to keep their energy levels primed. San Diego is home to many top catering companies specializing in cuisines from countries all over the world.
- Hair and Makeup
Hiring the right on-site makeup artist and hair stylist is a great first step in keeping your schedule on target at your San Diego film shoot. There are many beauty professionals in San Diego with experience in hair and makeup for film and photo shoots, corporate events, weddings, and other celebrations, giving you many excellent options from which to choose.
- Security
Since there will be times when you cannot be on set at your film shoot, it’s a good idea to hire a security service to make certain your on-site valuables are fully protected. From on-site uniformed guards to video surveillance and even sophisticated alarm systems, the right security service can ensure you have everything you need.
Film Shoot Companies in San Diego
Now that you’ve found the perfect spot for your film shoot, it’s time to hire some local professionals to help you put everything in place so filming can begin. From top tier supply vendors to beauty professionals, furniture rental companies, and even prop stores, San Diego is one city that’s got it all.
- The Wild Thyme Company
First opened for business in 2005, The Wild Thyme Company is a San Diego-based catering business. A team that focuses on providing exceptional cuisine representing countries from all across the world, the foundation of The Wild Thyme Company’s food is the dishes found in the Mediterranean as well as Coastal California.
- Mobile Beauty Team
With locations in San Diego, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas, Mobile Beauty Team is well prized to bring their top tier hair styling and makeup artistry to their clients’ homes, businesses, or event spaces to help them look their very best. With a focus on makeup and hair for film and photo shoots, weddings, and other special events, Mobile Beauty Team is the company you can count on to keep your cast camera ready when you need them to be.
- Eagles Point Security Services
Considered to be one of the top security businesses in the SoCal region, Eagles Point Security Services is pleased to offer the protection their clients are looking for through the provision of security guards that are certified, licensed, insured, and bonded. The security personnel at Eagles Point Security is subject to a rigorous screening process that is on par with the United State Government Secret Clearance Program.
Pros and Cons of Film Shoots in San Diego
With its consistently blue skies and warm temperatures, it’s not hard to see why people love to visit San Diego. Still, as with every major city, there are positives and negatives to consider before booking a space for a film shoot here.
Advantages
- Incredible weather year-round
San Diego enjoys a climate that is similar to what you find in the Mediterranean, allowing you to spend time in the great outdoors nearly 365 days per year.
- Lots to see and do
San Diego is an exciting city, offering lots of fun things to see and do. Among the city’s biggest attractions are the San Diego Zoo, many beautiful beaches, lots of public recreational places, live theater, concerts, art galleries, and restaurants.
- Laidback way of life
San Diego is well renowned for its relaxed lifestyle. The city has a laidback vibe that makes it feel like endless summer.
Disadvantages
- High cost of living
The cost of living in San Diego is quite high with everything from housing costs to groceries and gas being more expensive than in other areas of the country.
- Heavy traffic
San Diego is a city comprised of many intersecting neighborhoods, making walking places rather convenient. This is a significant bonus since San Diego sees heavy traffic on its roads every day.
- Poor parking options
Parking spaces are extremely limited in San Diego. Instead of driving, hire a car service or use public transport.
Famous Locations in San Diego
- Balboa Park
One of the most popular tourist attractions in the city, Balboa Park consists of more than 1,400 acres of grounds to explore. It was built for the Panama California Exhibition hosted from 1915-1916. This public recreational area holds quite a few attractions such as the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Museum of Art, and the San Diego Museum of Natural History as well as the Museum of Man, the botanical gardens, and a lily pond.
- San Diego Zoo
Located within Balboa Park, this fantastic zoo is one of the biggest and most well-known animal facilities in the country. With more than 3,500 animals in 650 different species, this 100-acre zoological park is popular with all age groups. They also have a safari park nearby where you can get up close and personal with the giants.
- Gaslamp Quarter
Found beside Petco Park and the Convention Center, the Gaslamp Quarter is a National Historic District in San Diego. Measuring approximately 16 blocks, this area is particularly scenic at night and can be travelled on foot.
