Santa Barbara Offers Exceptional Locations for Filming and Productions
Nicknamed "the American Riviera", it's no surprise that Santa Barbara is considered one of the most beautiful places in the United States. Part of Santa Barbara County, this lovely gem has the best of both worlds as it sits on the coast of Southern California and has the lovely Santa Ynez Mountains as its backdrop. With its rolling hills, breathtaking sunsets, and palm trees, Santa Barbara offers the perfect location for shooting films.
If you're looking for the best Santa Barbara locations for filming videos, product reviews, fashion launches, and movies, Giggster can help simplify your search. Through our easy-to-navigate platform, you can browse a rich selection of production-ready spots, from oceanside mansions with scenic views to outdoor locations with lush greenery.
Whether you're filming a movie scene, shooting a commercial, or creating content, you'll find the perfect filming location for your project. Browse all available listings on the Giggster app and book your chosen location in just a few simple steps.
Why Choose Giggster for a Film Shoot Location in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara boasts a wide array of secure locations for a production crew to shoot films and other kinds of content. Here are some shooting spots that you can encounter in this California gem.
-
Do you want to do the production in one location? The city is home to creative studios that offer flexibility and have all the amenities you need to shoot film or content.
-
Do you need plenty of natural light for amazing clips? There are numerous serene outdoor spaces in the city where you can take high-quality shots. Set the scene in a park, in a penthouse with access to a roof, or a coffee shop with a tree-filled terrace.
-
Take advantage of the natural beauty of Santa Barbara. Use the Santa Ynez Mountains as the backdrop for your film by booking one of the many rooftop locations in the city as your film set.
-
Do you have a sitcom in your future? A Montecito ocean view estate can serve as the perfect location for shooting film or television scenes of distinct styles.
66 Amazing Film Shoot Locations in Santa Barbara
Exceptional Variety & Quality: From oceanside villas with stunning views to advanced studios that offer complete flexibility, Giggster's selection of 66 film shoot spaces in Santa Barbara ensures that you'll find the most suitable site for your needs.
Hassle-Free Booking: Our easy-to-use platform lets you book an amazing film location for as little as $38/hour with no hassle at all. You can even narrow your search according to rental cost, amenities offered, and other key features so that you can get personalized results.
24-Hour Free Cancellation Policy: Giggster has a "grace period" for customers who need to make any modifications to their bookings. Cancel your reservation at no extra cost within 24 hours of booking confirmation, as long as it was made at least 48 hours before the planned date of the event.
Platform Protections: We offer an array of add-on packages that cover important items such as damage and liability. This means you can book awesome film shoot locations in Santa Barbara, such as Unique Beach Front House w/ Endless Character, with total peace of mind.
Pros and Cons of Film Shoots in Santa Barbara
Filmmakers have plenty of reasons to choose Santa Barbara as the location for their next film shoot. However, as with all places, there are some drawbacks worth considering before you make any final bookings.
Advantages
-
Santa Barbara offers a diverse array of locations that can suit all project types and sizes, from large-scale productions to smaller independent shoots.
-
The city has mild weather, making it a year-round destination for filming, even in an outdoor setting.
-
Both the city and Santa Barbara County have established permitting processes in place, making it a friendly choice for production teams.
Disadvantages
-
Santa Barbara is a slightly more expensive city compared to other cities in California, which means you may need to prepare a higher budget for your production needs.
-
If you're shooting during Santa Barbara's tourist season, be prepared to experience overcrowding and congestion in popular spots across the city. Plan your shoot schedule accordingly to avoid any interruptions.
-
With Santa Barbara having several residential areas, you need to be aware of any film shooting restrictions in specific locations.
Choosing the Right Type of Location for a Film Shoot in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara boasts a variety of landscapes that cater to all kinds of productions. Whether your film calls for picturesque vineyards, pristine beaches, or historic architecture, this California city offers options to match your vision.
-
Beachside Locations – For Scenic Shots. Santa Barbara is well-known for its sun-soaked beaches, where you can get some incredible views of the ocean and palm trees that line the streets. This location is a great choice for film scenes that require a romantic or leisurely touch.
-
Gardens & Courtyards – Plenty of Natural Light. Green spaces, such as gardens and courtyards, provide ample natural light that can enhance your shots and are perfect not just for film scenes but also for music videos and photo shoots.
-
Board Rooms – Product Shoots. You can find several conference and board rooms that provide a clean and flexible space, especially if you need a controlled environment where you can manipulate the lighting and audio. This kind of venue is ideal for showcasing some products as well as other brand-centric content.
-
Heritage Homes – Historic Charm. Santa Barbara, particularly the downtown area, is known for its collection of Spanish Colonial Revival homes and buildings. These estates have unique details such as stucco walls, manicured gardens, and vintage decor that can bring a historic atmosphere to any film scene, music video, or even a commercial.
-
Sports Facilities – Fitness-Related Content. You can find a wide range of sports facilities in Santa Barbara, including gyms, tennis courts, yoga studios, and swimming pools. These spaces can serve as the perfect backdrop for fitness-related content, such as instructional videos, sports documentaries, and high-energy commercials.
How to Plan a Film Shoot in Santa Barbara
Planning a film shoot can be a fun but stressful process; to execute a successful shoot, you'll need to carefully prepare to avoid any delays or issues.
Lock in Your Locations – Santa Barbara has an array of potential shoot locations, with each site having its own character that can bring something unique to your project. Scout all the venues and secure your shooting dates in each location.
Assemble Your Cast & Crew – Before you can start the actual shoot, you first need to build your team, from the director and producers to your actors and crew members. You should also delegate the tasks among your team and ensure that they can complete their responsibilities throughout the production process.
Secure the Necessary Permits – Santa Barbara has strict but straightforward rules when it comes to productions, especially in public places or heritage sites. You should research the local laws and requirements and secure all the necessary paperwork to prevent any interruptions throughout your shoot.
Arrange the Logistics – Logistics is a key part of any filming day, and you'll want to properly coordinate everything from equipment transport to fixing the layout of your set. Be sure to keep track of all these details so that everything goes off without a hitch.
Saving Money on a Film Shoot in Santa Barbara
Filming a project in Santa Barbara, no matter how big or small, can be an expensive endeavor, but it doesn't mean that you need to empty your bank accounts to bring your vision to life. With some meticulous planning and a bit of resourcefulness, you can manage your budget without compromising the project's quality.
Can you possibly consolidate locations?
If the film, commercial, or any project involves working with multiple backdrops, try to book a location that serves numerous purposes. Not only will this come out as a more cost-effective option, but it will also simplify the logistics.
Ask about all-inclusive packages and special offers.
Plenty of venues offer add-ons with your booking, such as free equipment rental, staffing services, and other bundled packages, which are often cheaper and more practical.
Hire local actors and crew members.
Hiring cast and crew from out of town means that you'll have to cover the cost of their travel, accommodation, and other additional fees incurred for the duration of the shoot. To avoid these extra expenses, hire talent and crew based in Santa Barbara instead.
Santa Barbara Film Shoots with Giggster
Giggster provides an easy-to-use platform where you can browse and book any one of our incredible film shoot locations in Santa Barbara in just a few simple steps. From stunning heritage homes to fully-equipped studios, our handpicked locations can be found in the city's top neighborhoods.
