About Santa Monica
Santa Monica, California is surrounded by the city of LA, and part of the greater Los Angeles County. Senator John Jones first established Santa Monica in 1875, and it was boasted as an ocean-side resort. The full name for the city was originally Las Lagrimas de Santa Monica, which translates to The Tears of Santa Monica. It was named for a local spring in the area. It acted as a port for the Los Angeles Railroad and was brought into the aerospace industry in 1920. This was done when Donald Douglas established an aircraft company in the city.
The port of San Pedro eventually eclipsed Santa Monica as a port city. However, it continued to boom as a vacation spot and residential community. The pier, established in 1909, soon became one of the most popular spots in Santa Monica. It holds shops, restaurants, an aquarium, and an iconic carousel.
Since the beginning of the film business, Santa Monica, and California as a whole, has been an important spot for the film industry with many films and photo shoots done there. Today, you are likely to find a vast array of filming spaces in Santa Monica that appeal to you, no matter what you are shooting.
Filming Options in Santa Monica
The beautiful ocean-side city of Santa Monica is full of options for your next filming project. If you can’t find something to fit your needs, you can also look to the rest of Los Angeles County. But filming in Santa Monica is sure to be a breeze with all the help you can get from the locals.
- Equipment
No matter what kind of equipment you need for Santa Monica filming, from cameras and lenses to lighting and rigs, there are plenty of ways to rent it. If you don’t already have an experienced team, you can find entire production companies to help.
- Studio
If you need a studio for your filming project, there are several options to consider in Santa Monica. Many of these studios will come equipped with whatever audiovisual and lighting gear you might need for your filming in Santa Monica.
- Catering
If you want to provide some delicious refreshments while filming in Santa Monica, there are plenty of options in the city. No matter what kind of menu you want, or how you want the food served, Santa Monica will have something for you. You can also look in the rest of Los Angeles County if needed.
- Transportation
The tourism in Santa Monica and surrounding Los Angeles can make it a hassle to get around while filming anything. Public transportation isn’t much better than driving yourself, so a private company could be just what you need. In addition to chauffeuring, you through Santa Monica, many private companies will also service Los Angeles County and the rest of Southern California.
Filming Companies in Santa Monica
While you can find several companies in Santa Monica to work with you while filming, you can also turn to the surrounding city of LA. Many companies in Los Angeles County will provide services in the Santa Monica area.
- Mendocino Farms
Mendocino Farms can provide gourmet soups, salads, or sandwiches for whatever catering needs you might have. They strive to use local and organic ingredients. They aim for each meal they create to be unique and take their customers on a journey of flavor. You can use their catering services any time of day, and delivery options start as early as 10 in the morning.
- Ready To Roll Transportation
Ready To Roll Transportation is a private transportation company in Santa Monica that specializes in providing services for both the fashion and entertainment industries. They are a top option for your Santa Monica filming needs and offer a range of luxury, high-end vehicles. All staff members at Ready to Roll receive thorough training before getting behind the wheel.
- Stray Angel Films
While Stray Angel Films is located in Los Angeles, you can rent a range of audiovisual equipment from them when filming in Santa Monica. They provide high-quality cameras, lenses, lighting gear, grips, and more. There is also an onsite soundstage available for clients that need it. Stray Angel Films has plenty of five-star reviews from previous satisfied customers.
Pros and Cons of Filming in Santa Monica
Every city in California will have its pros and cons, and Santa Monica is not an exception. It’s always best to be informed about the good and bad aspects. Before packing your bags, make sure a Santa Monica filming venue is what you need.
Advantages
- Small town vibes
The smaller size of Santa Monica is well-loved for its small-town atmosphere. It’s a great place to enjoy city amenities while feeling like you’re in a small town. With LA being barely twenty minutes away, the big city is never far.
- Beaches
Some of the best beaches in all of Southern California can be found in Santa Monica. Each of these beaches offers plenty of opportunities for swimming, surfing, and more. The close proximity to the ocean has also been known to improve the overall air quality in Santa Monica.
- Food options
While Santa Monica is known for its famous beaches and vibrant entertainment, the city is also full of delicious food options. There are plenty of restaurants, food trucks, and cafés to enjoy. Some of the city’s top restaurants can be found on the Santa Monica pier.
Disadvantages
- Crime rate
The crime rate in Santa Monica is higher than in many other places in California, and around the country. The overall crime rate is 103% over the national average.
- Homeless population
Compared to the smaller size of Santa Monica, the high amount of homeless people is considered a problem. It’s nearly impossible to walk around the city without running into someone who has been impacted by this.
- Long commute times
Santa Monica isn’t centrally located in Los Angeles. This means that getting to most other places in the county will require pretty long commute times. It can take up to 40 minutes to get from Santa Monica to places like Hollywood.
Famous Locations in Santa Monica
- Santa Monica State Beach
Alongside the city’s famous pier, you can find Santa Monica State Beach. It stretches for 3.5 miles and is one of the best free attractions you can find in Southern California. Besides being a stunning stretch of golden sand beach, there are also concessions, bike rentals, lifeguards, parks, and picnic areas to enjoy.
- Third Street Promenade
You can find Santa Monica’s shopping hub right in the center of downtown. The three blocks known as Third Street Promenade are blocked from vehicular traffic to allow visitors to enjoy the area on foot safely. Here you can find several eateries, including Mel’s Drive-In, which is famous for its featured roles in the 1979 film, American Graffiti. You can also find plenty of shops and entertainment.
- California Heritage Museum
The California Heritage Museum is a great place to enjoy the cultural offerings in Santa Monica. The museum was established in a Victorian-era house, which is just as impressive to look at as the exhibits housed inside. The museum showcases all of the different aspects that make California what it is.
