About Ventura
A beautiful city found along the SoCal coast, Ventura is a popular place with locals and tourists alike. One of Ventura’s most unique features is its historic downtown district, measuring five blocks in total length. It proudly displays an excellent selection of eateries, vintage shops, boutiques, and the city’s extremely picturesque town hall.
An urban center with many beaches to its credit, the swimming and surfing found in Ventura is divine. For those who prefer their entertainment indoors, there are many shopping malls to enjoy here as well. Ventura is found near such populous centers as Santa Barbara, Malibu, and Los Angeles, providing lots of nearby attractions to explore.
Ventura enjoys consistently beautiful weather year-round and offers incredible views of both the nearby ocean and surrounding mountains. The city was originally named Buenaventura after its establishment by the San Buenaventura Mission in 1782. Well renowned for its friendly residents and diverse arts and culture scene, it’s not hard to see why Ventura is such a popular place in which to live, work, and play.
When it comes to great places to mount a film shoot, it’s hard to go wrong with Ventura. If you’re searching for the perfect Ventura filming locale, the biggest problem you’ll face is narrowing your options down to just one.
Filming Options in Ventura
Finding the ideal Ventura filming location is definitely a big score. Once you’ve made your final choice, it’s time to put the remaining details in place for a productive film shoot. Ventura has a large selection of top supply vendors, rental companies, and set designers that can help you get your venue ready for the cameras to roll as quickly as can be.
- Catering
To keep your cast and crew happy and well-fed, it’s a great idea to hire a professional catering company to provide eats and sweet treats at your Ventura filming location. Whether you are looking for coffee service and snacks, sandwiches, soups, and salads, or a full-service hot buffet lunch, the right Ventura catering company can provide a spread that is beautiful, nutritious, and delicious.
- Security
The best way to ensure the valuable items at your Ventura filming location remain safe and secure is to hire one of the city’s most highly recommended security teams to design a comprehensive protection plan for you. From on-site security personnel to video surveillance and high-tech alarm systems, you’ll have no difficulty finding the right protection service for your possessions.
- Audio-Visual Equipment Rentals
If you’re looking to add to your current equipment but prefer not to buy at this time, one of Ventura’s best audio-visual equipment rental companies is the team you need. Specializing in the latest equipment for short-term or long-term leases and even offering rent-to-own options, you’ll find everything you could possibly want for your film shoot at a price point you can easily afford.
Filming Companies in Ventura
Finding the right spot to do some Ventura filming means half your job is done. Now, all that remains to do is to put the finishing touches in place so filming can commence. That’s where a partnership with some of Ventura’s top professionals can be an invaluable help to you.
- DJ’s California Catering
Open to the public since 1991, DJ’s California Catering is one of the most highly recommended catering companies in Ventura. A business with a focus on exceptional customer service and food that is beautiful, delicious, and inspiring, the team at DJ’s California Catering has the expertise to provide their incredible cuisine to events of all sizes throughout Los Angeles, Ventura, and the Santa Barbara regions.
- Americal Patrol, Inc.
In business since 1986, Americal Patrol, Inc. is a top-tier security company with more than 20 years of expertise in law enforcement protocols. Providing comprehensive protection services for both residential and commercial customers in Ventura and the surrounding areas, Americal Patrol, Inc. is family-owned and operated. Whether you are looking for on-site security guards, video surveillance, an alarm system, or something entirely different, Americal Patrol, Inc. is the team that can deliver.
- Darvik Productions
From audio-visual equipment rentals and sales to full-service event production, Darvik Productions handles it all. A team with experience helping provide equipment for events of all sizes and styles, Darvik Productions has a wide inventory that includes such items as lighting, camera equipment, lenses, staging, soundboards, and computers. Not sure what you need? Not to worry. One of Darvik Productions’ engineers can help you find the right equipment for your film set and will even ensure it is properly installed and running at peak capacity for you.
Pros and Cons of Filming in Ventura
Ventura’s consistently beautiful weather, a large number of incredible beaches, and laidback vibe make it a great place in which to reside or even just to visit. Still, there are advantages and disadvantages to doing some filming in Ventura.
Advantages
- Close to Los Angeles and Santa Barbara
Found in the middle of two large cities, Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, life in Ventura offers the quaint charm of life in a smaller urban center coupled with easy access to the attractions of the big city.
- Near the ocean
Those who reside in Ventura consider the Pacific Ocean to be their version of New York City’s Central Park. Easily accessed from any area of the city, you’ll have no shortage of ocean beaches to enjoy in Ventura.
- Lots of places to hike and camp
Ventura is the perfect place for those who enjoy spending time in the great outdoors. Among the most popular outdoor attractions here are San Buenaventura State Beach and Seaside Park.
Disadvantages
- High cost of living expenses
Ventura gives its residents a taste of the high life, but unfortunately, this exceptional standard of living comes with a very high price tag attached to it.
- Limited public transit options
Ventura experiences a lot of the heavy traffic that has become synonymous with large populous urban SoCal centers such as Los Angeles. Sadly, there are very few options when it comes to the public transportation system here, making travel by car or on foot the best options.
- Moderate crime rate
Though more moderate than in some other SoCal cities and towns, Ventura does have a moderately high rate of crime, a fact many residents find distressing.
Famous Locations in Ventura
- Ventura Pier and Promenade
Constructed in 1872, the Ventura Pier is one of the most frequently visited attractions in the city. Built as a monument to the history of Ventura when the city’s main industries included agriculture, oil, and construction, the pier now offers some of the best fishing in the state. It is also a wonderful spot from which to enjoy an enchanting sunset and views of the nearby Channel Islands.
- Mission Basilica San Buenaventura
Mission Basilica San Buenaventura was established in 1782 by Junipero Serra, a Franciscan priest. Completely destroyed by fire, the facility was reconstructed in 1809 and over the years has been subject to earthquakes and pirate raids. Today, the mission is a fully functional church, opening its doors to people of all faiths.
- Ventura Botanical Gardens
The Ventura Botanical Gardens are the work of a small number of local residents with a passion for preserving the natural beauty found in the city. Established in 2012, the heart of the gardens is a public recreational facility known as Grant Park. There are 107 acres of beautifully manicured grounds to enjoy here.
