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Why is there so much Filming in Santa Clarita?

Santa Clarita falls within the coveted "30-mile zone" (also known as the "studio zone") for filming in Los Angeles. By staying within this production zone, television shows and and film productions do not need to pay travel time and mileage to members of the entertainment unions. Therefore, Santa Clarita Valley is a hot bed of filming activity.

Celebrity Deaths

Paul Walker/Roger Rodas Crash Site

Two well-loved and respected men died on November 30, 2013 around 3:30 pm in Valencia (the City of Santa Clarita). High speed was a factor in the crash that caused their death on the Rye Canyon Loop. For a Google map of the crash site and the official collision reports, please click on the link above.

What's Filming in Santa Clarita?

Santa Clarita Film Office

Gosh, a better question might be, "What's not filming in Santa Clarita?" Recent locally-based productions (including the long-running NCIS series) totally 69 in addition to commercials and music videos. So, it's likely you'll bump into one of your favorite stars filming on a local street.

Guided Tours

Newhallywood Tours

Explore the many sites of Hollywood's past, many you've probably been driving by every day and didn't know had an interesting history!

Self-Guided Tour App

Get the App!

Download a self-guided walking tour of Old Town Newhall, which include filming sites, the Walk of the Western Stars, Wm. S. Hart's mansion, and more. Available through iTunes, Google Play, or Amazon.

The City of Santa Clarita Film Office provides a Google map of filming locations, identifying the shows filmed in that area. Click here to be directed to the map.

Do You Recognize these Filming Locations?

Hollywood's Backlot Movie Trailers

First preview the trailer on your computer, then see if you can identify Santa Clarita in the shot.

Where are the Hidden Movie Ranches in Santa Clarita?

City of Santa Clarita Film Office

Did you know that there are secluded ranches tucked into the canyons of Santa Clarita? Santa Clarita has appeared in countless films dressed to recreate Afghanistan, Mexico, Southeast Asia, or even the Midwest. You can also seemingly turn back the clock by decades on some of these ranches in western and 50's towns. Other than Melody Ranch, you cannot presently get on these ranches without an invitation. If you click on the link above, go to the location library and browse around. You'll find websites and Google map directions to these secret filming locations. But trespassers beware: you will not be welcomed onto the ranches as these are working, private movie ranches.

Eve Bushman spent some time with Rene Veluzat at his ranch, Blue Cloud, located in Saugus. Click on the link to read about the goings-on at his ranch.

Where's the Best Place to See a TV Show or Movie Being Filmed Today?

While we can't guarantee there is any filming going on today, these are the some of the best places to check out because they are favorite locations for filming. Be on the lookout for a cluster of trucks and as you get closer, you may see people walking around carrying boom mikes. The actors should be nearby. This can be in a neighborhood, on a city street, in a park, or at these favorite filming locations.

CalArts is a Popular Filming Site

In addition to college-produced films, the CalArts campus is often used for television and film productions. Credits include NCIS, Chalk, and Built for Two.
24700 McBean Pkwy, Santa Clarita

The College of the Canyons Campus an Ideal Filming Location

This campus has been used in countless television shows and movies. Stroll around and you'll recognize several scenes from your favorite shows.
26455 Rockwell Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita

Castaic Lake Recreation Area's Secluded Areas Popular for Filming

Grasshopper Grove has been used in JAG, NCIS, CSI, 24 and Reno 911. Locate Grasshopper Grove by finding the directional for "West Launch Ramp" as it points precisely to Grasshopper Grove.
West Ramp Parking Lot

Where They Film at Westfield Valencia Town Center

Favorite places to film here are on the street and in the little courtyard behind the Princess Cruise Line building. Filming is frequent in the lobby of the Hyatt Regency Hotel as well, which is adjacent to Valencia Town Center.
24305 Town Center Drive, Valencia

Behind the Gate at Southern California Innovation Park Offers Secluded Filming Location

This is behind a guard gate, so you may not be able to get into this office park--which is why it is a favorite filming location. The flat cement area at the lowest part of the park has frequently been used in TV series, including NCIS. You didn't hear it from us, okay? Click on their website for a nice long list of movies, television shows, and commercials filmed there.
25104 Rye Canyon Road, Valencia

Filming-Related Things To Do in Santa Clarita

Ride the Historic Movie Trains!

805-524-2546
Hundreds of feature films, television programs and commercials have been filmed on the trains at the Fillmore & Western Railway. Movie credits include "Rails & Ties," "O, Brother, Where Art Thou?" Seabiscuit," and "The Holiday." Hot television series riding the F&WR's rails include "Dr. Quinn," "Melrose Place," "X-Files," "ER," "Monk," "24," "CSI," NCIS," "Cold Case," "Medium" and "Days of Our Lives." Read a more complete list of their credits here. This is located just outside of SCV.
351 Santa Clara Street, Fillmore

Tour a Movie Studio

Melody Ranch Studio
661-259-9669
This western set is well-recognized from many movies. If you've been to the Cowboy Poetry Festival, you've seen the town crowded with people. Now is your opportunity to walk the streets almost solo. A guided studio tour of the western town includes a stroll down Main Street and the interiors of the buildings. Your guide will share with you moments from the exciting days of filming, past and present. The tour would not be complete without a stop at The Melody Ranch Museum, which houses one-of-a-kind movie memorabilia from the last fifty years including Gene Autry's collection. Best for kids 12 and over. By appointment only; subject to filming.
Melody Ranch History

Santa Clarita's Version of Hollywood's Walk of Fame

Western Walk of Stars
Along San Fernando Road, Newhall Avenue, and Market Street in downtown Newhall. John Wayne, Clint Eastwood, Dennis Weaver, Jack Palance, Bruce Boxleitner, and Melissa Gilbert are just a few of the western celebrities honored in downtown Newhall. Western film, stage, television and radio personalities who performed in the Santa Clarita Valley are honored here in The Downtown Newhall Walk of Western Stars, which began in 1981 and continues today. Come with your camera and find your favorite stars immortalized with bronze plaques and terrazzo tile set into the sidewalks. View the list of honorees here.
24330 Main Street, Newhall

Dine Where Celebrities Dine

Halfway House Cafe (Facebook page)
661-251-0102
Once you walk in the doors, you'll recognize scenes from some from of your favorite movies, TV shows, and commercials including the infamous 2008 Pepsi commercial with Cindy Crawford. A local's favorite open for breakfast and lunch. 15564 Sierra Hwy, Santa Clarita

Saugus Cafe (Facebook page)
661-259-7886
The history of this unimposing little cafe goes way back to 1887, although it has resided in the current building since 1952. With a renovation in 1994, patrons today will still enjoy generous meals at sensible prices. Where else may one dine within the same walls as presidents and legends? Former customers of the restaurant include Presidents Benjamin Harrison and Theodore Roosevelt, Clark Gable, Gary Cooper, John Wayne, Tom Mix, Charlie Chaplin, Doug Fairbanks, and Mary Pickford. The cast of CSI, as well as Drew Barrymore and Whoopi Goldberg, have filmed here.
25861 Railroad Avenue, Saugus

Explore Historical 'Movie Sets'

Heritage Junction
The train station has been featured in "The Grifters," and "Suddenly." The Ramona Chapel has been used by John Wayne as a movie set, and Gary Cooper, Wyatt Earp, Will Rogers, Joan Crawford and many other stars have been inside these four walls. The Callahan Schoolhouse was built in 1927 as a tourist attraction and movie set. Likewise, the Pardee House has been used by Tom Mix in one of his "Mixvilles" and by John Ford and Harry Carey in their films in 1917. While on property, tour the Adobe Schoolhouse. There's also a gift shop and a beautiful historic rose garden. Free. Open weekends, 1:00 - 4:00 pm. (Enter at William S. Hart Park and make an immediate left.) Free.
24101 Newhall Ave, Santa Clarita

Mountasia Family Fun Center
661-253-4386
This is another one of those locations that will show up frequently in movies and television shows. Spend the day riding bumper boats, playing laser tag, mini golf, and a plethora of arcade games, then enjoy refreshments in the Boardwalk Grille. Admission Required.
21516 Golden Valley Road, Santa Clarita

Placerita Canyon Nature Center
The Walker Cabin has been used in countless movies in the 1930s, 40s and 50s. You can walk through it, and even better, pose for a photo op. Free.
19152 Placerita Canyon Road, Santa Clarita

Six Flags Magic Mountain
Filming history here is decades long, where the park is often featured under a different name. Remember "Wally World" in National Lampoon's Vacation? Admission to the park is required for this exploration.
26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy, Valencia

Vasquez Rocks
661-268-0840
Whether you're a fan of Sci-Fi or Westerns, you've seen these amazing rock formations on the TV and movie screens. This is about 20 minutes outside of Santa Clarita up Hwy 14 but it is always a favorite stop for movie and film buffs. A new interpretive center is located in the park. Free.
10700 Escondido Canyon Road, Agua Dulce

Tour the Home of a Western Movie Star

Tesoro Adobe Historic Park
661-702-8953
Harry Carey and John Ford made some of their western movies on the ranch, which was home for Harry Carey and his family. The western movie elite, including John Wayne, Gary Cooper and William S. Hart, often visited here. It is now a county-run park. Tours of the grounds and buildings are available during open park hours. Free.
29350 Avenida Rancho Tesoro, Valencia

William S. Hart Park & Museum
661-254-4584
Former silent film cowboy star and director, William S. Hart, resided in this fully furnished Spanish colonial revival-style mansion, now open to the public. Fans of western art will find many of their favorites here, including works done by Charles Russell, Joe De Young, Charles Christadoro, and Frederic Remington. Movie props from the 1920s and authentic native American artifacts are found throughout the museum. Make a day of your visit: take the kids to the barnyard zoo, ogle the bison grazing on the property, and enjoy a picnic under a shade tree. Free.
24151 Newhall Avenue, Santa Clarita

Shop on a Historic 'Movie Set'

Saugus Speedway
661-259-3886
Movie buffs will recognize the Speedway from their favorite films, television programs, and commercials. The open-air market held here has been serving the public rain or shine for over thirty years. Whether its fresh produce or your own idea of 'treasure' you seek, you'll probably find it here. Sunday's Marketplace draws the largest crowd, and you can stop in Tuesdays and Wednesdays for a flea market.
22500 Soledad Cyn Road, Saugus




Updated January 19, 2017