SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — Move over Hollywood, there's another Southern California locale attracting moviemakers.
According to MovieMaker Magazine, the City of San Diego is among the best places for moviemakers to live and work this year. San Diego was the only California city to make the top 25 list, coming in at 17.
Los Angeles is considered a Hall of Fame location and was not eligible for the magazine's list.
"It’s incredibly rewarding that the City of San Diego continues to be recognized for investing in the film industry, particularly after this challenging past year," said Brandy Shimabukuro, Filming Program Manager for the City of San Diego’s Special Events & Filming Department. "While there is still much work to be done, we know our convenient, binational location offers the environment and lifestyle to attract filmmakers and cultivate a thriving film-friendly community."
The city's film office says despite the pandemic, San Diego has attracted projects including episodes of "Mayans M.C." and commercials for brands like Reebok, Uber, and American Airlines. San Diego is also well-known for being the host of several movies like "Top Gun," "Citizen Kane," "Some Like it Hot," "Almost Famous," "Anchorman," "Bring it On," "Traffic," and "Top Gun: Maverick."
San Diego's Special Events & Filming Department resumed permitting film applications in June 2020. All projects approved were required to follow the county's COVID-19 reopening plan for all cast and crew.
MovieMaker Magazine based its ranking on data through surveys, tax incentives, and recent film productions. Staff also visited many locations on the list and considered how cities have responded to COVID-19 with health and safety requirements.
