SAN CLEMENTE : Low Rates Set for Filming Within City

Hoping to attract the movie world, the City Council on Wednesday set low rates for filming in the city.

City officials undercut the fees charged by other seaside communities in Orange County, establishing a rate of $200 per day and a onetime $50 application fee.

According to film fee surveys, other oceanfront cities in Orange County charge up to $500 per day.

“What Hollywood is looking for is accessibility of site and how film-friendly a city is,” said Lynn Hughes, city marine safety and recreation manager. “We want them to see that San Clemente is a beautiful place to visit.”

Originally, San Clemente had planned to charge $300 a day. Resident George Wilson supported lowering the fee at Wednesday’s public hearing.

“It’s ludicrous to charge people to advertise our city,” he said. “It’s more of a nuisance fee than anything.”

Council members said they want to encourage filming in San Clemente to promote a positive image for the city.

The fee schedule doesn’t apply to shootings that require only a few crew members, don’t require props and don’t tie up public facilities.

Rates in other cities range from $200 per day and a $115 administration fee in Newport Beach to $500 per day charged by Dana Point and Huntington Beach.

The council also set a $100-per-day rate for still photographers.