City Goes Hollywood, Takes Lead in Filming

Before shouting “Action!” and before rolling the cameras, take a look at Orange County.

That’s the message the Orange County Film Commission has been sending to Hollywood. And it seems to be working.

Nearly four times as many movies and other productions were made in the county last year than in 1995.

Production crews have come knocking most often to Newport Beach, said Debi Hausdorfer, director of marketing for the commission. “Some 230 permits were issued by that city last year alone,” Hausdorfer said.

Glen Everroad, revenue manager in Newport Beach, said it is not so much the location that attracts crews but the ease with which permits are issued.

“Sure the beach is attractive, but we have a quick turnaround,” Everroad said. “Within hours we can have a permit for a crew to come in and shoot.”

Sites in Orange, Seal Beach and Huntington Beach, as well as John Wayne Airport and Mile Square Regional Park in Fountain Valley, are also popular for filming.

“The airport was most recently used in ‘Jerry Maguire,’ ” Al Vasquez, manager of Orange County property permits, said. “We get a lot of requests for it because of its architecture and the fact that signage can be changed to make it look like a foreign airport.”

Wherever the location may be, the good news is that the film crews leave money, Everroad said. About 360 film productions last year generated $5.3 million to Orange County businesses.

The commission has been instrumental in establishing a film-friendly environment by drafting a model permit for cities.

“We realize Orange County has appeal and we want to take advantage of it,” said Michael Mudd, Huntington Beach film coordinator.