Movie, TV Filming in County Shows Gain

A total of 119 motion picture, television, commercial and video productions were filmed in the county in the first six months of the year, up 23% from the same period in 1996, the Orange County Film Commission reported.

The number of production days rose 45% to 264, while the direct economic impact jumped to $3.9 million from $1.5 million a year earlier, the commission said.

Most of the productions involved commercials for auto makers such as Honda, Chrysler and BMW, fast-food companies including Taco Bell and Del Taco, and sporting goods makers. The television shows “Sunset Beach” and “Vital Signs” also film here.

Patrice Apodaca covers economic issues for The Times. She can be reached at (714) 966-5979 and at patrice.apodaca@latimes.com