Film Liaisons in California Statewide

FLICS Logo Transparent

Introduction to Filming in California

Since Centaur Film Company moved from New Jersey to the modest citrus groves of Hollywood in 1911, the Golden State has become the headquarters for America’s premier film studios and production companies, as well as one the largest collection of creatives on Earth. The state receives an average of 315 sunny days, a diverse collection of locations (from vast coastlines to arid deserts) and a creative infrastructure formed from a century of innovation. While other American states have become hotbeds for productions in recent decades, California continues to host more projects than anywhere in North America and constantly attracts talent through the dedicated work of the Film Liaisons in California Statewide (FLICS).

This collection of over 40 film commissions and offices across California share resources to assist productions with scouting, permits and local talent. This one-stop resource is essential for any film, TV or commercial producer across the Golden State, and FLICS members will work to assist your production across jurisdictions. “Our strength as an organization is the ability to collaborate and identify locations for stories that require multiple settings,” says Sabrina Jurisich, FLICS President and Regional Film Commissioner for Upstate California. “Whether you need redwood forests, skyscrapers, small towns, or film-friendly beaches, our members are happy to share resources so that productions can save time and money and keep their focus on the creative aspects of the project.”

FLICS’ vast array of tools and resources will help you navigate all sorts of production issues, from work permits to on-set safety. Their team can help put you in touch with relevant government agencies, industry associations and union contacts. Their website also contains comprehensive production directories, entertainment job listings and useful charts for studio zones. Read more to learn about a few of our members and how they can provide unforgettable locations for your next creative endeavor.

FLICS in California

Imperial County

Upstate California

West Hollywood

Lancaster

Monterey County

Placer County-Lake Tahoe

Imperial County

Located on the US-Mexico border, Imperial County has long served as a backdrop for Hollywood. With unique buildings and architecture, its seven cities and eight unincorporated communities are surrounded by sand dunes, rocky deserts, mountains and vast agriculture. Some of our film credits include La Bamba, Return of the Jedi, Jarhead, Sahara and Jumanji: The Next Level.

CONTACT IMPERIAL COUNTRY FILM COMMISSION
Charla Teeters
760-337-4155
filmhere@sbcglobal.net
www.filmimperialcounty.com

FLICS in California

Imperial County

Located on the US-Mexico border, Imperial County has long served as a backdrop for Hollywood. With unique buildings and architecture, its seven cities and eight unincorporated communities are surrounded by sand dunes, rocky deserts, mountains and vast agriculture. Some of our film credits include La Bamba, Return of the Jedi, Jarhead, Sahara and Jumanji: The Next Level.

CONTACT IMPERIAL COUNTY FILM COMMISSION
Charla Teeters
760-337-4155
filmhere@sbcglobal.net
www.filmimperialcounty.com

Upstate California

Find your next location in Upstate California! We are here to help with pre-scouting, permits, local referrals, at no cost to you! Our region encompasses four counties with diverse options: valleys, mountaintops, small towns, waterfalls, caverns, rivers, historic, modern, state and national parks, and more! Contact us today!

CONTACT UPSTATE CALIFORNIA FILM COMMISSION
Sabrina Jurisich, – Regional Film Commissioner
530-690-1776
sabrina@upstatecafilm.com
www.UpstateCAFilm.com

Upstate California

Find your next location in Upstate California! We are here to help with pre-scouting, permits, local referrals, at no cost to you! Our region encompasses four counties with diverse options: valleys, mountaintops, small towns, waterfalls, caverns, rivers, historic, modern, state and national parks, and more! Contact us today!

CONTACT UPSTATE CALIFORNIA FILM COMMISSION
Sabrina Jurisich, – Regional Film Commissioner
530-690-1776
sabrina@upstatecafilm.com
www.UpstateCAFilm.com

West Hollywood

The City of West Hollywood is here to support your production from scout to strike. Home to iconic locations such as the Sunset Strip and the Pacific Design Center, West Hollywood also can double as Anywhere, USA with our many unique residential and commercial areas — all within 1.9 square miles.

CONTACT CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD FILM OFFICE
Eddie Robinson, Film Coordinator
323-848-6489
wehofilm@weho.org
www.weho.org/film

West Hollywood

The City of West Hollywood is here to support your production from scout to strike. Home to iconic locations such as the Sunset Strip and the Pacific Design Center, West Hollywood also can double as Anywhere, USA with our many unique residential and commercial areas — all within 1.9 square miles.

CONTACT CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD FILM OFFICE
Eddie Robinson, Film Coordinator
323-848-6489
wehofilm@weho.org
www.weho.org/film

Lancaster

Located in the heart of the Antelope Valley in Southern California, Lancaster has become a sought-after destination for filmmakers. With its distinctive landscapes featuring sprawling deserts, Joshua trees, and stunning sunsets, Lancaster offers a variety of natural backdrops. The city’s blend of modern and historic architecture, along with its vibrant arts scene, adds to its appeal for diverse film projects. Whether it’s the cinematic open skies or the unique urban settings, Lancaster continues to captivate and inspire filmmakers from around the world.

CONTACT THE CITY OF LANCASTER 
City of Lancaster Film Liaison
661-723-5850
jthomas@cityoflancasterca.gov

Lancaster

Located in the heart of the Antelope Valley in Southern California, Lancaster has become a sought-after destination for filmmakers. With its distinctive landscapes featuring sprawling deserts, Joshua trees, and stunning sunsets, Lancaster offers a variety of natural backdrops. The city’s blend of modern and historic architecture, along with its vibrant arts scene, adds to its appeal for diverse film projects. Whether it’s the cinematic open skies or the unique urban settings, Lancaster continues to captivate and inspire filmmakers from around the world.

CONTACT THE CITY OF LANCASTER 
City of Lancaster Film Liaison
661-723-5850
jthomas@cityoflancasterca.gov

Monterey County

Monterey County’s beautiful and diverse locations have drawn filmmakers here for decades. We’re picture-perfect with dramatic coastal settings including Monterey’s Fisherman’s Wharf, quaint Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Big Sur. Plus there are rural and agricultural looks in the Salinas Valley—“Steinbeck Country.” From famous films to Big Little Lies, the best locations are found here.

CONTACT MONTEREY COUNTY FILM COMMISSION
Karen Seppa Nordstrand – Film Commissioner
831-646-0910
karen@filmmonterey.org
www.filmmonterey.org

Monterey County

Monterey County’s beautiful and diverse locations have drawn filmmakers here for decades. We’re picture-perfect with dramatic coastal settings including Monterey’s Fisherman’s Wharf, quaint Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Big Sur. Plus there are rural and agricultural looks in the Salinas Valley—“Steinbeck Country.” From famous films to Big Little Lies, the best locations are found here.

CONTACT MONTEREY COUNTY FILM COMMISSION
Karen Seppa Nordstrand – Film Commissioner
831-646-0910
karen@filmmonterey.org
www.filmmonterey.org

Placer County-Lake Tahoe

Placer County boasts stunning locations, including rich farmlands and industrial sites of the valley, rivers and forests of the foothills, and the sparkling blue lake and ski resorts of the mountains. We welcome all media productions to scout, film and enjoy our spectacular natural beauty year-round.

CONTACT PLACE-LAKE TAHOE FILM OFFICE
Juli Johnston, Film Program Liason
530-889-4091
filmoffice@placer.ca.gov
www.filmplacertahoe.com

Placer County-Lake Tahoe

Placer County boasts stunning locations, including rich farmlands and industrial sites of the valley, rivers and forests of the foothills, and the sparkling blue lake and ski resorts of the mountains. We welcome all media productions to scout, film and enjoy our spectacular natural beauty year-round.

CONTACT PLACE-LAKE TAHOE FILM OFFICE
Juli Johnston, Film Program Liason
530-889-4091
filmoffice@placer.ca.gov
www.filmplacertahoe.com

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