The 30-Mile Studio Zone – Is My Amazing Location Within?

So you’re struggling with finding locations within the Studio Zone? If you’re a filmmaker like me, this is gonna become an extremely helpful tool for you. This is an interactive map that the California Film Commission has on its website for everyone to use. You can enter any address and see if your filming location is within the 30-Mile Zone (AKA the Studio Zone).

Why is the Studio Zone important?

And why is this important? You may ask… Well, unions use the zone to determine rates and work rules for union workers. In other words, if you’re planning to film in the greater LA area, knowing whether your filming location falls within the zone is extremely important to help your production stay within budget.

How do I know if my location is within the zone?

You can click the link below to go to the California Film Commission’s website to use their interactive map.

https://film.ca.gov/locations/la-30-mile-radius-map

Do you recommend any studios within the Studio Zone?

As a matter of fact, I do. There are a few locations I highly recommend; though, these are very different from each other. The first one is a great choice if you need a location in the City of Glendale that doesn’t need a permit from the city’s film office. The second one is also a great location if what you’re looking for is a location with many open spaces and wilderness in Ventura County. And the last location is perfect if what you’re looking for are already built studio sets that you can use in your project.

1. ThiaMedia STUDIOS

ThiaMedia STUDIOS is a warehouse/studio space right in the Studio Zone in the City of Glendale. The great thing about this space is that it is registered as a Film Studio, which means that you don’t need city permits to film inside this space. The studio is located at 745 W Wilson Ave, Glendale, CA, 91203.

I’ll let you in in a little secret; here’s where we shot the music video “Get Loud” by Spero, directed by Yufei ‘Skylar’ Zhang. You can check out and learn more about the project by clicking here.

2. Canyon Ranch Studio

Canyon Ranch Studio is a private 100-acre location in Ventura County but still inside the 30-Mile Studio Zone. It has plenty of space and parking on site. If you’re looking to shoot a project that takes place in the great outdoors, this is the perfect location for you.

This was one of my favorite locations when I had to shoot my short film, “El Chupacabra“. You can learn more about this location on Canyon Ranch Studio’s website.

3. Silver Dream Factory

Last but not least, we have the Silver Dream Factory, located in the City of Anaheim, California, and within the 30-mile Studio Zone.

This location is perfect for anyone looking for pre-built standing sets and a handy backlot. Whether you’re looking for an airplane mockup, an airpot terminal, hospital, police station, diner, flower shop and a street backlot with building facades, this is the place for you.

What do you think? Was this post helpful? Let me know

Like always, until next time,
Danny Bribiesca