SHIMABUKURO

Moviemaker magazine’s top places to live and work as a filmmaker for the third year.

With the entertainment industry defined as an essential industry by the state, we knew it was paramount to work swiftly together with the local film industry to reopen in a manner that was safe for crews and communities alike. When the state announced that film production would be allowed to resume on June 12, the city of San Diego was ready and implemented clear, concise guidelines for the resumption of film and photography production, which outlined safety and sanitation protocols to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

These guidelines include the requirement of completing the county of San Diego’s Safe Reopening Plan, providing handwashing and sanitation stations on-set, having smaller crew sizes in any given filming location with larger footprints to account for physical distancing, and ensuring personal protective equipment is worn by cast and crew (with an exception for talent while filming, but with a minimum six feet physical distance from other talent and crew). Derived from county public health guidance, resources from the Film Liaisons in California Statewide (FLICS), and input from the local film industry, these guidelines have ultimately ensured that no coronavirus outbreaks have been linked to the projects that have filmed to date. Since June, production has gradually increased, with October marking one of the most active months for filming and photography, even compared to PRE-COVID-19 times.

The San Diego Film Office was established by Mayor Kevin Faulconer to support and grow the local film industry and to promote the San Diego region as a competitive, filmfriendly destination. That mission is true now more than ever, as the city of San Diego understands the need for studios, production companies, crew, support services and creative agencies to continue to work safely in the age of COVID-19. While it’s impossible to predict what the next year will hold, there will be opportunities for local filmmakers born from the demand for original content across all mediums and services as people nationwide seek to escape or engage in entertainment.