About Oakland
Oakland is the biggest city in California and is home to over 440,000 people as well as the offices of Alameda County administrators. It is located on the shore of San Francisco Bay opposite San Francisco. Oakland lies on a flat coastal plain that elevates towards the hills parallel to the shorelines on the east. The climate is almost perfect with temperatures in the 70s and 80s year-round. However, residents may experience fog in the morning during the summer.
You will find almost every ethnicity in Oakland, with over 124 languages spoken within the city. The diversity extends into its economy. You will find many companies in the city, but its economic buoyancy is mainly gotten from transportation, business services, and health services. It is also the 45th most populated city in the country. The great economy, diversity, and beauty make an Oakland filming location a perfect idea.
Filming Options in Oakland
Over the years, Oakland has grown to become one of the most preferred states for shooting films. You will find different filming options in Oakland, because of its great architecture, cultural diversity, and many industries. Professional filmmakers enjoy the experience of showing the city to the world. It would help to know other activities have contributed to the growth of filming in Oakland. Let's discuss some of these activities.
- Caterer
Everybody loves to eat good food. Fortunately, Oakland is a place to find a good variety of meals from different cultures. Filmmakers don't have to worry about starving. Visitors can also enjoy the services of several skilled and professional caterers. Caterers in the city offer delivery services, so you don't have to leave your filming location. The food will come to you! If you are hosting an event or party, you can choose from several reliable caterers. A taste of the amazing food experience present in this city will have you coming back for more.
- Transportation
Convenient transportation is highly imperative to the growth of filming because Oakland is a busy city. It may be difficult to navigate through the city, especially for visitors. You can pick any means of transportation depending on your pocket, to take you anywhere within and outside the city. Filming may take place in more than one location, so you'll always need the services of a professional transportation company. Transportation is also needed to move your equipment from one location to the other.
- Furniture Rentals
The contribution of furniture rentals to filming may seem minimal, but it is highly important. The amazing architecture in Oakland makes it easy to get any furniture rental. You will have access to affordable, durable, and top-notch quality furniture from any Oakland vendor. The furniture rental companies in the city are highly reliable and professional. A good set of furniture beautifies its immed9 environment, irrespective of where it is located. Furniture in this part of the country is gotten from nations in Asia, Europe, and other places around the world.
Filming Companies in Oakland
In recent times, filming Companies in Oakland are highly respected by other companies in the country. Some companies have been operating for many years, and they've stayed relevant all through. The quality of services offered by these companies makes filming in Oakland easy and enjoyable.
- Salt & Honey Catering
Salt & Honey Catering is one of the most popular restaurants in Oakland. They offer amazing services such as breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner and provide everything from appetizers to full plated meals. You can choose from a variety of cuisines like barbecue, Italian, Mexican, and seafood.
- Frisco Limo
Are you finding it hard to move around Oakland? Frisco Limo offers stellar services to residents and visitors in the city. They have professional and well-mannered drivers who are vetted, insured, and personable. You will have your choice of vehicles from a black sedan car service for three to a party bus for 50.
- Dimensional Outlet Furniture
Dimensional Outlet Furniture offers a good variety of furniture. They offer durable, reliable, and high-quality products. Their employees are experienced in the business and can help you find exactly what you need, even if you don’t know what that is. You can get the best furniture for short or long-term rental for the best prices here.
Pros and Cons of Filming in Oakland
To get the best experience of filming in Oakland, you must understand its advantages and disadvantages. It would help to know what to expect before venturing into the city. So, before you finalize any plans for filming in Oakland, check out the facts first.
Advantages
- Amazing art scene
Oakland is reputable for its large number of artists. If you are a big fan of art, you will love it here. Also, the vibrant art scene helps in attracting tourists and filmmakers from around the world.
- Efficient transport system
As a congested city, Oakland has several convenient means of transportation. Unlike other parts of California, the traffic in Oakland is minimal. You can move within the city conveniently and freely.
- Easy access to quality education
You can tell a great city by how invested the residents are in education. There are over 100 elementary, middle, charter, and high schools in the Oakland Unified School District. The universities in this part of California are some of the best in the nation.
Disadvantages
- Cost of living
It is expensive to film in the city. Although experts suggest it is cheaper than San Francisco, it is one of the most expensive places in California. The cost of living is 74.4% higher than the country's average.
- High crime rate
It is not a surprise that a city as congested as Oakland has a high crime rate. Tourists and filmmakers are advised to always stay vigilant and report any crime to the police immediately.
- High tax rate
The tax rate in Oakland is relatively high. With the high taxes, you should expect to pay more for anything you buy or rent in the city.
Famous Locations in Oakland
- Lake Merritt
Lake Merritt is a large lagoon in the center of the city that was the first official wildlife refuge in the country in 1870. With grassy shorelines, picnic areas, boating, and an amusement park, Lake Merritt is fun for everyone. Make sure you visit the Gardens at Lake Merritt, which has over seven acres of flora to admire from a Bonsai Tree Section to the vibrant native wildflowers.
- Jack London Square
Jack London Square is reputable for its peaceful environment. It was a stomping ground for popular American writer Jack London and has several historic sites related to the famous author like the Klondike Hut. The marina is popular for boaters, and you can even take a ferry to San Francisco from here.
- Oakland Museum of California
The Oakland Museum exhibits the diverse heritage and culture of California. There are dozens of galleries including sections focused on arts, state history, and natural sciences. Many of the features are interactive and high-tech with some of the most interesting artifacts and images. Check out the Early Landscape Painting Exhibit with artists like Marius Dahlgren, Grafton Brown, and William Keith.