About Santa Ana
An Orange County city, Santa Ana is found along the sunny shores of the beautiful Santa Ana River. A highly populous urban center, Santa Ana is 27.2 miles in total size and is often cited as the largest metropolitan area within Orange County. The center of finance and government, Santa Ana has been the headquarters of operations for the county’s commercial interests since 1889.
A city with a charming downtown district, Santa Ana’s Main Street underwent a lengthy revitalization process to restore it to its former glory. At the heart of this city is the Santa Ana Artist’s Village, a unique region of this urban center that features many incredible historical buildings, old theaters, and a few art galleries. The downtown core of this seaside city is also home to a wide range of artisanal shops, quirky eateries, and private residences.
Santa Ana has been blessed with 42 miles of pristine and scenic coastline. Along this stretch of road, you will be treated to the rare opportunity to glimpse some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. Home to many incredible beaches where you can spend the day swimming, surfing, or even just working on your suntan, you will have no shortage of seaside havens from which to choose. Among the city’s most beloved beaches are Seal Beach, Sunset Beach. Seaside Beach, and Bolsa Chica State Beach.
For a seaside haven with lots to offer, it’s hard to go wrong with making the decision to include some Santa Ana filming in your next movie, TV show, commercial, or documentary.
Filming Options in Santa Ana
Santa Ana filming locales are always highly sought after. Thankfully, there are many great spots from which you can choose. Once you’ve signed on the dotted line, it’s time to find some Santa Ana supply vendors to assist you with organizing the final details so filming can begin.
- Security
Since you cannot be on-site at your Santa Ana filming locale every hour of every day, it’s a good idea to hire a security service to ensure your valuable equipment remains safe and secure at all times. Santa Ana is home to many top security companies providing everything from on-site uniformed guards to video surveillance and even highly sophisticated alarm systems for your ultimate protection.
- Coffee Service
Nothing keeps things moving right on schedule like a steady flow of steaming hot joe at your Santa Ana filming location. With many top-tier mobile coffee caterers to choose from in Santa Ana, you will have no shortage of great options available to you. Whether your plans include the eco-friendlier disposable coffee and tea urns or a sophisticated on-site espresso machine, whatever your heart desires, the right coffee catering company can provide.
- Makeup
On-site makeup services are a vital component of any effective film set. Ensure your cast is always picture-perfect by partnering with one of Santa Ana’s top makeup artists to keep your cast camera ready when you need them to be.
Filming Companies in Santa Ana
Once you’ve found the ideal Santa Ana filming location, it’s time to put the remaining details in place so filming can commence. If you’re feeling in over your head, not to worry. Santa Ana is home to many supply vendors, rental companies, and set designers that can assist you with getting your location ready for the cameras to roll in no time.
- On Call Event Rentals
For a company specializing in prop, equipment, and furniture rentals, you can’t go wrong with On Call Event Rentals on the job. On Call Event Rentals operates throughout Orange County with a location-based right in the heart of Santa Ana. Offering delivery of rental items directly to your door, you can source everything from tables, chairs, and lighting to linens, décor, and props at On Call Event Rentals.
- Studio 26 by Racquel Lacson
Studio 26 by Racquel Lacson first opened its doors in Santa Ana in 2003. A company whose main focus is innovative makeup artistry for the film, photo, and video industry, Studio 26 by Racquel Lacson travels throughout the region to help their clients look and feel their very best for important events, celebrations, and even just to enjoy everyday life.
- Country Garden Caterers
A Santa Ana-based catering company, Country Garden Caterers specializes in the best cuisine for events of any size or style. With a focus on exceptional quality service and food that is both innovative and delicious, Country Garden Caterers prioritizes the use of ingredients that are fresh, in season, and locally sourced whenever possible.
Pros and Cons of Filming in Santa Ana
Santa Ana is a city with a relaxed beachside vibe, giving it the air of endless summer. However, urban centers like Santa Ana offer both their advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages
- Many historical buildings
A city with an impressive history, Santa Ana’s Main Street is home to more than 100 buildings whose ages date back to the mid to late 19th century.
- Warm weather nearly 365 days per year
Santa Ana enjoys a consistently beautiful climate year-round. You can say goodbye to your woollies and heavy sweaters for good if you choose to make Santa Ana your home.
- Exciting food culture
If dining out tops your list of favorite things to do, you’ll love living in Santa Ana. Santa Ana has many exceptional restaurants from which you can choose, representing some of the best cuisines from countries all over the world.
Disadvantages
- Expensive cost of living
Santa Ana offers its residents the chance to truly enjoy the high life. But sadly, this standard of living comes at a very high cost.
- Busy highways and streets
Traffic is quite heavy in Santa Ana, particularly during typical office hours from Monday through Friday each week.
- High crime rate
Santa Ana’s crime rate is higher than the national average. The country’s statistic rings in at 22.7% compared to Santa Ana’s 29.3.
Famous Locations in Santa Ana
- Lyon Air Museum
Found in a western section of the John Wayne Airport, the Lyon Air Museum was founded by and named for Major General William Lyon. Located in this museum are many artifacts and decommissioned vehicles, motorcycles, and airplanes used during World War II.
- Blackmarket Bakery
A Santa Ana-based bakery specializing in sweet treats and breakfast and lunch dishes handcrafted from only the finest ingredients, Blackmarket Bakery operates in the true Southern style, preparing each of its baked goods from scratch each day.
- Montanya Spa
For an experience designed to leave you feeling refreshed and invigorated, you don’t want to miss a chance to spend the day at Montanya Spa. Situated in a former residence that has been remodeled as an elegant spa, the atmosphere of Montanya Spa promotes feelings of rest and relaxation with its tranquil ambiance and comprehensive suite of spa services which includes massages, facials, body wraps, and custom-designed spa packages.