The City of Fullerton has a rich film history dating back to 1923, when Metro Pictures’ “Her Fatal Millions” was shot at Fullerton’s Santa Fe Train Depot. Since then, more than 500 film and television productions have made their way down the 5 Freeway toward this iconic suburban enclave.
In 2016, George Clooney chose the City of Fullerton for “Suburbicon,” a feature film he directed (scripted by the Coen Brothers). Due to its “vintage” allure and aesthetics, Fullerton provided a perfect backdrop for this 1950’s era satirical thriller.
Fullerton native Linda Shayne, director of “The Purple People Eater” (1988) which features Shelly Winters, Ned Beatty, and a young Neil Patrick Harris, told the OC Register that “Fullerton projects a ‘50s-like quality of innocence,” a feeling that it’s “safe to walk at night.”
Located within the 30-Mile Zone*, the City of Fullerton offers studios and filmmakers a diverse selection of scenic backdrops, ranging from historic buildings to modern, urban settings and scenic parks. Per Fullerton City Manager Eric Levitt, “Fullerton is proud to welcome filmmakers to our vibrant and diverse city. With its rich architectural history, tree-lined streets, and picturesque neighborhoods, Fullerton offers a unique backdrop for productions of all kinds.”
“From our vibrant downtown to our scenic parks and historic homes, we are committed to making the filming process as smooth and seamless as possible,” Levitt added.
“We value the creativity that the film industry brings and are dedicated to providing flexible support, including streamlined permitting and a responsive staff, to help productions thrive here in Fullerton.”
Fullerton is also budget-friendly, as there are no automatic fees charged in addition to the FilmLA application fee. That means a City of Fullerton location can be added to any multi-jurisdictional permit application, subject to FilmLA’s standard five-location limit.
For use of city-owned properties, such as city parks, Fullerton will charge use fees. The city also has a street occupancy fee should you need sidewalk occupancy and/or reserved street parking. City personnel fees apply only when the need arises, for instance with police officer hires for public safety or to support requests for lane or street closures.
In addition to being an affordable option for filmmakers, Fullerton is also home to a thriving local art scene. Residents are enthusiastic about supporting film and television productions by creating a welcoming atmosphere for those visiting the city for on-location filming.
Given all this, it is no wonder that the City of Fullerton is popular for filmmakers of all budget sizes including students from nearby Chapman University, one of the country’s premiere film schools.
Highlighted below are a few prime locations within the city’s boundaries.
Fullerton Airport
Fullerton Train Station
Hillcrest Park
Downtown Fullerton
Heritage House
Don't Forget!
Need Help? Contact Our Solution Services Team
Email: info@filmla.com
Call: (213) 977-8600