How to Find the Perfect Location for Your Film Production
You’ve probably heard the phrase: “location, location, location.” In video production, that couldn’t be more true. The right location doesn’t just provide a backdrop, it sets the tone, elevates the design, and can make or break the entire project.
But sourcing a film location is often easier said than done. Do you need permits? How much does it cost? Where do you even begin? Whether you’re filming a commercial, short film, music video, or a full-scale feature, locking down the right spot can feel overwhelming. That’s why entire crew roles, like Location Managers- exist solely to handle it.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to source your filming location, along with insights from how we do it at Parthenon Pictures, based right here in the Temecula Valley.
Step 1: Start With the Script
The script always dictates the location. Ask yourself two key questions:
Does this location serve the story?
Do we have the budget for it?
On client projects, the scope is often already defined, so flexibility is limited. For example, commercials frequently call for home settings. In those cases, we use platforms like PeerSpace, where you can filter by type, price, and availability to find the right match.
Step 2: Balance Budget and Creativity
Budget is the deciding factor in location sourcing. Even with large productions, location costs can spiral. This is where creativity and networking shine:
Does a friend have the perfect backyard?
Do you know a local coffee shop owner willing to let you film during off-hours?
Sometimes the most memorable locations come from personal connections rather than paid rentals.
Step 3: Expect Challenges (and Pivot Fast)
Even with everything lined up, locations can be tricky. Permits may take longer than expected, city approvals might clash with your timeline, or local residents could push back. That’s okay, flexibility is key. The best producers are nimble enough to pivot and secure an alternative without derailing the production.
Sometimes your location is even a vehicle you need to source.
Why Temecula Valley is a Hidden Gem for Film Locations
At Parthenon Pictures, we strategically based our operations in the Temecula Valley for exactly this reason. Los Angeles is notorious for rising permit costs, layers of red tape, and long timelines that drive production expenses up. By working with local cities in Temecula, Murrieta, and throughout the valley, we tap into incredible, eclectic locations without the Hollywood price tag.
Temecula Valley gives us unmatched variety. In Southern California, we can film in the desert, the mountains, and at the beach, all in a single day. This unique geography allows our clients’ productions to take on a universal, global feel without ever leaving the region.
Final Takeaway
Sourcing a location doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start with your script, balance your budget with creativity, and always be ready to pivot when challenges arise. And remember, sometimes the location finds you.
At Parthenon Pictures, we use our home base in the Temecula Valley to combine accessibility, cost savings, and stunning locations to give every project a cinematic edge. Where are you located, and how can you strategically use the home you live in?
