About San Diego
San Diego is one of the most beautiful cities in California, boasting year-round sunshine, breathtaking scenery, and a strong sense of community. Located in the Southern part of the state, San Diego offers residents a unique coastal lifestyle and a vibrant cultural scene. It's no wonder that San Diego has become an increasingly popular destination for leisure and business travelers.
The city has become a hot spot for creative industries due to its convenient location on the Pacific Coast, moderate climate, and rich cultural vibrancy. Several neighborhoods throughout San Diego with vibrant art scenes have become popular among filmmakers worldwide who are looking for unique locations for photo and film shoots. The city also has several sound stages that can be booked for larger productions and plenty of post-production facilities for editing footage.
Not only can you find high-quality equipment and services here but also some of the best talents in the industry. That’s why it’s not surprising that many have chosen San Diego to produce their projects, from Hollywood feature films to local commercials and web series projects.
Industrial Studio Options in San Diego
- Equipment Rentals
Quality cameras, lighting equipment, and other helpful tools are essential for capturing the perfect image. Professional photographers can rent cameras, reflectors, and lenses that would be too expensive to purchase outright. Thankfully, San Diego has numerous equipment rental companies offering high-end camera gear and equipment at a fraction of the cost.
- Makeup and Hairstyle
Makeup artists and hairstylists are integral members of any photo shoot team. They can create unique looks and help highlight the model’s best features. Makeup artists can use various techniques, from subtle natural looks to dramatic avant-garde makeup looks, depending on the theme and concept of the shoot. Hair styling is also vital for creating visually appealing images that stand out.
- Decorations & Props
Decorations and props are essential when shooting in an industrial studio setting, as they can add character to otherwise plain backgrounds. Vintage furniture pieces combined with distressed fabrics create a cohesive look, while various textures, like wood and metal, can provide exciting elements. Decorations like tapestries, rugs, paintings, plants, and candles can also spruce up an industrial studio space in San Diego.
Industrial Studio Vendors in San Diego
- George's Camera
George's Camera is a long-standing and reputable camera store in San Diego. The store offers a comprehensive range of photography and video equipment, including digital cameras, professional lighting solutions, replacement parts, and more. They are known for their extensive selection of products from leading manufacturers in the USA, all of which come with authorized warranties. They offer low-price guarantees, ensuring that customers receive the best possible prices for their camera and equipment purchases. Additionally, the store provides rental solutions, allowing customers to try out items before making a purchase.
- Triplow Beauty
Stacey of Triplow Beauty is an award-winning makeup and hair artist, with a solid reputation in the industry. Stacey has received numerous awards for her exceptional work in creating beautiful looks for various occasions. Stacey's expertise extends to special events, fashion projects, editorial photoshoots, and teaching. Her international exposure allows her to bring a diverse and global perspective to her craft, ensuring that clients receive makeup and hair services of the highest quality.
- Liz Ream Inc.
Liz Ream is a professional wardrobe, product, and prop stylist, with nearly two decades of expertise in the industry. Liz has honed her skills and developed a deep understanding of apparel from her previous role as Global Product Manager for a billion-dollar athletic brand. This experience has given her a unique perspective and resourcefulness when handling various fabrics, settings, locations, and tight timelines.
Pros and Cons of Industrial Studios in San Diego
San Diego industrial studio spaces offer filmmakers, photographers, and other content creators unique opportunities for creating content. However, there are specific pros and cons they should be aware of before committing to one of these spaces.
Advantages
- Industrial studios typically provide larger shooting areas with tall ceilings, giving filmmakers more options for staging complex scenes or setting up large lighting rigs.
- Industrial studio spaces often feature different types of architecture, floors, walls, and props, which can help create different looks within the same area.
- Many studios already have soundproofing and electrical systems, saving content producers time and money on setup.
Disadvantages
- Since many industrial studios are located away from urban centers, producers may need help accessing resources, such as crew members or specialized equipment needed for production.
- Industrial studio spaces near busy roads may experience hazardous noise pollution from passing traffic, which could interfere with sound recording levels during shoots.
- As with any environment requiring special safety considerations, precautionary measures should be taken before and during filming operations at any industrial location (e.g., wearing appropriate clothing or using protective eyewear).
Tips on How to Organize Industrial Studio Shoots in San Diego
Industrial studios are your go-to solution if you want to capture the perfect shots and videos in San Diego. Here are some valuable ideas and tips on how to make the most of this space for your next film/photoshoot:
- Look for a spacious venue: Find industrial buildings that have high ceilings and plenty of natural light. This will help create a bright, spacious atmosphere for your production needs.
- Make the most of its features: Utilize existing industrial features to create interesting sets or backdrops. For example, use exposed brick walls and concrete floors to add texture and depth to your shots. Also, take advantage of existing cranes, jibs, and other equipment already on-site. This will save you time and money while still providing professional quality shots.
- Use quality lighting: Invest in lighting gear suitable for the space you’re working with. Make sure it’s powerful enough to cover any shadowing from the large windows or pillars in the building.
- Reduce the amount of noise: Utilize soundproofing measures like installing acoustic foam if necessary. This can help reduce echoing within the room to avoid disrupting audio recording sessions.
- Establish a workflow that works best for your space. It includes setting up stations throughout the room, pre-planning camera angles, organizing props and equipment, etc. Doing so ensures everyone will be on the same page during the production process.
Famous Locations in San Diego
- 'One Pointed Attention' Mural
Standing at a staggering 65 feet long, One Pointed Attention is an extraordinary creation by Kelsey Brookes. This colorful mural was painted in 2014 as part of the Murals of La Jolla project and crafted as a physical representation of meditation. Rich colors and bold lines create swirls that transport you into a new, almost otherworldly atmosphere. Every detail has been chosen with excellent care to produce an overwhelming effect on the observer.
- Mar Scenic Trail
Part of San Diego’s Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve Extension Trail is the Mar Scenic Trail, which hikers often miss. Enjoy the peaceful experience when hiking and exploring this well-kept secret—most people don’t even know it exists. If you have more time, combine the Mar Scenic Trail with a quick trip around the Daughters of the American Revolution trail for a memorable outdoor adventure. The beauty of this spot can be enjoyed year-round.
- Pioneer Park
Pioneer Park in Mission Hills is a popular spot for locals, with its lush greenery and inviting walkways. However, something else sets the park apart from others in the area: its former history as Calvary Cemetery. For those who take the time to look closely, the park’s outskirts reveal a row of headstones, evidence of where thousands of bodies were once buried. Due to this, Pioneer Park has become famous among ghost hunters.