About Berkeley
Berkeley is a northern California city with so much history and so much life to it. The area is centered around the University of California, Berkeley, and the student population is strong. This is home to the 1960’s Free Speech Movement, and as a result of that history, it has become an infamous place for such movements. Many protests and historical events happen here, and there is a strong tie to the university and the diverse student population.
It is a typical California city in certain areas such as the climate, which is beautiful and sunny year-round. The Sather Tower is one of the most famous attractions of Berkeley and has become a focal point being a water tower at the university with so much history.
Berkeley is located on the Eastern shore of the San Francisco Bay, which gives it a gorgeous waterfront area. The area attracts many people who are focused on education, legal rights, diversity, and equality each year. Berkeley has become a symbol in the US for inclusion and equality, and you can feel that all around the city.
Filming Options in Berkeley
When it comes to filming in Berkeley, you will find that you have some excellent location options. Then you must narrow your search to the types of services that you want available for the overall production. It all starts with the right location, but these are the services that can help you to keep things going strong.
- Set and Props
It is essential to have props and even a set available for your production. This is what will add those important details to things and really help to set your production apart from others. This is something to think through and consider, and a good company can give you exactly what you need.
- Talent
You will certainly need actors or talent of some type for your film, and this can be an overwhelming task. You may find it best to turn to a local talent agency that takes care of the interviewing and prep. Then you can tell them what you are looking for and they can work with you to provide the best match for your production.
- Audio Visual
This is another service that a film production can’t survive without. You will need some sort of audio-visual representation, even if it is on a smaller scale. A good local company can help you to think through your needs and be available during the shoot to give you the support required.
Filming Companies in Berkeley
There are many that decide to take their filming to Berkeley as it happens to be the perfect city for this. Though you do want to scout out the right locations, you also want to be sure to work with the best support companies.
- Acme Scenery Company
If it is scenery that you need for your Berkeley filming needs, then this is the company to work with. Acme Scenery Company has a strong local presence and has worked on many film productions, both big and small. So, you can turn to them for the props and scenery that you need, and they can even help you come up with new and fresh ideas as well.
- Beau Bonneau
Hiring the right talent for your production can be tough, and this is why you need a strong company to work within this area. They can put you in touch with the right actors and local talent that can be a good match. Beau Bonneau is a talent agency that has been around for a while, and they can get you steered in the right direction and ensure that you have what you need.
- AVI-SPL
There is a certain level of audio-visual services that you may not even realize that you need support with for filming. You will therefore feel good about using the expert team at AVI-SPL, as they can help to fill in the blanks. Even if you aren’t sure of the level of support you may need, they can come to the rescue and ensure that things stay on track in this area.
Pros and Cons of Filming in Berkeley
There are so many wonderful reasons to film a production within Berkeley, and you will find that it’s the perfect city for so many things in this area. There are a few things that you may wish to consider, just so that you can plan accordingly. There are many wonderful things about filming in Berkeley, but you want to keep it all in mind as you move forward.
Advantages
- Diversity
There is rich culture and history within Berkeley, and the diversity is why it continues to be the site of so many important movements.
- High quality of life
The people that live here tend to be happy and more fulfilled, basically due to the overall vibe of the city.
- Strong educational presence
Due to the popularity of the University of California, Berkeley is a city that has a strong focus on education overall.
Disadvantages
- High crime rates
Though you may expect to see this in many big cities, it tends to be more prevalent here. The crime in Berkeley is higher than in other cities with a similar population and size.
- Expensive
It may seem a bit strange but true that the cost of living is so high, particularly since so many of the activities and amenities are centered around college living.
- Not as livable as you would think
Some call into question the overall livability of the city, particularly on a long-term basis. You will find that being here for a filming or something related can work well, but it may not be a great city otherwise.
Famous Locations in Berkeley
- Berkeley Marina
This gorgeous waterfront has a lot of personality to set it apart from other California waterfronts. The Berkeley Marina is great for watching boats come in, checking out yachts, or just a fantastic spot to get outside and enjoy the weather. There is also a nature center, park, and aquatic center that make up the marina and waterfront, along with some nice restaurants and shops.
- Berkeley Rose Garden
It is noted as one of the most beautiful places in the US, and it boasts over 3,000 roses in the area itself. The Berkeley Rose Garden is a municipal park that is full of beauty and space to explore. You can catch stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge here, but really it’s all about taking in the beauty of the rose bushes and garden design that wins out.
- Sather Tower
The Sather Tower is a famous landmark in the city and so strongly associated with UC Berkeley, thus making it a popular site to visit. The Sather Tower has a lot of similarities to the Campanile in Italy, as it was designed after that through inspiration. It stands as the third tallest clock and bell tower in the world, and it is worth the trip to visit when you come to Berkeley.
