About Berkeley
More than likely, you have heard of Berkeley at some point in time as it is the site of so many unique and special events through the years. It is home to the oldest part of the California university system, with the University of California, Berkeley.
This university and the city of Berkeley have been the home of many important protests over the years, most recently the site of the Occupy Wall Street and Black Lives Matter movements. The students and overall population are very invested in politics and important current events that impact the country, which is one of the very things that Berkeley is known for.
Berkeley is not a sizable city with a population of nearly 125,000. However, it is recognizable for the political presence and movements associated with it. It is located near a major earthquake fault zone, though it has not endured any major quakes in recent years.
It is a very diverse community, and the city of Berkeley overall is centered around the university presence and student population. This is a place that you often visit with a purpose, and many try to get into the university each year for the amazing program that it offers.
Production Space Options in Berkeley
When searching for production space in Berkeley, you will find that there are some great locations. This is a city that caters to the more artistic side of things, and so a production can be quite successful here. These are the types of services that you want to focus on to pull it all together.
- Video Services
It is essential to have a strong video presence as a part of your overall production. Though you may be able to handle some of this on your own, you will find that it’s best to leave it to a strong team. Finding local video services can ensure that you capture everything for a solid final product.
- Lighting and Sound
You are going to need some help in this area in some capacity, no matter what size or type of production you are creating. The right lighting and sound can set the scene and ensure that the important parts are highlighted. You can enjoy what this adds to things, and it really makes everything more professional.
- Catering
You will need to feed the crew and the talent and anybody else that is associated with the production. You aren’t going to want to worry about this on your own, and so a good local catering company can help.
Production Space Companies in Berkeley
This is an area that is quite familiar with productions as it is at the heart of what they do here. So, when you are looking for a production space in Berkeley you will find some excellent resources for the companies that can help you in your quest.
- 7 Wonders
This company has seen it all and done it all within video production. This is why you want to trust the expertise of 7 Wonders, as they can help you from that first shot to the editing at the end. You can go into this knowing that you have support from a company that has helped countless others find great success in their production.
- Stage Lights and Sound
You may wish to rent some of the things that you need for your production in terms of lighting and sound. You may instead wish to hire the team at Stage Lights and Sound to assist you in the overall production. Whatever your need for your specific production, you will find that they will jump in and help so that you can put your trust into a team that will get it done.
- Oakland Catering Company
When you are filming a production, the last thing you want to worry about is food, although it is important. When you work with Oakland Catering Company, you can feel confident that they will handle all the details around the food. They are a local catering company that can develop and execute a menu full of food that is sure to please everyone on set.
Pros and Cons of Production Spaces in Berkeley
When you think of planning an event or filming a production, you want to consider the good and the bad. There are so many wonderful advantages to centering activities in and around Berkeley. You do want to consider, however; the potential downsides, just so that you are sure to plan your Berkeley production space accordingly.
Advantages
- Great public transportation
There is not a lack of public transportation here, and that’s a great thing. You may not even need to own a car, and if you do then you may not need to use it often.
- Plenty to do
You will not run out of things to do here, and that makes it such a fun town to enjoy. Though much of it is more centered around college students, you will find some great restaurants, shopping, and nightlife.
- Easy to get outside
The climate is spectacular and that means that you will surely want to go outside. There are plenty of things to enjoy outside from hiking to just being out in nature.
Disadvantages
- High cost of living
Though this is often expected in certain areas of the country, the cost of living here may be something to prepare you for. It seems as though everything you want to do comes with a higher price tag.
- High crime rate
This is one of the biggest complaints and issues of Berkeley, and it’s definitely something that you want to prepare yourself for. Although it is in certain areas specifically, the crime rate overall is higher here.
- Not very family-friendly
At the heart of it all, Berkeley is more of a college town than anything else. That means that it is really not geared towards kids, and it’s not a popular family-friendly destination.
Famous Locations in Berkeley
- University of California Botanical Garden
Established in 1890, this place is unlike any other botanical garden that you’ve seen as it is so expansive. The University of California Botanical Garden boasts over 20,000 plants from nearly every continent. The garden is sectioned into several families including tropicals, carnivorous, succulents, and cacti as well as orchids, sunflowers, and lilies.
- Tilden Park
Tilden Park is a huge representation of the beauty found within Berkeley, and there is a vast array of outdoor activities to enjoy. There are so many hiking and biking trails and land to discover at this popular 2,079-acre park in the city. You can enjoy a walk in the woods, go fishing or swimming in Lake Anza, and even ride a historic carousel.
- Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive
With over 22,000 pieces including an Egyptian oil painting from the 1500s, Indian miniature paintings from the Mughal Dynasty, and a sandstone statue of the Indian God, Ganesha from 10th Century India. In the film section, you can find approximately 16,000 videos and films that include the biggest collection of Japanese films outside of Japan.