About San Diego
San Diego is a beautiful coastal city in California, located just north of the Mexican border. With its temperate climate, ample sunshine, and miles of stunning beaches, San Diego is a favorite destination for filmmakers looking to capture the breathtaking scenery. From scenic beach shots to rolling hills and valleys, San Diego has something to offer no matter what kind of shoot you’re planning.
One particularly popular spot for filming skate videos is San Diego's skate spaces. Here, skaters share an enthusiasm for skating and enjoy the opportunity to practice their craft in an atmosphere of camaraderie and mutual respect. San Diego's skate spaces come in many shapes and sizes, from smaller, privately owned ramps to large city-run parks. Each space offers something unique that makes it appealing to those looking to film skate videos. Some feature obstacles like rails or stairs while others provide long lines of ledges or ramps. Skateboarders also love taking advantage of the natural features of San Diego like hills, ditches, pools, banks, and more that are scattered throughout the area. No matter which skate space you choose, you're sure to find a friendly atmosphere where everyone can be creative while having fun together.
Skate Options in San Diego
- Location Scouts
Many location scouts in San Diego with experience filming in skate spaces will source the perfect locations for a shoot. They will consider various factors such as aesthetic appeal, size, and whether or not it fits within the budget. They will also review any restrictions that may be in place due to local laws or health regulations. Location scouts typically have access to a wide variety of locations across the county and are familiar with all of the major skate spots. They understand how to ensure that production runs smoothly and safely while respecting any local regulations.
- Decorators
A plethora of decorators who specialize in filming at skate spaces in San Diego is responsible for creating environments that bring projects to life on screen. They often scout for props, furnishings, decorations, and art pieces that add realism and atmosphere to any shoot. Decorators will work closely with location scouts to determine what is needed for each location, ensuring continuity between shots. Skilled decorators are well-versed in different types of photography techniques, lighting setup, and staging set pieces so that every scene looks as compelling as possible on camera.
- Videographers
Skate space videographers in San Diego are a special bunch, possessing the remarkable talents essential for obtaining flawless footage on location. They understand how to take advantage of natural light sources while avoiding harsh shadows or overblown highlights. Videographers also have experience setting up camera equipment like tripods and sliders, stabilizing shots with jibs and Steadicams, setting up microphones for sound recording, framing shots correctly, and adjusting white balance settings when needed. They know exactly how to capture dynamic action sequences while maintaining safety standards above all else during a shoot.
Skate Vendors in San Diego
- TC3 Imagery
Run by Ted Coakley, TC3 Imagery specializes in capturing the world around us in all its captivating beauty. From editorial and lifestyle photography to portraiture, fine art, and product shots, TC3 Imagery puts a creative spin on translating otherwise ordinary moments. He also specializes in video production, from documentaries to music videos and travel films. Ted prides himself on providing images that seem staged when they are in fact candid, which he associates with his ability to see the cinematic aspect of real life. He is a reliable artist that is ready to provide his abilities no matter the photo shoot, making him a great option to capture your skate space moments.
- San Diego Film Equipment
San Diego Film Equipment is an excellent source of film and video production equipment. Founded by Trevor Elliott and Josh Oliver in 2010, San Diego Film Equipment was created to rally in support of San Diego's ever-growing filmmaking community by providing all the equipment necessary to get the job done. With over 35 years of combined experience in the entertainment industry, they are sure to meet their customers' lighting, camera, grip, and production supply rental needs. San Diego Film Equipment has the largest local inventory of top brands such as Arri, Astera, Quasar, and more — making them ideally suited to help productions of all sizes. They are ready and capable of serving large corporations as well as individuals who may need their supplies. This makes them a versatile and quality rental service for the film equipment needed at your skate park shoot.
- George's Camera
George's Camera is a good place to go for your imaging needs. As San Diego's largest full-service camera store, George's Camera has been serving its customers with excellent service since 1965. With an amazing selection of photographic and video equipment, George's Camera guarantees the lowest prices around. All George's Camera equipment comes with an authorized warranty so you can shop with the peace of mind that your gear works as it should. George's Camera also rents out most of its equipment, allowing you to try before you buy, which is a unique program that keeps George's one step ahead of the competition.
Pros and Cons of Skate Spaces in San Diego
Filming videos at a skate park can bring some really unique films and photos to light. When looking into proceeding with this kind of shoot, know that San Diego's skate spaces offer both advantages and disadvantages when it comes to filming skate videos:
Advantages
- Skate spots don’t require a permit or permission to film in, making it affordable and accessible for any budget. This allows a lot of freedom as well as less pre-production stress on you when planning to host this sort of film shoot.
- The varied terrain provides plenty of opportunities for creative shot composition and unique angles that can be used to tell a story. Action shots of your friends skateboarding are satisfying to capture, and it isn’t hard to make an action shot look good.
- The sunshine state has an abundance of weather conditions that are great for filming skate videos, from bright sunny days to cool overcast ones all year round. This variation of weather can provide different aesthetics to your shoot, and even throughout a single day, you can experience some sun and some shade.
Disadvantages
- San Diego's skate parks have become increasingly crowded, making it difficult to maintain a safe distance between skaters and the crew while filming. It can be inconvenient to ask the other skaters not involved in your shoot to move out of your way while you film.
- A large number of tourists and inexperienced skaters can cause distractions when trying to capture footage, often resulting in missed shots or disruptions on the grind box or ramp areas. It can be overly time-consuming to try and have the other people around try and avoid you when you are filming versus when you are on a break.
- The endemic wildlife and dense vegetation in many parts of San Diego can also present safety risks while filming around them, particularly when working with electrical equipment or near greenery that may hide dangerous creatures such as rattlesnakes or scorpions.
Tips on How to Organize Skate Spaces in San Diego
The skate spaces available in San Diego feature some gorgeous scenery and provide an excellent location for filming and skating. As such, they can be popular and well-used, thus requiring you to look into specifics before planning your shoot. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when planning your skate space shoot in San Diego:
- When organizing filming in skate spaces, it is important to plan ahead. Consider the location, space, and materials needed for the shoot. Think about how many skaters are needed and what type of equipment is necessary. Also, don't forget to research the local skate scene and check out any regulations that govern skate spots in San Diego, such as restrictions on noise levels or the number of people allowed at the location.
- Before beginning to film it is important to set up properly. Know where your equipment should go, decide who will be responsible for operating each camera, and make sure all safety protocols are followed when setting up anything related to electrical power or other hazards. Also, make sure that there are enough crew members present so that everyone has their job clearly defined and can safely help manage any risks associated with skating activities during the shoot.
- During filming, it is important to monitor skaters closely so that any dangerous or reckless behavior can be immediately addressed. Keep an eye out for potential problems like overcrowding in certain areas of the park or excessive speed during tricks. These types of issues should be addressed quickly so that everyone remains safe during filming sessions.
- Lastly, make sure everything is taken care of right before shooting begins. This includes ensuring proper lighting settings have been established and all safety gear (such as helmets) have been checked and are ready for use by skaters taking part in the shoot. Furthermore, confirm with any spectators present (especially those without permission) that they understand their role as observers rather than participants to avoid potential liability concerns after filming has ended.
Famous Locations in San Diego
- Bay Terraces
Nestled in the southeast corner of San Diego, Bay Terraces is a picturesque urban neighborhood that has something for everyone. What sets this area apart is its two distinct sections, North Bay Terrace and South Bay Terrace, which are bordered by surrounding areas such as Alta Vista, Skyline, and Paradise Hills, just to name a few. If you're looking for recreational or shopping opportunities, Bay Terraces is an excellent spot with its state-of-the-art facilities that offer both leisurely and active pursuits. Plus, at roughly 3.1 square miles in size, it's the largest neighborhood in its Community Planning Area.
- Harbor Club Condominiums
The sophisticated Harbor Club Condominiums located in the Marina district of Downtown San Diego are one of the highest peaks in the city's skyline. Standing tall at 41 stories with a height of 424 feet, these two towers are a masterpiece in architectural design, engineered by BPA Architecture Planning Interiors. With its spectacular view and convenient location to the San Diego Convention Center and Petco Park, it's no surprise that this magnificent structure proudly stands as the tenth-tallest building in all of San Diego.
- Greetings from San Diego Mural
Have you ever wanted to take the perfect picture of the city's iconic sights? Well, North Park and its eye-catching Greetings from San Diego mural on 30th Street is a great spot to check out. Painted in 2016, this vibrant display captures San Diego with every letter featuring a different sight. From Hotel Del Coronado and Balboa Park to Sunset Cliffs and Matt Hensley ollieing over an overpass (which has been captured in an epic shot by Daniel Harold Sturt.), there is plenty of incredible beauty here that needs to be seen.