About San Rafael
San Rafael is a beautiful and bustling city in Marin County, California. The scenic backdrop of rolling hills provides an ideal backdrop for non-profit events, video production shoots, theatrical performances, and commercial shoots.
Nestled between the Bay Area's metropolises of San Francisco and Oakland, San Rafael, with its unique flavor, offers an abundance of photo and video opportunities. For one, its stunning beaches are just some of the many attractions that entice people to come. As a notably progressive city, San Rafael has its own vibrant art scene where new pieces and expressions can be seen around almost every corner!
San Rafael is also popular for video productions due to its drier climate, which allows for more efficient shooting experiences regardless of weather conditions. The city also offers plenty of venues where you can shoot a video, from simple warehouse studios to stunning residential spaces. Whatever your venue needs are, you will find it in San Rafael!
Video Shoot Options in San Rafael
- Production Company
The best video content requires the right company to take care of your production needs. San Rafael has numerous companies specializing in video production. They can help with everything from finding a location to shooting and editing the final product. Instead of doing everything on your own, getting professional help from a qualified production company will lessen your workload.
- Equipment
You'll need to ensure you have the right equipment for your shoot, from the camera and lenses to lighting, grip equipment, production sound, and more. But you can’t buy new equipment each time you’ll shoot a video. The good news is that many companies in San Rafael can bring everything from cameras to sound and lighting gear. They understand your needs and the production workflow, so they can provide the best value and customer support.
- Catering
When it comes to catering, the city has enough options to choose from. A video shoot can be long and tiring, but with a catering service in place, you and your crew can stay energized throughout the day. Work with a catering company in San Rafael that can customize the menu based on your needs and dietary requirements.
- Make-up Artist
If you're shooting a video that requires make-up, there are lots of vendors that can provide the services you need. From hair and make-up artists to stylists, these vendors can help you get your cast looking their best for the camera.
Video Shoot Vendors in San Rafael
- Milomix Productions LLC
Work with a seasoned professional in the production world in Bay Area. Milomix was initially founded in 2003 as a video and audio post-production business. Today, it covers production and post-production works, including documentaries, music videos, and projects for non-profit organizations and commercial companies. One of its key services is video production, working with individuals and businesses of all sizes.
- CaterMarin Catering
Bring authentic Californian dishes to your video shoot location in San Rafael. CaterMarin Catering boasts knowledgeable chefs who have experience in a vast array of cuisines and cooking styles. They can also create dairy and gluten-free meals for those with dietary restrictions. Their services are professional yet friendly and casual, so you will feel comfortable working with them.
- Eliza Desch Make-up & Hair
A famous hair and make-up artist in Bay Area, Eliza Desch has more than a decade of professional experience creating flawless and customized looks for clients. She began her own business providing luxurious on-site hair and make-up services after years of working in a salon. Now, Eliza enjoys working with clients on their big days, commercials, and special events. You can trust that she can make the best look no matter the theme and style of the video shoot.
Pros and Cons of Video Shoots in San Rafael
While there are some potential downsides to shooting in San Rafael, the city offers many benefits that make it an attractive location for video shoots. Whether you are looking for beautiful scenery and interesting locations, or simply a supportive community of artists, San Rafael is worth considering when planning your next video shoot.
Advantages
- San Rafael has a wide variety of locations to choose from, making it easy to find the perfect setting for your video shoot.
- With its mild climate and diverse architecture, San Rafael offers beautiful scenery and interesting filming possibilities.
- The city is also known for being very progressive and supportive of the arts, which can be a great source of inspiration for your video.
Disadvantages
- San Rafael is also quite busy and congested, which can make logistics challenging during a shoot.
- Some residents may be wary of having a video shoot in their neighborhood, as they may fear that it could impact the quality of life or disrupt traffic.
- Shooting in San Rafael also requires a filming permit, which can be a hassle to obtain and comes with certain restrictions on hours and locations.
Tips on How to Organize Video Shoots in San Rafael
Organizing video shoots in the city of San Rafael can be a complicated task. Here are some tips on how to organize shoot locations:
- Plan the logistics: When planning a shoot in the area, it is important to consider the logistics of filming in multiple places. Take into account potential obstacles such as traffic congestion, which can be heavy in San Rafael.
- Check for parking: To make sure your video shoot runs seamlessly, create an efficient plan that accounts for parking and permits, as well as buy-in from local businesses and personnel who will be involved in the project.
- Keep updated on the weather: If the location is outdoors, always remember to check the current weather conditions so you are prepared for any obstacles that could come up on site.
- Schedule time for wrapping up: Lastly, scheduling enough time to set up and break down equipment at each location is critical to staying on track with your timeline.
Famous Locations in San Rafael
- Marin County Civic Center
Marin County Civic Center welcomes thousands of visitors to witness the famous structure designed by the renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright. It’s a national and state historic landmark and a one-of-a-kind building with designs that make a charming backdrop for videos. Visit on a Wednesday or Friday for a tour and marvel at its golden spire, scalloped balconies, majestic roof, and other extraordinary features.
- Lagoon Park
Lagoon Park is a great place to enjoy the outdoors and take in the scenery. The landscaping is beautiful, and there are plenty of benches to sit on if you want to relax while filming a video. If you're feeling more active, there's also a playground for your little ones to enjoy. The park also offers an avian show where you have the chance to see different birds up close.
- Point Reyes National Seashore
Point Reyes National Seashore is one of the most beautiful places in California. Located just north of San Rafael, it offers visitors breathtaking views of land and sea life. The park covers over 71,000 acres, so you have plenty of space to shoot. It includes open grasslands, brushy hillsides, and forested ridges. There are also miles of coastline with sandy beaches, rocky headlands, and crashing ocean waves.