Find Filming locations for rent in Sonoma, CA

About Sonoma

The city of Sonoma is located in the area known as the North Bay region 100 miles northeast of San Francisco. Sonoma is in the southeast corner of Sonoma County close to the Napa County border. The city limits encompass 2.7 squarer miles with a population of just over 10,700 according to the 2020 census.

The history of the Sonoma Valley is influenced by Mexico. Present-day Sonoma is the location of former mission lands built by the Mexican government in 1823 to strengthen its hold in the North Bay region from the encroaching Russian immigrants. Mexico passed the secularization act in 1833, removing all missions and lands from the church to strip it of its influential positions in politics and the economy.

The population grew, businesses opened and prospered, and the fervor for the land grants went unchecked. When the gold rush began to wane and the economy experienced a recession, the benefactors of the land grants tried to sell out. It took 30 years of litigation before the title to the land could be cleared and ownership is proven.

Today, Sonoma is home to many famous wineries and vineyards and hosts many events like the International Film Festival. Due to its splendid climate with an average high in the summer of 85 degrees F and 60 in the winter, all sorts of outdoor fun can be found here. In addition, the weather and beauty make a Sonoma filming location easy to find.

Filming Options in Sonoma

The filming venue options in Sonoma are mostly specialty commercial spaces, like tasting rooms, and outdoor spaces with scenery typical of the Sonoma Valley wine country. Only a few of the offered spaces are residential properties. The city and the valley of Sonoma experienced an infusion of over $177 Million of revenue into the local economy from the film industry in 2020.

• Pre-Production
  The behind-the-scenes work is important and necessary but tends to remain in the shadows without thanks or recognition. The logistics of parking and staging areas, transportation to/from the film locations, and monitoring the status of the permit package all need to be secured before any filming can begin.
  
  
• Media Services
  Filming is a business, and all businesses need to leverage exposure on the internet and in print. The business of storytelling, and the story itself, need the crafting of messages and brand development throughout all phases of filming. The connection between the public to the story begins in the pre-stages of production and is cultivated through distribution.
  
  
• Catering
  The food service brought to a film set needs flexibility in the style of serving and in the menu options. The possibilities are great in that the service of the caterers will be needed for an entire day or multiple days. In between the service the meals, beverages, and light snacks will need refreshing. This style of catering is really a form of event planning.

Filming Vendors in Sonoma

In addition to the film’s benefit of local connections and knowledge brought by the local talent and crew members, the job creation and wage investment will bolster the merits of the application for tax incentives. The areas surrounding San Francisco Bay recognize the positive aspects of filming in Sonoma.

• Baldwin Productions
  Jim Baldwin, the owner, and operator of Baldwin Production is located in the San Francisco Bay area and serves the Sonoma Valley. The specialty of Baldwin Productions is providing logistic services to the film set. These needed services are supplemented with daily web uploads and digital scouting.
  
  
• Wavemaker Media Design
  This design and production studio, serving Sonoma County and northern California since 1996, works with its clients to maximize advertising potential. The initial step in any marketing plan is the logo design and the brand identity. Wavemaker will work with the producers to ensure the film’s first impression on the public is clear and true to the message.
  
  
• Aurora Catering
  This husband-and-wife team own and operate Aurora Catering in the Bay area since 2008. The talents of the owners are complementary making for a successful business of catering and event planning. The talents of a master chef are melded with those of a professional event coordinator. The clients benefit from this well-rounded service plan complete with referrals to vendors for any needed rentals.

Pros and Cons of Filming in Sonoma

You definitely want that your filming process flows perfectly. Then you have to consider a few things before choosing Sonoma as your filming location.

Advantages

• The town's picturesque and charming vibes create the perfect backdrop for film productions.
  
  
• It's home to the Sonoma International Film Festival and has served as a filming location for scores of movies and TV shows. This foundation enables filmmakers to access vast resources that are beneficial to the content creation process.
  
  
• Tax incentives awarded to filmmakers by the local film commission further make Sonoma a popular filming location.
  

Disadvantages

• It can be difficult to find available parking in the downtown area.
  
  
• The streets can be crowded with tourists during peak season.
  
  
• Some businesses may not be receptive to having film crews in the area, and permits are required to film in most public spaces.

Tips on How to Organize Filming Locations in Sonoma

Finding the perfect filming location in Sonoma can be a challenging process. There are so many factors to consider, from the climate and geography to the logistics of accommodating cast and crew. But with a little careful planning, it is possible to create a successful and enjoyable filming experience in Sonoma. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Determine accessibility: Consider the accessibility of your location for both cast and crew. Make sure it's easy to get equipment and personnel onsite without disrupting traffic or pedestrians. If necessary, create a designated parking area for cast and crew vehicles.
  
  
• Survey the area: Once you have identified possible shooting spots, survey them thoroughly with the camera or drone footage before committing to filming there. Look for trip hazards, low-hanging branches, wildlife activity, etc., so that production can adjust accordingly.
  
  
• Budget time and money: While planning your shoot days in Sonoma County, be mindful of how much time you will need to prepare each location before filming starts. Factor in extra time for transportation between locations as well as setup/breakdown times so that you don't fall behind schedule or go over budget at the end of the day.
  
  
• Hire locals: When selecting crew members or vendors for your shoot days in Sonoma County, consider hiring locals who know the area well and can help minimize unexpected delays caused by traffic or weather conditions. This will give producers more control over their budget while also supporting local businesses and creating economic opportunities within the community.
  
  
• Choose wisely: When renting equipment from local rental houses in Sonoma County be aware that some areas have restrictions on what type of equipment can be used based on environmental regulations and noise ordinances; make sure that your rental house is familiar with local rules so as not to cause any issues during filming days due to lack of knowledge about permits or regulations.
  
  
• Be respectful: When filming outdoors always remember that you are sharing space with others such as nearby residences, businesses, and wildlife habitats; always be respectful when setting up lights and other equipment while ensuring that disturbances are kept minimal throughout your shoot days in Sonoma County.

Famous Locations in Sonoma

• Sonoma Ballooning Adventures
  This is the best way to view historic Sonoma, the vineyards, and the panoramic views of San Francisco Bay. The flights are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather or wind currents that do not cooperate. This adventure requires a moderate fitness level with no serious medical conditions.
  
  
• Sonoma Wine Trolley with Lunch
  This professionally guided tour in a replicated San Francisco trolley will chauffer guests through picturesque vineyards. The trolley will stop at three tasting rooms with lunch at VJB Cellar for Italian cuisine. The tour will last about four or five hours and gives guests the opportunity to sample the wines and food.
  
  
• Mystery Mission Scavenger Hunts
  This is an interesting way to get acquainted with Sonoma. The tours are guided, and each hunt is different, through art exhibits, off-the-path corners, and historical monuments throughout the city. This is an eclectic way to spend two hours on vacation, on a team-building exercise, or at a family reunion.