Get the Facts Fact Sheets Entertainment Fact Sheet
Entertainment Fact Sheet
Each year, millions of California residents and tourists from around the world regularly enjoy the beauty and diverse recreational opportunities at our 278 state parks. But the park system also serves as a critical resource for one of California’s most important industries: feature, television and commercial film production. Considering that the film industry contributes approximately $40 billion to the state’s economy each year, protecting access to state parks for filming should be an economic priority.
Unfortunately, chronic underfunding is starving state parks, causing them to fall severely behind in needed maintenance and repairs. California's parks are becoming less available for public and commercial use and are at serious risk of temporary and permanent closures.
Prop. 21, slated for the Nov. 2 statewide ballot, will establish a dedicated and reliable funding stream for state parks and natural resources to ensure they can be enjoyed for generations to come. In exchange for free year-round day-use admission to California state parks and beaches, Californians will pay an $18 fee as part of the annual vehicle license fee (except for larger commercial vehicles, mobile homes and permanent trailers) to support state parks.
California's Film Industry Relies on State Parks
| Every year, producers of major films, television shows, music videos and commercials choose to film all or a portion of their projects in a California state park. In fact, Hollywood has been using state parks for locations since 1910! |
| In 2009, more than 900 permits were granted for nearly 2,000 days of filming in California’s state parks. Projects included feature films, television, commercials, still photography, music videos and more. |
State Parks Help Halt Runaway Production
| Runaway production—film production moving out of state—is a major concern for California’s film industry. Between 2003 and 2008, there was a 50 percent reduction of in-state feature film production. Lost production work means lost revenues and lost jobs. As the most requested state property for filming, the state park system is a major asset in California’s effort to keep film production in our state. If state parks close, many productions and jobs could be forced out of state. |
Broad Coalition Supporting Prop. 21
| Supporters of Prop. 21 include the Location Managers Guild of America, San Diego Film Commission, Sacramento Film Commission, Santa Cruz County Film Commission, Monterey County Film Commission, Mendocino Film Commission, Santa Barbara Film Commission, Humboldt Film Commission, Valley Industry and Commerce Association, California Travel Industry Association, California Labor Federation, The Nature Conservancy, Audubon California and the California State Parks Foundation. Join the effort to save California’s state parks today! |
