Scenic 395 - The Official Guide 2024

12 2024 Scenic 395 Ridgecrest w d P f v c m 1 D a t u h fi e U t o m T r t P A T t A u 5 i b f a a f s N p o e T r 1 County FilmCommission issues ap- proximately 150 film permits per year on average. Community spend associated with these permitted productions can vary with the yearly average in the area between $1 million to $3 million. This is why many outside states ag- gressively compete with California to lure film companies away by offering the most competitive prices in services. The other states may, at times, beat California’s prices, but few places can beat the Mojave Desert’s unique back- drop. Plus, filmmaking is a pollutant-free in- dustry. The crews come in, set up, shoot, tear down, clean up and leave. Said Crutcher, “The work that we do benefits the entire community. I’m really proud of it.” So the next time you are at the movie theater or cuddled up at home watching productions filmed locally, pay attention to the backdrop scenery. Not only is it proof of when your favorite movie stars and music artists came to town, but it also serves as proof that vital filming dollars are still being spent here (cue in the sound effect of a cash register chiming each time a sale is rung up.) Filming in Ridgecrest? It just makes good “cents.” Continued from Page 11 Film Commissioner Kari Crutcher on location at Little Lake Ranch in 2023. The ranch is a popular location for car commercials. Courtesy Photo