Film Santa Monica

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Film Santa Monica

Film Santa Monica is the official entity supporting film and media production in the city of Santa Monica.

As a central resource for filmmakers, it provides permitting guidance, location assistance, and on-the-ground support to ensure productions run smoothly while respecting the character of the community. By fostering responsible filmmaking, Film Santa Monica helps drive local economic impact, showcase the city’s diverse locations, and cement Santa Monica's role as a premier destination for creative production, bringing our beachside city to the big screen worldwide.

06/04/2026

The chemistry that launched a four-decade romance ⚡️ While filming Swing Shift, including iconic scenes on the Santa Monica Pier, sparks flew for Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell and they’ve been giving us major relationship goals ever since. Over 40 years later, and they’re still going strong. ❤️🎬

06/02/2026

Where the skyline meets the script 🏙️✨

Perched high above Santa Monica, The Penthouse offers panoramic ocean and city views, sophisticated interiors, and that golden hour glow that cinematographers dream about. From high-fashion photoshoots to moody cinematic dramas, elevate your next production literally and figuratively.

📍 1111 Second Street, Santa Monica, CA 90403
4,650 sq. ft.
Capacity of 300
9' ceilings
360-degree coastal, mountain, and city views
Large windows and abundant natural light

Learn more about this location and how to book it at https://filmsantamonica.com/location/the-penthouse

05/30/2026

Did you know that The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! (1988) brought its iconic brand of deadpan chaos right to the streets of Santa Monica? 🎬🚨

While Frank Drebin (the legendary Leslie Nielsen) was busy causing absolute mayhem all over Los Angeles, several classic moments were captured right in our beachside backyard. From the sunny coastal backdrops to the unmistakable SoCal street vibes, Santa Monica served as the perfect straight-faced canvas for the movie's wildest gags.

Next time you’re walking around town, keep an eye out—you might just be standing exactly where cinematic comedy history was made. 🕶️🔎

05/28/2026

If you’re scouting for a location that effortlessly blends coastal cool with vibrant, community-driven energy, Main Street, Santa Monica is your frame-ready paradise 🎥 🌴

With diverse visuals from historic storefronts and colorful murals to modern, upscale boutiques and a weekly farmers market, Main Street deserves a starring role in your next production.

Ready to roll camera? Check out FilmSantaMonica.com/location/main-street for permit information and everything you need to bring your vision to life in Santa Monica.

05/25/2026

Happy Memorial Day! ☀️ 🏖️
Did you know that modern lifeguarding started in Santa Monica? From Tarzan sightings to Baywatch, Santa Monica's lifeguarding culture has reverberated through the film industry. 🛟

Early volunteer crews laid the groundwork for lifesaving techniques that are still used today. Hawaiian waterman George Freeth intoduced surfboards and organized local swim rescue trainings in the 1900s and by the 1920s, the Santa Monica Lifeguard Service began officially certifying guards.

Johnny Weissmuller, the Olympic swimmer who starred as Tarzan in the 1930s and 1940s, was an honorary lifeguard after training alongside Santa Monica lifeguards. Stories abound of Johnny swinging off the Santa Monica Pier while shouting the iconic Tarzan yell for beachgoers.

In this photo op from 1944, Johnny Weissmuller pretends to teach Dottie Hawkins how to paddleboard (though in reality it was Dottie, a national paddling champion often called "the heart behind the Manoa Paddleboard Club," who taught Johnny proper paddleboard form.)

(from left to right): Lifeguard/Hollywood stuntman Paul Stader, Olympic Swimmer and actress Anita Lohest, Olympic gold medalist and "Tarzan" actor Johnny Weismuller, Hollywood stuntman Stubby Kruger and Dottie Hawkins on the board.

05/23/2026

Have you ever recognized a Santa Monica location while watching Curb Your Enthusiasm? Larry David’s improvised series has made us laugh for years, and Santa Monica frequently played its part in the comedy! 🎬

Over the seasons, Curb Your Enthusiasm has filmed all over our city, from Lunetta to the Morgan-Wixson Theatre to the Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center. 🎭

If you’re in the mood for sharp comedy, social missteps, and familiar backdrops, it’s worth a watch (or rewatch)! ⭐

05/18/2026

Golden hour hits different at Shutters on the Beach 🎬✨
From oceanfront rooms and iconic coastal views to patio dining and luxurious meeting spaces, every corner is camera-ready. Whether you’re shooting a feature film, commercial, music video, or editorial, this is where cinematic California comes to life.

📍 1 Pico BlvdSanta Monica, CA 90405
Spaces from 198 sq. ft. to 3645 sq. ft.
Capacity of 12-400 people
Indoor and outdoor options
9-ft. ceilings

Learn more or see the 360-degree virtual tour at filmsantamonica.com/shutters-on-the-beach

05/16/2026

Bring your next production to Santa Monica Brew Works — an industrial-chic brewery space perfect for casual bar scenes, commercials, music videos, branded content, interviews, and more 🍻🎬

Authentic vibes, great lighting, spacious interiors, and locally brewed beer on tap. What more could your crew ask for?

📍1920 Colorado Ave. Santa Monica, CA 90404
🎥 Available for filming, photography, & private productions
Learn more at filmsantamonica.com/santa-monica-brew-works

500-Person Capacity
Loading Dock
Onsite Parking
Bike Rack
Dogs Allowed
Free Parking
Happy Hour
Outdoor Seating
Picnic Tables
Restrooms
Vegan & Vegetarian Options
Wheelchair Accessible

05/14/2026

Perfect for strolling walk-and-talk scenes, romantic moments, or as a stand-in for tropical or European destinations, Palisades Park is a versatile location that stretches over twenty-six acres along Ocean Avenue. The park has many features including a Craftsman-style pergola, beautiful views of the Santa Monica Beach and Pier, a rose garden, benches, picnic areas, artworks and monuments, the Camera Obscura Art Lab, and more.

To learn more about filming at Palisades Park, visit filmsantamonica.com/location/palisades-park

05/10/2026

Some of the best life lessons come from Mama. Happy Mother’s Day to the hearts who shape our lives with their wisdom and love, the inspirations behind so many beautiful memories and poignant moments in film 🤍
Whether biological, chosen, adoptive, step, or foster, their steadfast support and unconditional love is sweeter than a box of chocolates.
Thank you for everything.

Address

2427 Main Street
Santa Monica, CA
90405

Website

http://filmsantamonica.com/

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