City of Santa Clarita Visitor Guide : Page 13
10 MOVIE RANCHES AND 20 SOUND STAGES Our area has been the setting for everything from Old West and Spanish towns to Afghani villages and bamboo forests. Today, with 10 movie ranches and 20 sound stages, much of our rich western history is available for your enjoyment through public tours, attractions, concerts and events. Santa Clarita has been a featured location for films such as Twilight, Bridesmaids, The Muppets, and Iron Man, as well as many favorite television shows such as “CSI,” “The Office,” “NCIS,” “24”, “Justified,” “Switched at Birth,” “Big Love” and many more. TRANSCEND TIME One of the most notable studios, Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studio, once owned by Gene Autry, has hosted more than 2,000 productions since it opened in 1915 including thousands of westerns from classics such as “The Lone Ranger,” Wyatt Earp, and “Gunsmoke,” to present day favorites including Last Man Standing, Priest, and HBO’s “Deadwood.” Actor William S. Hart, who made more than 65 films in his career, called Santa Clarita home for more than two decades and filmed numerous pictures in what was once known as “Newhallywood.” Step back in time for a tour. VASQUEZ ROCKS If you think you’ve seen Vasquez Rocks before, you most likely have. This 750-acre natural reserve is popular for hiking, climbing, horseback riding, camping and filming. Its unique rock formations have been featured as the backdrop for countless productions of all genres from sci-fi favorites to western classics to blockbuster hits. Some of most notable include “Star Trek,” “Bonanza,” Blazing Saddles, The Flintstones, Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery, “Friends,” and Rihanna’s “Rehab” music video just to name a few. Situated between the Santa Clarita Valley and Antelope Valley, it can be easily seen by motorists driving on the Antelope Valley Freeway (SR 14). VisitSantaClarita.com 13 DID YOU KNOW? Movies such as Pirates of the Caribbean II & III, Independence Day, Old Yellerand The Santa Clause were all filmed at Walt Disney’s Golden Oak Ranch.
Publication List
Using a screen reader? Click Here