SANTA PAULA : Formation of Film Commission Studied

The city of Santa Paula is studying whether to form a commission that would regulate the film industry and promote the city as a location for motion pictures, commercials and still photography.

The commission would include business people and residents and would set fees and guidelines for companies that want to use city streets, buildings or parks for filming.

In the past, merchants whose businesses have been affected by blocked traffic and other inconveniences caused by filming have disagreed on how much they should be compensated.

“It has been difficult because no one agrees with anything,” said Santa Paula Councilman Don Johnson. “Some of the filming companies have disrupted some of the business in town, and we don’t have anyone with authority to immediately deal with them.”

Currently the film companies either contact the city directly or the Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce to obtain necessary permits.

Santa Paula Police Cmdr. Mark Hason, who coordinates the issuing of film permits for the city, said a film commission would set out clear guidelines that film companies would follow whenever they came into town. And it would help residents deal with the disruption that can occur when filming companies are present.