Category Archives: Movie Ranches

Veluzat Melody Ranch Movie Studios Joins SANTA CLARITA ANNEXATION of THREE MOVIE RANCHES INTO CITY’S MOVIE RANCH OVERLAY ZONE

Paul Veluzat, grandson of the late Paul T. Veluzat, makes the rounds at the family-owned Melody Ranch Motion Pictures Studios,  the storied backdrop to such films as The Lone Ranger, Wyatt Earp, Gunsmoke, Hopalong Cassidy, Annie Oakley, Rin Tin Tin, The Cisco Kid, and most recently Deadwood, Tall Tails, Last Man Standing, and Magnificent Seven.    Photo by Margie Anne Clark
Paul Veluzat, grandson of the late cowboy movie-ranch icon Paul T. Veluzat, makes the rounds during filming at the family-owned Melody Ranch Motion Pictures Studios, the storied backdrop to such films as The Lone Ranger, Wyatt Earp, Gunsmoke, Hopalong Cassidy, Annie Oakley, Rin Tin Tin, The Cisco Kid, and most recently Deadwood, Tall Tails, Last Man Standing, and Magnificent Seven. The City of Santa Clarita annexed three additional movie ranches into it Movie Ranch Overlay Zone  (MROZ) which includes the Veluzat Movie Ranch. Photo by Margie Anne Clark

The City of Santa Clarita has annexed three additional movie ranches into its Movie Ranch Overlay Zone (MROZ), including Blue Cloud Movie Ranch, 50’s Town, and Veluzat Movie Ranch

Santa Clarita, Calif. – The City of Santa Clarita has annexed three additional movie ranches into its Movie Ranch Overlay Zone (MROZ), including Blue Cloud Movie Ranch, 50’s Town, and Veluzat Movie Ranch, www.melodyranchstudio.com.  Already one of the busiest film communities in Los Angeles County, Santa Clarita anticipates continued increases in filming as a result of the recent annexation.

In April 2013, the City became the first in Los Angeles County to create a MROZ as a way to support existing production and film businesses, while attracting new productions and film companies.  Filming at properties located within this Zone benefit from reduced-cost permits and expedited permit processing time.  Sable Movie Ranch, Rancho Maria and A Rancho Deluxe were the first three ranches to be included in the MROZ last year.

“The film industry has been a part of Santa Clarita’s business community for more than a century,” said Mayor Laurene Weste.  “We are one of the busiest film communities in Los Angeles County, and are committed to developing innovative programs and incentives that help keep the State’s signature industry right here,” she added.

The MROZ provides the film industry with stability and certainty of being able to film at these ranches now and in the future.  The MROZ also demonstrates the City’s commitment to the film industry, providing an incentive for film productions to relocate to Santa Clarita.

Santa Clarita is one of the most filmed Southern California film communities in the 30-Mile Zone because of its film-friendly practices and policies, as well as its film infrastructure, which includes nearly 10 movie ranches and more than 20 sound stages.  In Fiscal Year 2013-2014, Santa Clarita set new film records with 1,370 film days representing an estimated $33.5 million in local economic impact from location filming alone.  August 2014 was another record-breaking month for the film office, with a 19 percent increase in film days and 43 percent increase in economic impact when compared to the year prior.

The City of Santa Clarita is currently home to some of television’s most-watched programming, including “NCIS,” “Switched at Birth,” “The Bridge,” “Chasing Life,” “Franklin and Bash,” “Justified,” “Utopia” and “Wipeout.”  For more information, please contact the Santa Clarita Film Office at 661-284-1425 or visit FilmSantaClarita.com.

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SANTA CLARITA ANNEXES FIRST THREE MOVIE RANCH PROPERTIES INTO MOVIE RANCH OVERLAY ZONE

The City of Santa Clarita welcomed its first three movie ranch properties into the Movie Ranch Overlay Zone (MOZ), including: Sable Movie Ranch, Rancho Maria and A Rancho Deluxe. Of the 692 acres included in the annexation, 540 acres are dedicated movie ranch properties.

Santa Clarita, Calif. – With the approval of the South Sand Canyon annexation on Tuesday, April 16, 2013, the City of Santa Clarita welcomed its first three movie ranch properties into the Movie Ranch Overlay Zone (MOZ), including: Sable Movie Ranch, Rancho Maria and A Rancho Deluxe.  Of the 692 acres included in the annexation, 540 acres are dedicated movie ranch properties.

The City created the Movie Ranch Overlay Zone as a way to support existing production and film businesses while attracting new production and film companies.  Filming on these properties will benefit from reduced cost permits and expedited permit processing time.

“Filming is one of Santa Clarita’s top industries because it continues to employ thousands of residents and generates millions of dollars for our local businesses,” said Mayor Bob Kellar. “The Movie Ranch Overlay Zone is one more incentive to increase filming within Santa Clarita, thereby increasing the economic benefit to our community.”

Of the cities located in the 30-Mile Zone, Santa Clarita is the first to create this zoning designation.  The MOZ reinforces confidence in the pro-filming emphasis of the City, guaranteeing Santa Clarita’s commitment and stability to the film industry.  It also provides an incentive for film productions to relocate to Santa Clarita and creates additional film-related jobs.

Santa Clarita is one of the most filmed Southern California film communities in the 30-Mile Zone because of its film-friendly practices and policies, as well as its film infrastructure, which includes nearly 10 movie ranches in the area.

The City of Santa Clarita works to balance the needs of film production with those of its residents and businesses.  This includes implementing consistent and fair filming practices, which are the foundation of the City’s filming ordinance and the new Movie Ranch Overlay Zone.  The MOZ was approved by the City Council on November 8, 2011 and officially went into effect on December 8, 2011.

Saddle up for Santa Clarita’s 20th Annual Cowboy Festival

Santa Clarita, Calif. – Dust off those boots and kick up your heels for the 20th Annual Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival, presented by Logix Federal Credit Union, on Saturday, April 20 and Sunday, April 21, 2013 at Melody Ranch ™ Motion Pictures Studio.Recently awarded the “2013 Best Cowboy Music Gathering” by True West Magazine, the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival is the perfect Southern California destination to enjoy live Western music, poetry, entertainment, authentic Cowboy treats like the famous Dutch oven cobbler, activities for all ages, shopping and more.
“Each year the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival attracts more than 10,000 visitors from all over the world. This one-of-a-kind event delivers a weekend full of show-stopping music and poetry, tasty treats, and Western attractions that visitors of all ages will enjoy,” commented Mayor Bob Kellar.crowd.pngMelody Ranch Motion Pictures Studios opens to the public during the Cowboy Festival in Santa Clarita. Photo by John VincentTo celebrate 20 years of Cowboy fun, the Festival has brought back many beloved performers, including: Riders in the Sky, Baxter Black, Hot Club Cowtown, Sons of the San Joaquin, Don Edwards, The Saddle Cats, Ginny Mac and Sourdough Slim. Newcomers Kristyn Harris and The Haunted Windchimes will also appear in the 2013 lineup.

This year’s Festival will also feature a mix of attractions, including: panning for gold and leather working for children, trick ropers, the best in Western designer fashions, and living history exhibits. Additionally, guests will be able to walk the streets of the historic Melody Ranch ™ Motion Picture Studio, which has served as the backdrop for hundreds of films and television shows since 1915, including Quentin Tarantino’s academy award-winning film, Django Unchained.

A one day pass to the Cowboy Festival is $20.00 for adults and $10.00 for children 12 and under. Two day passes are available as well at $30.00 for adults and $15.00 for children. The City also offers a limited number of “Friends of the Festival” packages for $150.00, which includes preferred seating at the Melody Ranch Theater for all shows, VIP shuttle service to and from Melody Ranch™ Motion Picture Studio and all weekend access to the VIP Bunkhouse at the Ranch.

For more information on the 2013 Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival including tickets, events times, and other partnering events, visit CowboyFestival.org or call the Box Office at (661) 250-3735.