<![CDATA[TUOLUMNE COUNTY FILM COMMISSION - Blog]]>Sat, 18 Jul 2026 00:02:18 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[Unique Film Locations in Tuolumne County]]>Fri, 14 Jan 2022 23:07:14 GMThttp://www.filmtuolumne.org/blog/unique-film-locations-in-tuolumne-countyPictureWashington Street in Sonora
From historic towns to stunning landscapes, Tuolumne County California makes for the ultimate filming destination within reach.

Small Town Charm in Tuolumne County

In the town of Columbia sits Columbia State Historic Park, the most well preserved Gold Rush town in California. It is fully functioning and is filled with businesses that fit the part. It is loved by all who visit. There is a rich film history in Columbia, especially from westerns like High Noon and Little House on the Prairie. The brick buildings lining Main Street harken to the past, while volunteers and enthusiasts can be found in 1850’s garb daily in Columbia. 

Downtown Sonora frequently receives references to its similarity and small town charm of iconic locations. Courthouse Park, stands in the middle of downtown with views of the striking St. James Church, referred to fondly as The Red Church. Sonora brings the East Coast small town vibes to the foothills of sunny California.
PictureColumbia State Historic Park
Twain Harte has a classic Americana charm and is dubbed ‘“The Gateway to the High Sierra”. This mountain town is known for cabins and cozy snow days in the winter. In the summer the whole town feels like a big summer camp with families swimming in the lakes and enjoying outdoor live music in the park. 

The Rugged Side of Tuolumne Towns

If you have been to Yosemite National Park from San Francisco, you probably drove through Chinese Camp. This town is home to a general store and uninhabited buildings serving as a reminder of the history of those who once lived there. 

In contrast, you would have to go out of your way to find the town of Tuolumne. Once a flourishing lumber town, now sits a quiet community. The surrounding hills and Tuolumne River below are stunning. Follow the old railroad tracks on West Side Trail to immerse yourself in nature and history at once. 



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Scouting in Tuolumne County

There are many films that looked to filming in Tuolumne County as well as many that shot in Tuolumne County. While Tuolumne County for decades was known for its Western films like Unforgiven, and Back to the Future 3 in recent years more horror genre and mountain exploration films have scouted and filmed here. Marvel Studios has also scouted for undisclosed films in Tuolumne County.
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Tuolumne County Hidden Gems

There are so many hidden gems in Tuolumne County. From wineries with views of Half Dome to the oldest continually operating saloon in California in Groveland. Each town has its own story and unique history. The town of Standard is nestled away next to Sonora with a history of being a hub for Sierra Railway travelers. A local favorite, Strawberry, is a town only accessible to those heading up Highway 108 towards Sonora Pass. With a few small shops themed to its name, and a beautiful river that runs through it, it is a must stop.  

Locals and the Film Industry

Tuolumne County has a long history of welcoming the film industry with open arms. Many still tell stories of when Back to the Future 3 was filmed here or when Drew Barrymore shared a beer with locals at a bar while filming Bad Girls. These stories and events have helped to bring the community together over the years.

Plan a trip to scout in Tuolumne County today at visittuolumne.com or learn more about the permit process here!

]]><![CDATA[Bobo and Chichi]]>Mon, 09 Dec 2019 23:31:10 GMThttp://www.filmtuolumne.org/blog/bobo-and-chichi​MORE THAN YOSEMITE: THINGS TO DO IN AND AROUND YOSEMITE IN TUOLUMNE CA
by Bobo and Chichi
    "Besides the buildings, the locals walk around in 1850’s period clothing making you feel swept away in a wild west movie or tv show. If it feels familiar maybe that’s because you have seen it in film as this town has been used to film many westerns including Behind the Mask of Zorro, The Shadow Riders, Little House on the Prairie, High Noon, The Lone Ranger, and many more."
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]]><![CDATA[The union democrat]]>Thu, 05 Dec 2019 08:00:00 GMThttp://www.filmtuolumne.org/blog/that-movie-magic-the-union-democratTHAT MOVIE MAGIC 
by Alex MacLean
Film commission looks to revitalize industry in the county. 
     Bruce Alves was working out at a fitness center in East Sonora when he saw Clint Eastwood on the ab machine across from him.
     "You can quote me on this, I increased the ab machine weight by 10 pounds from what he did," Alves said with a laugh.
      The acclaimed actor and director was in town shooting scenes for his 1992 film "Unforgiven," winner of the Academy Award for Best Picture that year.
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]]><![CDATA[California High Sierra]]>Mon, 02 Dec 2019 22:17:46 GMThttp://www.filmtuolumne.org/blog/go-a-little-hollywood-in-the-high-sierra-california-high-sierraGO A “LITTLE” HOLLYWOOD IN THE HIGH SIERRA
by Alex Silgalis
     Los Angeles might be the beating “heart” of the movie industry, but when production companies venture out into the High Sierra, something magical happens. It might be the impossibly deep blue skies or the dramatic scenery as a backdrop. No matter the reason, hundreds perhaps thousands of films have been shot across the region. Here’s just a small taste of real-life locations in the High Sierra made famous in movies. Or is it the other way around?
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]]><![CDATA[Film Resource Guide Press Release]]>Mon, 02 Dec 2019 20:00:00 GMThttp://www.filmtuolumne.org/blog/film-resource-guide-press-releaseFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 2, 2019
Contact: Bethany Wilkinson, Film Liaison, 209-533-4420
Katie Kirkland, Communications & Tourism Manager, 209-533-4420

Tuolumne County Film Commission Launches Online Resource Guide
The Tuolumne County Film Commission is keeping up with industry trends by launching an online Film Tuolumne County Resource Guide. The guide will provide production companies extensive insight to what Tuolumne County has to offer as a premier location for filming. Bethany Wilkinson, Tuolumne County Film Liaison, is gathering information from local film-friendly partners and compiling them into an easy to use guide. The Film Tuolumne County Resource Guide includes locations, caterers, beauty services, transportation, on screen talent, local film makers, and any further information that is helpful to film producers. Wilkinson states, “The Tuolumne County Film Commission is dedicated to showcasing what the county offers productions and studios scouting the area. This guide is one step in bridging the gap between studios and the public's involvement in bringing film shoots to the county and revitalizing a beloved part of our history.”
The Film Tuolumne County Resource Guide will launch the week of December 2, 2019. To access the guide, visit: http://www.filmtuolumne.org/resources.html. For Tuolumne County residents who would like to contribute to the guide, visit: http://www.filmtuolumne.org/resource-guide.html, or call Bethany Wilkinson at (209)533-4420. Submissions are free to list, and services are welcome to submit photos to be included on the Film Tuolumne County Resource Guide.
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The Tuolumne County Film Commission is part of Visit Tuolumne County. Together they are working on a Film Familiarization Tour (Film FAM) for Spring 2020. The Film Fam will bring in 3-4 film producers to tour film friendly locations, experience local dining, and attractions. Furthermore, the Tuolumne County Film Commission is a Bronze Sponsor of the California On Location Awards, which includes logo placement on the official website placed next to Paramount Pictures, a half page ad in the program, and attendance to the awards show in December 2019.
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