Made in Oxnard

WHAT MAJOR PRODUCTIONS HAVE TAKEN PLACE IN OXNARD?

The City of Oxnard has been the backdrop to productions ranging from television shows, commercials, short films, music videos, and documentary productions. Many producers and directors from Hollywood and other film-making capitals travel to Oxnard to take advantage of the weather and historic, diverse locations. With its easy freeway access and low production costs, it’s a win-win for both the city and producers.Before we highlight some of the most notable productions filmed in Oxnard, let’s take a moment to explore the rich history of filmmaking in the city.

OXNARD'S ROLE IN SHAPING EARLY HOLLYWOOD FILMS

Oxnard’s expansive golden sand beaches, historic downtown and diverse neighborhoods have served as backdrops in major productions. Even though Tinseltown was miles away, by the mid 1920s, the Hollywood brand was so strong that communities throughout Southern California were claiming it. The golden beaches in Oxnard stay less crowded than the busier Santa Monica and Malibu beaches, making them ideal for film productions hoping to capture picturesque dunes.Oxnard’s debut in the film industry started early with the 1921 film The Sheik. The film was a smash success, and made Rudolph Valentino a star. Paramount Studios had stuffed the remote beach with palm trees, simulating the look of an Arabian desert. The blockbuster success of the film put the beach on the map and its name changed to Hollywood Beach. Many other film stars flocked to Oxnard’s beaches in the coming years, including Clark Gable, Jeanette MacDonald, and Jane Russell. Legendary Clark Gable was rumored to have lived in at least two houses on Oxnard’s beaches. Locals recall sightings of Charlie Chaplin and Greta Garbo who vacationed here. Romantic swashbuckler and Hollywood playboy Errol Flynn owned Oxnard’s historic pagoda house in Hollywood Beach.Even though Tinseltown was miles away, by the mid 1920s, the Hollywood brand was so strong that communities throughout Southern California were claiming it.

OXNARD PRODUCTIONS: 1970S THROUGH 2010S

The steps leading up to the Carnegie Art Museum could be seen on the 1970s hit TV show, Dan August. Actor Burt Reynolds, who played August, ran up the iconic museum steps at the beginning of this popular American crime drama series.Oxnard was even the backdrop to a cult classic franchise. In the iconic film, the planned neighborhood of Hilldale was filmed in Oxnard on Doris avenue and Oxford Drive. And neighboring Port Huenememe’s railroad tracks served as the scene of the DeLorean’s destruction. Fans of the franchise pay homage to the film by visiting these sites.Oxnard was also the setting for scenes from the popular 1990s TV show, Melrose Place. The series played out the lives and loves of young adults with dramatic elements every week. Scenes were captured along Capri Way in Oxnard Shores, where the actors occupied a beach house.Other popular productions that have captured images of Oxnard include Big Little Lies, Spartacus, Clueless, Sideways, Bridesmaids and Back to the Future Part III. There are additional films that have scenes from Oxnard and throughout Ventura County listed online at the Ventura County Film Commission. Have fun browsing through the list of well-known movies and productions.

TV Shows

• Dan August (Carnegie Art Museum, Santa Clara Church)
• The X-Files (“Musings of a Cigarette Smoking Man”, Mandalay Beach)
• American Horror Story, Season 10
• Melrose Place (Capri Way, Oxnard Shores)
• Big Little Lies (Capri Way, Oxnard Shores)
• Rosewood (Downtown Oxnard's Plaza Park)
• Criminal Minds (various)
• Sons of Anarchy (Downtown Oxnard)
• Live After Lock Up
• The Rookies (Downtown Oxnard)
  Stockton

Movies

• The Postman (Downtown)
• Back to the Future 2 & 3 (Doris Avenue, Capri Way & Oxford Drive)
• Swordfish (Beach)
• Alpha Dog (Suburbs)
• Bridesmaids (West Gonzales Road)
• Spartacus (Hollywood Beach)
• Clueless (Capri Way, Oxnard Shores)
• Sideways (Capri Way, Oxnard Shores)
• Captain Marvel (Jim Hall Racing Club, HAAS Motorsports)
• Bad Times at the El Royale

Commercials

• Tommy Bahama
• Trina Turk
• CARMAX
• Lincoln (Pacific Coast Highway)
• Honda (Downtown)
• California Lottery (The Collection at RiverPark)
• Linkin Park - "Numb" (2003) (St. Mary Magdalen Church)