How a Rural County Is Using Film to Boost Tourism and Economic Growth

In 2023, the Siskiyou Economic Development Council (SEDC) added Film Siskiyou—the county’s official film commission to its Discover Siskiyou program. Film Siskiyou is now a thriving program, to boost cultural tourism and economic development. In 2024 and 2025, film permits issued have measurably increased in Siskiyou County, with several documentaries, series, and commercial projects choosing Siskiyou County locations for production projects.

Since 2023, more than twenty docuseries, commercials and films have filmed in Siskiyou County. In addition to responding to location requests, Program Manager, Jason Young, connects production teams with local camera operators, caterers, medic support, and lodging partners. On-location filming in a rural California county, like Siskiyou—typically generates $50,000 to $100,000 in local economic activity per day. These expenditures go toward hotels, catering, rentals, and local wages. Siskiyou County offers film crews diverse natural backdrops, low-cost logistics, and strong local support.

"We position Siskiyou as a film production-ready destination. Its highly beneficial for Siskiyou County to attract these projects," explains Young. "Siskiyou County's landscapes, quiet locations, and welcoming communities make it an ideal on-location destination."

Learn more at filmsiskiyou.org.