News Summary
The Warner Bros. film ‘One Battle After Another’ has injected approximately $6.8 million into the San Diego economy during its six-week filming period. The production, featuring notable actors, involved various locations across San Diego County and collaborated with local agencies for safety. Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, the film has garnered significant attention and praise, with hopes that its success will attract more film productions to the area.
San Diego, California – The Warner Bros. film “One Battle After Another”, which features acclaimed actors Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, and Benicio del Toro, has significantly impacted the local economy by contributing approximately $6.8 million during its six-week filming period in various locations across San Diego County in 2024.
This financial injection comes from a broad range of expenditures related to the film, including lodging, food, payments to extras and technicians, and costs for goods used during the shoot. Specific filming locations included Borrego Springs, the city of San Diego, Otay Mesa near the U.S.-Mexico border, as well as various county parks and communities.
In order to ensure safety during the filming, Warner Bros. collaborated with local agencies, including the county sheriff’s office and County Fire, due to the use of guns, explosives, and ammunition. The production expanded its initial filming schedule, which led to the incorporation of more locations and a longer filming duration than originally planned.
Details on Filming Locations
Filming in Borrego Springs lasted for at least two weeks in early 2024, featuring various car scenes and possibly an explosion. Additionally, around a month of filming occurred in the Otay Mesa area, necessitating a multi-jurisdictional effort involving County officials, the city, and federal Border Patrol.
Film Overview and Reception
Directed and written by Paul Thomas Anderson, known for his works such as “There Will Be Blood,” “The Master,” and “Inherent Vice,” the film showcases DiCaprio portraying an aging former revolutionary who attempts to rescue his teenage daughter from an old adversary, played by Penn. The film premiered in Los Angeles on September 8 and is set for wide release on September 26. It has already garnered rave reviews and stirred significant Oscar buzz.
Long-term Economic Impact
San Diego County officials express hope that the success of “One Battle After Another” will encourage the attraction of more film and television productions to the area. The County’s Office of Economic Development is actively working to market San Diego as a desirable destination for filmmakers by showcasing its diverse shooting locations, expedited permitting processes, and accessibility.
San Diego has a historical connection to Hollywood, with previous film productions including Tom Cruise’s “Top Gun,” “Almost Famous,” “Anchorman,” and “Citizen Kane.” County officials are optimistic that recent successes will enhance local economic growth and stimulate future interest in film projects within the region.
As the film industry continues to evolve, local leaders recognize the potential benefits of attracting such high-profile projects. The filmmakers’ extended stay and the infusion of capital into the local economy could pave the way for San Diego’s emergence as a more prominent player in the film sector.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
California Faces Weather Shifts and Community Challenges
California Expands Film and TV Tax Credit Program, Awards $256 Million
Prebys Foundation Allocates $13 Million to San Diego Arts
Taylor Swift’s Album Release Party Coming to San Diego
San Diego International Film Festival Announces Lineup
Southern California Prepares for Fall Festivals and Halloween Events
San Diego County Faces Thunderstorms and Heavy Rain
San Diego International Film Festival Celebrates 34th Season
Unseasonable Rain and Thunderstorms Forecasted in San Diego
San Diego’s Weekend of Fun and Culture
Additional Resources
- County News Center
- 10 News
- Spectrum News
- CBS 8 News
- News 4 San Antonio
- Wikipedia: San Diego Film Industry
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
