Filming activities create widespread economic benefits to Tulare County. The temporary influx of a film crew is like a shot in the arm for local hotels, motels, restaurants and retail businesses. Production companies also occasionally hire local residents, providing temporary employment.
With Tulare County's varied landscapes and natural beauty, location options are limitless. Still photography, feature films and commercials have all been filmed in this area. A portion of Jack Black's Tenacious D: The Pic of Destiny was filmed on the Kern River near Johnsondale. Other past productions filmed or partially filmed in Tulare County include: The Moment After; Star Trek VI; Wag The Dog; Forrest Gump; Mercy Streets; The Visitation; SIX; Bound For Glory; Lycanthrope (Nightwatch); Blue Suede Shoes; Riders On The Storm; Under Crystal Lake; Son-In-Law; Death In California; Starman and MacGyver.
The Tulare County Film Commission is funded in part by the Tulare County Association of Governments (TCAG) and is a member of Filming Liaisons In California, Statewide (FLICS); the California Film Commission (CFC) and the Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI).