A Storied Backdrop: Big Bear's Film Legacy
A Century of Lights, Camera, and Mountain Magic all made right here in Big Bear Lake!
Big Bear's Touching Stories
Before it was a destination for weekend getaways and adventure seekers, Big Bear Lake was a movie set.
Nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains just two hours from Hollywood, Big Bear has quietly starred in some of the most iconic and unexpected moments in cinematic history - doubling for everything from the Wild West to the Swiss Alps, the Rockies to remote outposts of the imagination.
A Living Studio Since the Silent Era
Film-making in Big Bear dates back to the early 1910s, when pioneering directors from Universal and Warner Bros. ventured into the forested terrain to escape the limitations of back-lot sets.
With expansive pine forests, snow-capped peaks, pristine lakes, and western-style townships, Big Bear became a natural choice for productions needing dramatic landscapes within easy reach of L.A.
Throughout the decades, Big Bear has served as the backdrop for:
- Classic Westerns starring Roy Rogers, Hopalong Cassidy, and Gene Autry.
- 1950s Creature Features and horror films capitalizing on Big Bear’s eerie, mist-filled mornings.
- 1980s family favorites like The Parent Trap II and Dr. Dolittle, using lakefront cabins and alpine meadows.
- Action and thriller films needing dense forest, snowy terrain, or remote-road sequences.
Whether you're shooting a quiet indie or a high-octane feature, Big Bear's natural diversity has always made it a cinematic chameleon.
Why Big Bear Has Always Drawn Filmmakers
- Diverse Topography: Snow, desert, forest, and lakes all within minutes of each other - no need to cross state lines.
- Four Real Seasons: A rare find in Southern California, with golden fall foliage, snow-packed winters, spring wildflowers, and iconic summer lake shots.
- Proximity to Hollywood: Under two hours from major studios with accessible roads, helicopter landing zones, and production-friendly communities.
- Film-Friendly Culture: A long legacy of film crews means Big Bear knows how to host productions - whether it’s a multi-week shoot or a one-day commercial.
- Affordable Permitting and Local Crews: Unlike pricier resort towns, Big Bear remains cost-effective, with skilled local talent and flexible city support.
Films, Series & Moments Shot in Big Bear
Some of the many productions to roll cameras here include:
- Gone with the Wind (background plates)
- Magnificent Seven (select scenes)
- Dr. Dolittle (1998)- Next (2007)
- The Bear (1988 French adventure drama)
- Countless commercials for Subaru, Jeep, REI, North Face, and GoPro
- Music videos from artists seeking mountain visuals without Colorado costs
The Big Bear International Film Festival: A Legacy Reawakening
First launched in the late 1990s, the Big Bear International Film Festival quickly gained a reputation as one of the most filmmaker-friendly festivals in the country.
Known for its intimate mountain setting, creative community, and support for rising talent, the festival drew attendees from Hollywood, New York, and across the globe.
Now, after a brief hiatus, the festival is returning in 2025 with a bold new vision:
- Centered on distribution-ready independent films
- Spotlighting new voices and future franchises
- Offering immersive panels, mountaintop premieres, and filmmaker retreats
- Powered by partnerships with major industry players and the newly forming Big Bear Film Office
Big Bear: Your Next Big Backdrop
We’re not just honoring our past - we’re building a new future.
With a growing creative community, dedicated film-friendly infrastructure, and a region-wide commitment to the arts, Big Bear is once again stepping into the spotlight.
Whether you’re scouting locations, developing your next project, or simply dreaming about a mountain shoot, Big Bear is ready to inspire.
The cameras have always loved Big Bear.
Now it’s your turn.
Interested in filming here?
Contact us at film@bigbear.com to learn more or be part of the 2025 production wave