14 movies were filmed in Kern County last month.
You might be surprised to learn, it happens all the time and it benefits the local economy.
Movies have been made in Kern County for decades, starting with films like Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho." But, new films like "Star Trek", "Oceans 13" and "Land of the Lost" were also made in the county.
"Just here in Kern County last month I can tell you there were 14 projects, about 23 days worth of filming and the economic estimate is that it pumped about $1.5 million into the Kern County economy," said Assistant Film Commissioner Dave Hook.
Hook says in 2010, Kern County made more than $16 million from movie production.
Local filmmakers say thanks to technology, everyone can break into the industry.
"All you would need is a flip camera and a decent script," said owner of Haptic Films Rickey Bird.
For more than six years, Bird's company has been making low budget cinema-quality movies in Kern County.
"It's simple and that's what I'm trying to get people to understand," said Bird. "Get them the tools they need so they can get their vision out there because a lot of people think they don't have the means to make it happen."
Hook's latest project involves the community.
They're using a website called www.Kickstarter.com to raise $15,000 to create a community funded movie called "Journeyman."
Hook says any way artists get money to make movies in Bakersfield is a good thing. He adds more movies being made in town will mean more jobs in Kern County.
"We would love to see a film industry built here and not just locations because any time you have an industry, there are other jobs and other activities. There are things that pop up around it and that means more jobs for our local people."
