Targeted growth industries for the city include Internet, entertainment
technology and multimedia. Citywide broadband service has
now positioned Lompoc to develop as a media and communications
center with at least three competitors offering service. Lompoc’s
comparative advantage in housing prices, information technology
and overall quality of life is already attracting a young edgy technology
workforce from Los Angeles and Santa Barbara.
City economic development efforts seek to attract production
talent, digital production companies and pre-and post-production
operations. Allan Hancock College Film & Video Production Program,
with its a 30-year history, and the city’s sophisticated TAP TV media
studio provide training grounds for an emerging technology workforce.
City sponsorship of the Santa Barbara International Film
Festival enhances student opportunities through the festival screenwriting
and filmmaking contests and festival field trips.
The city also partners with the Santa Barbara County Film Commission
to promote the area for film locations. The production of
commercials and films such as “Sideways” contribute to the community’s
economic vitality. Film location managers increasingly take an
interest in business-friendly Lompoc and the surrounding area. Most
recently, “There Will Be Blood” and “Death Proof” were filmed on
Jalama Road and used Lompoc facilities.
