Thu Sep 25 05:20:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Paul Thomas Anderson’s new film, “One Battle After Another,” starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Benicio del Toro, and Sean Penn, has already provided a significant economic boost to San Diego County despite not yet being released. Filming on location for six weeks in 2024 injected nearly $7 million into the local economy through lodging, food, wages for extras and technicians, and the purchase of goods. County officials are hoping the film’s success will attract more Hollywood productions to the region, highlighting San Diego’s diverse locations, streamlined permitting process, and ease of access. Specific locations used include Borrego Springs and areas along the border.

**News Article:**

**Hollywood Blockbuster “One Battle After Another” Boosts San Diego Economy by $7 Million**

**SAN DIEGO, CA -** Even before its official release this Friday, the highly anticipated film “One Battle After Another,” directed by Paul Thomas Anderson and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Benicio del Toro, and Sean Penn, has already delivered a significant financial win for San Diego County. The Warner Bros. production spent approximately six weeks filming on location throughout the county in 2024, injecting an estimated $6.8 million into the local economy.

The economic impact stemmed from a variety of sources, including lodging, catering, wages for local extras and technicians, and the purchase of goods used during filming. Key filming locations included Borrego Springs, where car scenes and even an explosion were filmed, and areas along the border.

“They spent at least two weeks filming in Borrego Springs in early 2024,” explained Giang Meyers, former creative economy manager for the County’s Office of Economic Development and Government Affairs (EDGA). “Then in July was when they spent about a month filming by the border. The trailer has iconic shots of Borrego Springs, and some around the border.”

County officials worked closely with Warner Bros. to facilitate the production, assisting with location scouting and permits. The film shoot even extended beyond its initial schedule. Steve Lockett, deputy director of EDGA, noted that the moviemakers ended up “incorporating more county locations, particularly around the border and Otay Mesa, because they liked the locations and working with the County.”

San Diego has a history of hosting Hollywood productions, including scenes from “Top Gun,” “Almost Famous,” “Anchorman,” and even “Citizen Kane.” However, County officials are optimistic that “One Battle After Another” will further solidify San Diego’s reputation as a desirable filming destination.

“We are looking at ways to better market the County as a destination for film makers,” Lockett stated. “San Diego County has an abundance of wonderful and varied shooting locations, many of which rival what is available in Los Angeles County. In addition, our permitting process is quicker and cheaper, and we have been told that we’re easier to reach.”

The film, already generating Oscar buzz, premieres nationwide this Friday. County officials hope its success will lead to increased interest from film and television producers, bringing even more economic benefits to the region.

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