Placer County Film Office Website
Project Overview
In 2023, the Placer County Film Office partnered with Three29 to create a modern website that made film permitting and location research more accessible. Known for its stunning scenery and diverse filming locations, Placer County needed a site that streamlined the permitting process and showcased the area’s unique offerings to filmmakers.
The Film Office had been using a government site that relied on outdated PDFs and offline processes, which created barriers for potential clients. The new website aimed to simplify these challenges while highlighting the beauty of Placer County as a prime filming destination.
Outcomes
The collaboration between Bariani Olive Oil and three29 resulted in:
Modernized User Experience: Three29 delivered a sleek and approachable website with a focus on user-friendly navigation. The site balances visual appeal with functionality, offering intuitive paths to essential information, including permitting and location directories.
Comprehensive Location Directory: The new website includes an interactive directory featuring hundreds of filming locations. Each listing provides detailed photos, addresses, and contact information, with robust filtering options for users to narrow their searches by category, region, or keyword.
Streamlined Permitting Process: Permitting information was fully integrated into the website, offering consolidated access to applications, policies, crew/vendor resources, and contact details. This transformation reduced reliance on offline processes and increased accessibility for filmmakers.
Data Framework Built for Longevity: The development team transitioned the Film Office’s legacy data, previously stored in a Coppermine Photo Gallery, to a custom WordPress platform. A structured data framework was created to ensure backend organization and functionality, paving the way for future scalability.
Optimized Performance: Given the extensive use of high-quality video and imagery, the site was built with speed optimization in mind. Best web practices ensured a seamless experience with minimal load times, enhancing usability without compromising visual impact.
Showcasing Regional Appeal: The website highlights the unique charm of Placer County with visually striking, region-specific imagery and video content. By organizing locations into categories like the Foothills, Valley, Mountains, and North Lake Tahoe, the site captures the diversity and beauty of filming opportunities available, creating a compelling narrative for prospective filmmakers.
Project Scope
This project involved a comprehensive website overhaul, which included:
- User-Friendly Navigation: Streamlined pathways to film permitting, location information, and resources.
- Interactive Location Directory: Featuring hundreds of searchable and filterable filming locations.
- Integrated Permitting System: Centralized access to applications, policies, and resources.
- Website Redesign: A visually engaging and functional website aligned with the client’s vision.
- Data Migration and Organization: Transition from legacy systems to a structured WordPress platform.
- Speed Optimization: Ensured fast load times despite heavy use of video and images.
How We Made It Happen
Discovery Phase: The project began with an in-depth intake meeting to identify the client’s needs and objectives. Three29 collaborated closely with the Placer County Film Office to align the site’s aesthetic with the county’s natural beauty and welcoming community.
Design Phase: The team selected a color palette, typeface, and layout that complimented the county’s stunning filming locations. Writing on the site was kept clear and approachable, ensuring all information was easy to find and understand. The design emphasized showcasing Placer County as a filmmaker-friendly destination.
Development Phase: Key highlights of the development process included:
- Building a custom data framework to support backend organization.
- Migrating legacy data and assets to the new WordPress platform.
- Developing the location directory with robust filtering and search capabilities.
- Embedding a permitting system that consolidated critical resources in one place.
Optimization Phase: The development team implemented advanced optimization techniques to address the extensive use of video and high-resolution images. These steps ensured the website operated quickly and seamlessly, from reducing image sizes to efficient coding practices.
Testing and Launch: Before launch, the team rigorously tested the site to confirm functionality, speed, and visual integrity. Feedback from the client was incorporated at each step to ensure all goals were met.
Results
The launched film site exceeded expectations:
- Enhanced User Accessibility: An intuitive site design makes permitting and location research effortless.
- Efficient Permitting: The integrated system has significantly improved user access to critical permitting resources.
- Increased Visibility: The location directory now provides a robust showcase of Placer County’s filming opportunities.
- Optimized Site Performance: High-quality visuals load quickly, delivering a smooth user experience.
- Website Redesign Launch: The revamped website established a cohesive, inviting online presence for the Placer County Film Office.
Through this project, the Placer County Film Office gained a dynamic platform that reflects the beauty and opportunity of the area while simplifying the logistics for filmmakers.