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New initiative also introduces industry podcast already available for filmmakers and producers
The Hi-Desert and the Morongo Basin, nested in the Mojave Desert of California, have long served as a backdrop for film and television productions, yet the region has historically lacked a dedicated structure to support and coordinate filming activity.
The iconic Joshua Tree, Pioneertown and its historical western movies, and the surrounding desert landscapes have appeared on screen for decades, from classic television productions such as Star Trek and Terminator to contemporary films, documentaries, and numerous music videos (Billy Eilish, Kip Moore, US…). Despite the area’s cinematic reputation, no organization has existed to consistently connect productions with local resources while ensuring that filming activity respects the desert environment and community.
That gap is now being addressed with the launch of the Joshua Tree Film Office.
“I have been part of conversations with artists, entrepreneurs and elected officials on the topic for ten years,” said founder Matt Beurois. “Now I’m actively working on building a system that links our local communities with film and audiovisual projects looking to shoot here.”
Beurois brings more than twenty year of filmmaking experience, and sixteen years of actively producing international film events across France, Tennessee, New Mexico, and California. Over the past seven years, he has been the mastermind behind the Yucca Valley Film Festival, which has steadily attracted filmmakers and industry professionals such as Rosanna Arquette to the Hi-Desert, and it is going into its 8th edition in November 2026.
The new film office builds on that momentum.
“Movies, documentaries, music videos: they all come film here in Joshua Tree and the Hi-Desert,” Beurois said. “Having a structure that tracks productions, connects them with local crew members and businesses, and supports them through the process, will benefits the local community.”
The Joshua Tree Film Office will assist producers in identifying filming locations, build a directory of local crew and service providers, and help producers navigate the permitting landscape across the Town of Yucca Valley, the City of Twentynine Palms, and San Bernardino County.
Even short productions can generate immediate local economic activity.
“When a crew arrives, even for just a few scenes, three things happen right away: jobs are created locally, restaurants and shops see additional business, and property owners have the opportunity to rent their locations for filming,” Beurois said.
When productions stay longer, the impact expands to lodging, transportation, equipment rentals, and a wide range of local services. Positioned at the intersection of arts, tourism, and economic development, the film office aims to serve as a central resource connecting producers with the desert communities.
The organization will initially focus its efforts across the Morongo Basin, with plans to support productions throughout the Mojave Desert as the initiative grows.
The effort also responds to a pattern already observed through the Yucca Valley Film Festival, of which Beurois is the founder and programmer. Several filmmakers who previously participated in the festival have later returned to the region to shoot new films.
“The Joshua Tree Film Office now provides a structure that can support that demand and make those productions easier to organize locally.” adds Beurois.
GRANTS FOR FILMMAKERS
Alongside production support, the initiative will introduce grant programs aimed at encouraging independent filmmakers to develop projects in the region.
The first of these incentives, The Lombardo Family Film Grant, is being established following an early philanthropic contribution by Dr Lombardo, former mayor of Yucca Valley.
“Bob Lombardo was one of the first people to champion the Yucca Valley Film Festival and has been actively involved in several industry initiatives through the years.,” recalls Beurois. “It was natural to approach him first as we began developing this new effort.”
Details about the grant program will be announced at a later date, along with additional grant opportunities.
To cement the launch of the initiative, the Joshua Tree Film Office launched a podcast focusing on the movie industry, addressing trends, challenges, and opportunities facing independent filmmakers.
The first episode, The Warner-Netflix-Paramount Shift: What Consolidation Means for Independent Filmmakers, features a discussion with four-time Emmy Award-winning producer Ev Durán and Producers Guild of America producer Lauren Craig. The conversation explores how consolidation among major studios and streaming platforms may reshape opportunities for independent creators.
Community members and businesses interested in participating in film productions are encouraged to connect with the Joshua Tree Film Office. Individuals can register to be listed in the local crew directory, businesses can offer services to film sets, and property owners can submit locations that may be available for filming.
Directory inquiries can be sent to:
[email protected]
More information, including the podcast, is available at: joshuatreefilmoffice.org
