As an independent filmmaker this is a very important term to know and understand. The "30 mile zone" or the "Studio Zone" is a circular area around Los Angeles that delineates the furthest areas that a union member can travel without having to be further compensated.
The center of the zone is at the intersection of La Cienaga and Beverly Blvd while the radius of the zone is 30 miles out from that center point. If you choose a location that is outside of the zone you will have to pay a union member from the moment they leave their home. And, you will also have to offer them a place to stay overnight along with per diem.
Surprisingly, the zone actually covers a huge area from Long Beach to Valencia (South to North) and parts of Malibu to San Dimas (West to East). And, the zone is "as the crow flies" so a curvy road up to Angeles Crest Forest won't particularly work against you.
In any case, the zone is very good tool to use whether you're shooting union or not. Working a crew twelve hours can create a lot of legal liability that you have to be aware of. Sticking to the union rules will help to minimize the potential labor dangers.
Hint: One way to deal with the zone is to find a place to park cars near the edge of the zone and drive crew or actors from that location over the edge of the zone to your shooting location.
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