About Los Angeles
Often referred to as the City of Angels, Los Angeles is one of the world’s most culturally diverse destinations. It’s an open-hearted community, home to many renowned museums, restaurants, unique hotels, and film studios. With the thriving television and movie industries here, it’s no wonder Los Angeles is known as the Entertainment Capital of the World.
Thousands of films and TV shows have been made in LA, from the classic seminal neo-noir film Chinatown (1974) to the famous musical romance movie La La Land (2016). It’s also the home of Hollywood, where the Walk of Fame and the famous Hollywood Sign are located.
Los Angeles has spectacular weather with an average daily temperature of 66 degrees. Summers are a bit warmer with an average high of 81, while winters remain comfortable with an average high of 68. As one of the country’s sunniest cities, with over 3,200 hours of sunshine per year, and a film-friendly setting, choosing a production space in Los Angeles makes sense.
Production Options in Los Angeles
Whether you’re making a music video or a feature film, you need several services and the help of qualified professionals to turn your creative ideas into reality. Thankfully, Los Angeles has a talent pool of exceptional individuals and production companies willing to collaborate with you for successful project execution.
- Photographers and Videographers
You may have your own film and photography specialists, but it’s a good idea to hire a local photographer and videographer to record the production process. They can work with the film studio to plan and execute shoots and create compelling content.
- Equipment Rental
Most film studios and production spaces in Los Angeles offer basic gear like tripods, artificial lighting, cameras, microphones, etc. If you’re a new filmmaker or an independent artist on a budget, an equipment rental service is your best bet. Start your search in downtown Los Angeles to find film studios or local suppliers to rent AV equipment, camera gear, and other tools you need for filmmaking.
- Transportation Service
Even if you’re on a tight budget, having a transport service for you and your crew can be a time and money saver. It helps get everyone to the film shoot location on time, so filming can start on schedule. It’s much cheaper in the long run and more convenient than relying on public transportation.
- Set Designer
Set designers play a crucial role in planning and enhancing the creative space where the characters on screen inhabit. They’re a core member of the design team dedicated to bringing the script to life with their keen eye for style and design, attention to detail, technical acuity, and creative vision.
Production Vendors in Los Angeles
- Big Door Studios
When looking for production studios in the Los Angeles area, consider the team at Big Door Studios. They’ve been in the industry since 1993 and have worked with every major network from ABC to PBS and many Fortune 500 companies. Whether you’re looking for indoor and outdoor sets for music videos, production offices with green rooms, or an in-house post-production service, Big Door Studios has got you covered.
- Stoelt Productions LLC
This experiential marketing agency knows exactly what you need when you need it, even if you don’t. They have serviced top companies and brands all over the world to conceive and execute the best experiences that produce excellent results. Some recent projects include the Louis Vuitton Rodeo Popup, Pandora x Larabar Live DJ & Flow, and the Billboard Latin AMA Fest.
- The Visionary Group
Another outstanding branding team, the Visionary Group has worked with big names like Warner Brothers, Amazon Prime, and Nickelodeon to name a few. Even if you have not chosen your Los Angeles production space yet, they can help you get everything going and take care of all the details. From art direction to strategy, the Visionary Group has done it all.
Pros and Cons of Production Space in Los Angeles
With gorgeous beaches, famous Hollywood stars, and iconic backdrops, the City of Angels is an ideal place for your next project. However, the city ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. That’s why you must weigh its benefits and drawbacks carefully before committing to any production venue in Los Angeles.
Advantages
- Great weather
Outdoor filming relies heavily on weather—it may impact the overall look and feel of your production. The good news is that Los Angeles has pleasant weather all year round. You can take advantage of the outdoor scenery and natural light no matter the season.
- Access to Quality Equipment
The right film studio in Los Angeles provides access to many filming essentials from lighting gear and camera lenses to sound equipment and whatever else you need for your project.
- Abundant Film Locations
Whether you need a picturesque beachfront setting, an empty warehouse, or glamourous city lights, the city boasts film studios and unique spaces suitable for any genre.
- Huge Pool of Talent
With a long filmmaking history, Los Angeles boasts a pool of talented actors and experienced crew members ready to work. These local professionals can also help find the best photoshoot location or film site in the area.
Disadvantages
- Traffic congestion
As a bustling city full of activities and people, expect to experience unpleasant traffic in Los Angeles. Consider the transport time when traveling to the filming site to avoid delays.
- Parking Issues
Depending on your location, a parking spot in LA can be hard to find. The reason numerous businesses offer valet parking is because there is not enough parking anywhere. It may be best to take a car service or get a cab.
- High Permit Fees
Filming in several locations in Los Angeles isn’t free. You’ll have to pay the standard application fee before you can start any filming activity for commercial use.
- High cost of living
Los Angeles is one of the world’s most expensive cities, which isn’t surprising considering the benefits the city offers, its convenience, and its services. No matter what you are buying, expect to pay more.
Famous Locations in Los Angeles
- Hollywood Walk of Fame
No visit to LA is complete without seeing the world-renowned Walk of Fame. Get pics of stars featuring Michael Jackson, Johnny Depp, Harrison Ford, Sally Field, and even Big Bird. You can even nominate a star or get a t-shirt with your personalized star on it. Book a brick manor estate near the Hollywood Walk of Fame and chill out by the pool after the production. This attraction is just a short drive to North Hollywood, an eclectic LA neighborhood worth exploring.
- Exposition Park
Situated in South Los Angeles, Exposition Park is another world-class attraction, featuring some of the region’s top sports venues and cultural attractions. These include the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, National History Museum of Los Angeles County, BMO Stadium, and California Science Center. It’s not your ordinary park, so allocate at least half a day to explore these sites and make the most of the exciting activities waiting for you.
- Santa Monica Pier
This famous pier has been delighting locals and visitors of Los Angeles since 1909. From the amusement park to the aquarium as well as several restaurants, shops, and pubs, you can stay busy there all day. Relax near the Santa Monica Pier in a mid-century modern boho after the production.
The right filming location serves as the backdrop against which the story unfolds. So plan ahead, discover potential venues, and book a suitable production space in Los Angeles. Before committing to any location, consider the venue’s accessibility, facilities, and features and ensure it’s within your budget.