Los Angeles is a filmmaker playground.
It seems that every centimeter of this city has an incredible shooting location that was just waiting to be captured. And all you need is a bit of familiarity with Los Angeles to find out that the beautiful intriguing places and ready for the camera are always a few steps away.
Scenes that help bring stories to life.
From urban industrial environments to plain natural landscapes and dynamic cultural hot spots, it is really the city of dreams.
Whether you are a student at La Film School working on your next project or a video director, identifying for the perfect backdrop, has something for each vision.
But in a city with so many choices, where do you start?
Things to consider before choosing your shooting location
Before entering the location ideas, here are some elements to keep in mind when reducing your options:
- Mood:Make sure you match the tone of your film or your video to the location of the location.
- Lighting:The locations of the scouts at the time of the day, you plan to turn to check things like natural light.
- Accessibility:Think of equipment, parking and space for you and your crew.
- Budget:Make sure you take things into account such as location costs and license costs.
- Authorizations:Public or private, most locations will need a license or at least an agreement.
Great! Now that you have thought of what you might need, we will get into the breakdown of the best locations for your film or your clip, with some practical tips and tricks for permits, budgeting and accessibility.
Ready to shoot?
Urban and industrial spaces: emblematic city background
Arts district warehouses
The district of the arts of the is a real favorite of filmmakers for its industrial-chic aesthetics.
The walls covered with graffiti, the exposed brick and the vast warehouse spaces create a avant -garde backdrop – perfection for dystopian stories, contemporary dramas and urban music clips.
As it is such a popular place, many owners of district buildings are suitable for films, offering flexible rental agreements which, according to your budget – can work very well for your project.
Union station
As one of the most recognizable monuments of Los Angeles, Union Station offers an amazing mixture of art deco architecture and the mission renewal.
This famous transport center has been used in everything, classic black films with modern science fiction blockbusters and is a perfect location to get these pissed off.
If you are doing a commercial shoot here, you will need a permit – but projects of cinema or music students are often in particular consideration, so it is always worth asking it.
Bradbury Building
A real architectural gem, the Bradbury building is best known for its complex ferron, its Skylit atrium and its Victorian design.
The hall is open to the public, making it an accessible filming location for student projects. However, the upper construction floors require special authorization.
But even the shots at the level of the ground offer fantastic and striking visuals, so it is an ideal place to shoot, even without full access.
Angel’s Flight Railway
This funicular railway restored in downtown Los Angeles offers a unique vintage atmosphere – absolutely perfect for period parts and retro clips.
The bright orange cars that move from top to bottom of Bunker Hill also give a dynamic sensation to the frame, which makes it a location that really stands out.
Parks and nature: picturesque outdoor outdoor shooting locations
Echo Park Lake
With its lake filled with Lotus and its views of the city center, Echo Park Lake is a really picturesque setting, whether you made a film or you shoot a video clip.
Although it is a public space, filming permits are always necessary for student productions – you will therefore have to contact yourself and get permission if you want to film it.
That being said, you can get reduced rates via Filmla, which makes it a budgetary choice.
Elysian Park
One of the largest and oldest parks in Los Angeles, Elysian Park offers isolated trails, hilly hills and city views.
It is a beautiful and picturesque place for scenes of nature, dream sequences or obtain photos of Los Angeles to create the atmosphere of your film.
Griffith Observatory
Few locations are as immediately recognizable as the Griffith observatory.
The site has been presented in many films on the Silver Screen, including the Oscar -winning film The earth.
The magnificent panoramic view of the city, the striking architecture and the surrounding picturesque park offer several points of view to capture the real essence of Los Angeles.
El Matador State Beach (Malibu)
For breathtaking coastlines, El Matador beach is a must.
Its dramatic rock formations and sea caves make it an ideal setting for fashion shoots, clips, picturesque dramas and romantic films.
To capture the best lighting, try to plan your shooting during the golden hour. You will be entitled to magnificent funds that will give life to your shots.
License is necessary to draw here, but they are well worth the investment for the amazing visuals that this location provides.
Street culture and alternative vibrations: Authentic la Energy
Venice Beach Skate Park
Venice Beach embodies dynamic and free spirit culture.
Skate park, street artists and colorful murals make it a dynamic location for high energy shoots.
Although it can be difficult to take your photos in such a lively location, this compensates for the hassles by being a good adjustment for clips or urban projects that capture street culture.
Hollywood boulevard
Hollywood Boulevard is a classic location of the film in Los Angeles.
With the Walk of Fame and the historic theaters, it may be one of the most emblematic and instantly recognizable parts of the city.
Although it can be crowded, the filming early in the morning offer you the opportunity to capture the magic of Hollywood without the usual agitation of the day.
Mural paintings on avenue Melrose
For daring and colorful sets, the artistic scene of Melrose Avenue Street is unbeatable.
The district presents a collection of constantly evolving murals which add a great personality success to clips and film projects.
Certain murals may require the authorization of the artist or owner of the property, so be sure to check before filming so as not to accidentally fall due to copyright problems.
Choose the right location for your video clip
Choosing the right filming location can make or undo the visual narration of your film or clip.
Each parameter transmits a distinct mood, and the right choice can really bring the tone and the feeling of your project.
Here are some elements to consider when you make the premises exceed (using the examples we gave earlier):
Get your location to the atmosphere
- Granulous urban decreeing? District arts, Union station – Ideal for raw and intense narrations and darker themes.
- Dream / romantic? El Matador Beach, Griffith Observatory – Best for ethereal, emotional or love -oriented videos.
- High energy street culture? Venice Beach, Melrose Murals – Perfect for vibrant, fast and upset visual aesthetics.
Consider the lighting conditions
- Early in the morning: Offers a gentle and natural light and minimal crowd interference.
- Gold time: Gives you warm cinematographic tones that have struck the visual appeal of your film.
- Nocturnal shoes:Can be atmospheric and dramatic, but you will need additional lighting configurations and appropriate permit.
Think about accessibility
- Ease of access:Some visually amazing places can be difficult for large equipment configurations.
- The surroundings:Parking, food sources and pedestrian traffic should be taken into account in planning.
- Permit:Secure the necessary permits Before You start your shooting. In this way, you can avoid any interruption during the shooting.
Shooting tips and practical tips – permits, budget and best filming times
Here are some quick tips and tips to help you with your shoot:
License and authorization
- Most public locations require permits (apply via filmla)
- Student discounts are often available with a valid identity document
- Private property can allow filming in exchange for promotional content
Best moments to shoot
- Early in the morning (6 a.m. to 9 a.m.):Sweet lighting, less crowds
- Golden time (1-2 hours before sunset):For cinematographic lighting
- Days of the week:Less pedestrian traffic than weekends
Budget filming alternatives
Start looking for today and give life to your film
There is no doubt – Los Angeles is a city built for the narration.
The diversity of cinema places means that each vision, as daring or envisaged, can be made and animated.
But remember, Los Angeles is a city that thrives on creativity and narration.
Thus, although these famous places can provide superb sets, do not be afraid to explore less known places that could better serve your story.
Some of the most memorable scenes in the history of cinema have been shot in unexpected places – they could be exactly what your story needs.
For more support, consult the cinematographic resources of the students of the School film and start looking for the place of your dreams today.