Video Producer's Guide to Shooting in Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles, CA is home to a population of 10,140,200 and industries spanning Entertainment, Aerospace, Tourism, Technology. Known as City of Angels, La La Land and The Big Orange, the city was founded in 1784. This guide covers everything video producers need to know before shooting in Los Angeles — from hotels and airports to weather, transportation, and local production guidelines.
Written by David Feeney Lance, Cameraman — Los Angeles, California — Assignment Desk
Los Angeles at a Glance
Population
10,140,200
Founded
1784
Nicknames
City of Angels, La La Land, The Big Orange
Industries
Entertainment, Aerospace, Tourism, Technology
About Los Angeles
Known for its melting pot of bold creatives and eclectic world cultures, Los Angeles is one of the most popular and most visited cities in the United States. The beaches, near-perfect weather, and well-known celebrities always put LA on the map. It tied for World’s Best University City with London. LA is known for bold restaurants and shops along with Rodeo Drive, the Hollywood Sign and Walk of Fame, and Venice Beach. It also has some of the best museums in the country.
Attractions & Things to Do
During winter, LA hosts the Golden Globes and Academy Awards. Springtime brings Coachella and food festivals. Summer hosts the LA Food and Wine Festival and FYF Music Festival. Fall features the Halloween Carnival and auto shows. The Staples Center is a popular spot for concerts, conventions, and sporting events. Higher education includes University of California, USC, Fashion Institute of Design, and LA Technical College.
Sports Teams
LA Lakers (NBA), LA Clippers (NBA), LA Dodgers (MLB), LA Angels (MLB), LA Rams (NFL), LA Chargers (NFL), LA Kings (NHL), Anaheim Ducks (NHL), LA Galaxy (MLS)
Where to Stay
LA has a hotel on almost every corner. Options include the Omni LA Hotel at California Plaza, Holiday Inn LAX, and the LA Hotel Downtown. Expect to drive to most shoots in Los Angeles so plan accordingly for hotel location.
Airport & Drive Times
Primary Airport
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Approx. 45 minutes to downtown to downtown
Getting Around
LA offers a metro system which takes longer than driving but is a valued source of transportation. Personal vehicles and car services like Uber are the primary way to get around. Traffic is the biggest challenge for production logistics.
Locations & Drive Times
From LAX to downtown LA takes about 45 minutes by car, not including traffic. LA’s popularity brings extensive traffic, so be proactive when leaving for shoots. The Staples Center is a 10-minute drive from downtown; Venice Beach is about 45 minutes. San Francisco is five and a half hours by car; San Diego is about two hours.
Weather
LA weather is known to be almost perfect. Winter highs sit at 68°F; summer highs reach 84°F. Rain is not common, which can put California in droughts. Plan to wear comfortable and cool clothes year-round for shoots.
Production Guidelines
Shoots in Los Angeles are based on a ten hour day and the crew is on the clock at the specified crew call. Overtime at a rate of time and a half begins after ten hours. A distant location is any location outside a 30-mile radius drawn around the city. Verify with your crew their specific policies.
Our Crew in Los Angeles
Assignment Desk has staff crew members based in the Los Angeles area, ready to handle your production needs.
Chamber of Commerce
If you have additional questions about Los Angeles, you can always contact the city's Chamber of Commerce.
LA Area Chamber of Commerce, 350 S. Bixel St, Los Angeles, CA 90017, www.lachamber.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I know before shooting video in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles shoots are based on a ten hour day with overtime at time and a half after ten hours. The city offers entertainment, aerospace, tourism, technology industries as primary production subjects. LA weather is known to be almost perfect. Winter highs sit at 68°F; summer highs reach 84°F. Rain is not common, which can put California in droughts. Plan to wear comfortable and cool clothes year-round for shoots.
Where should my crew stay in Los Angeles?
LA has a hotel on almost every corner. Options include the Omni LA Hotel at California Plaza, Holiday Inn LAX, and the LA Hotel Downtown. Expect to drive to most shoots in Los Angeles so plan accordingly for hotel location.
How do I get from the airport to my shoot in Los Angeles?
The primary airport is Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). From LAX to downtown LA takes about 45 minutes by car, not including traffic. LA’s popularity brings extensive traffic, so be proactive when leaving for shoots. The Staples Center is a 10-minute drive from downtown; Venice Beach is about 45 minutes. San Francisco is five and a half hours by car; San Diego is about two hours.
What is the weather like for shooting in Los Angeles?
LA weather is known to be almost perfect. Winter highs sit at 68°F; summer highs reach 84°F. Rain is not common, which can put California in droughts. Plan to wear comfortable and cool clothes year-round for shoots.
How do I book a video crew in Los Angeles?
Assignment Desk provides professional video production crews in Los Angeles, CA. Call 312-464-8600 or visit our booking form at assignmentdesk.com/hire-a-crew. Our staff Directors of Photography come equipped with full camera, lighting, and audio packages.
Read about recent productions shot in Los Angeles. Browse Production Stories →
Book a Crew in Los Angeles
Ready to shoot in Los Angeles, CA? Call 312-464-8600 or fill out our booking form.
Hire A CrewProduction Resources in Los Angeles
Assignment Desk maintains a network of video production professionals in Los Angeles, CA. Here are the resources available for your next shoot.
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