Testimonials

Working with Film LA has been an absolute pleasure. They’ve been integral in helping us, as a venue, balance filming and parking on location with keeping our neighbors and community safe and happy. Their professionalism, responsiveness, and genuine care make them a true industry partner. We are grateful for their continued support of “Keep Hollywood Home” so that our non-profit campus can continue to host the industry for another hundred years.

I wanted to take a moment to reflect on how much I appreciate everything you do. It’s been a tough run, no doubt, but your team has genuinely gone above and beyond for us. The level of support and service we’ve received has been incredible. I especially want to shout out Marguerite, Jesse, Cody, Buck, and of course a big thanks to CJ for last season’s help. You’ve all really stuck your necks out for us, and your dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed. This season demanded more from all of us, and I couldn’t be more appreciative of how you showed up. You’ve truly been an extension of our team, and I’m looking forward to hitting the ground running again in January when we’re back to our usual pace.

I just wanted to report back that we were able to successfully complete our driving sequence with minimal concerns from the neighborhood (all addressed).  We can’t thank you enough for the initial support and coordination, and I think everyone on our team agrees this particular location went better than any of us could have possibly imagined. 

We just wanted to pass along our appreciation.  You led us to the perfect compromise, where we could achieve our filming activity, while being fair and considerate to the neighborhood we proposed to film within. 

I must say that it is always wonderful to return back home to a Film LA location, where you strike the perfect balance of supporting and facilitating film projects, and leading films to a successful conclusion.

I really appreciate the management at FilmLA.  Jumping on call, scheduling a Zoom or meeting in person at a location is what makes them special.  It proves they understand the challenges Location Managers face in Los Angeles and are proactive coming up with solutions.  Amy Kradolfer and Tim Overbeck were extremely helpful on a recent production and I am grateful for their support!

I have to say that I have always had positive experiences with FilmLA; I have found the process smooth and streamlined – whether I am pulling my own permits through the portal or using a service. The coordinators have always been easy to work with and helpful when I have any questions or concerns. Particular shout outs to Cindy Matta and Christian Hyatt on a recent shoot where they were both pretty clutch in helping me coordinate a couple of sensitive dual permit situations. I was able to call out ahead of the deadlines and get some good info and suggestions from them – saving me delays and headaches. And they are always friendly!

For LA County beach reservations, Cindy Matta has been a stellar contact.  She goes above and beyond to make sure my reservations are handled.  She’s always very communicative, easy to reach, responsive and tries to make it work, even when the reservation system says a beach isn’t available.  It’s reassuring to know I can contact her and get my questions answered quickly.

I came to Los Angeles to produce a small independent film, expecting that, like many other places, the smaller projects wouldn’t be worth anyone’s time. But my experience with Cindy and FilmLA was quite the opposite. Cindy treated me like I was as important as the biggest producer with the biggest cast. She walked me through every step of the process of getting my permit and completely exceeded all my expectations. I was truly surprised and grateful. Thank you!

GFORE Team and I are very thankful of your team. It’s so great to hear that you’re willing to support us with all the details of the logistics. It’s great how responsive the team was from beginning when we called in. All the instructions were clear and helpful.

Appreciate the patience as productions change all the time. Shout out to Cindy and Laura! They’re so knowledgeable and great to talk to. We also love all the other players, such as Blake, our coordinator. We’re not sure if Park City Office members (Allen, Lubia, and Maureen) who helped us along the way as part of Film LA, they were amazing to collaborate with.

We really couldn’t have done it without any of you! It takes a whole village.

Cindy Matta is an incredible advisor and coordinator. Back when I didn’t even have an assigned coordinator, whenever I called FilmLA and got transferred to Cindy, I always thought, “Yes!! I’m so lucky she picked up!” I honestly felt like shouting, “Thank you, Cindy!” because she has helped me countless times. Whether I’ve run into an issue with a desired filming location or needed alternatives, Cindy not only suggests comparable options but also walks me through who to contact and how to move forward. Her knowledge and communication skills have been invaluable — and I’m sure I’m not the only one who’s been saved by her support.

When I call FilmLA (and I call often! :), I always appreciate the support I receive — but when Cindy picks up, it feels like I’ve hit the jackpot. She’s consistently kind, resourceful, and genuinely enthusiastic about helping. Cindy won’t hang up until she’s made sure I have exactly what I need. Cindy really represents the very best of what FilmLA can offer.

Working with FilmLA has been a truly incredible experience every time. In a city that moves fast and often feels chaotic, Cindy Matta in particular brings calm, clarity, and deep compassion to every interaction. Her guidance helped us navigate the permitting process with ease and grace, reminding me that true service isn’t just about getting things done – it’s about how you make people feel in the process. I’m so grateful to have had her support, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend FilmLA to any production team seeking not just professionalism, but real partnership.

Our coordinator CJ Leavens has gone above and beyond to help us make the words in the script a practical reality on location. CJ is more than our Film LA Coordinator—she is our filmmaking partner! My team & I always call Solution Services before we consider a location for possible use to gain more information and to foresee the possible challenges that the location may have before we show our director or designer.  Amy Kradolfer & her team at Solution Services are an invaluable asset to the filming community!

Blake with film LA was assigned to us last year and we had a wonderful experience under his expertise. Blake is patient, understanding and especially courteous. His knowledge of the maps, jurisdictions, rules and regulations far surpasses anyone we have worked with previously. He was courteous and prompt with emails, even working late to help us solve challenges. Thank you to Blake and Film LA!

Blake has been an incredible resource throughout the permitting process—always responsive, with a quick turnaround and a friendly, professional approach. He goes above and beyond by offering helpful tips, clearly explaining guidelines, and connecting us with the right internal contacts when needed. Working with him makes the entire permitting process much smoother.

FilmLA has always been super helpful when I had any questions or issues, and have been willing to work with me if any snags came up. Blake has been a dream to work with – he’s helped me out of several binds and makes everything easier. Permits can be super intimidating but Blake and the rest of the team make the process painless.

Working with Blake from FilmLA was an absolute pleasure. In a process that started as an overwhelming one as this being my first time applying for a FilmLA permit, Blake made the process extremely smooth, understandable, and was available & knowledgeable for the infinite amount of questions that I had asked. Would work with Blake again in FilmLA in a heartbeat!

I’ve had a positive experience working with FilmLA with Blake Bersted’s help. Blake always answers whatever questions I may have when filing for permits swiftly and efficiently.

The ever-increasing complexity of filming a large-scale TV or Film Production in Los Angeles has made the partnership between Location Managers and FilmLA’s permit coordinators very important. Blake was critical in helping our current production deal with some challenges at one of our recent locations. He always made himself available, answering or returning my calls quickly and helping me to find creative solutions to the problems caused by our changing schedules in a very sensitive neighborhood. I always appreciated how easy it was to speak with him; it felt like a collaborative effort. I look forward to having him assigned to our show for future locations.

FilmLA Coordinator Brain Palmert was fantastic! For Crime 101, we permitted a complex car chase in North Hollywood. With Brian’s collaboration, we were able to close sixteen blocks in the Arts District for five nights. Filming was a huge success for the filmmakers as well as affected residents and businesses. Brian’s skill set and great communication made it all possible.

As a Location Manager, I’ve always valued FilmLA’s collaborative spirit and deep understanding of the real-world challenges we face on location. Amy Kradolfer and CJ Leavens, in particular, have gone above and beyond to help me secure permits for some of my toughest logistical locations—always with patience, professionalism, and creative problem-solving. When scouting for a home we needed to film for six weeks on Freakier Friday, our first rule in the search criteria was that it had to be within Los Angeles city limits under FilmLA jurisdiction—because we knew we’d be in the best hands.