The Los Angeles River is one of the most iconic filming locations in the world. It has been used for everything from huge Hollywood blockbusters to small student films. Some of the most prominent examples include Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991), Drive (2011), The Italian Job (2003), and of course GREASE (1978). All good locations should tell a story, and … Read More
Hidden Gems of Los Angeles: Chinatown in Focus
As we embark on the Lunar New Year of the Wood Snake, which is believed to foster growth, resilience, and self-transformation, FilmLA wanted to share a little history and showcase some of Chinatown’s hidden gems. Downtown Los Angeles’ Chinatown neighborhood is not the first neighborhood to bear that name. Old Chinatown, located at the site of Union Station, had a … Read More
“So… You Want to Blow Something Up and Film It?”
Do you want to film a stunt professional running ablaze down an alley? Are you planning to film a climactic shootout scene in front of a bank that ends with a city bus exploding? Or maybe your film project is a little more subdued and has a birthday party scene where little Julie makes a wish and blows out her … Read More
Location Scouting and Film Hosting: a Three-Part Series
Pictured: Gregory Alpert. Photo by Melinda Sue Gordon ©2012. This is the first article in a three-part series about hosting filming at your home or business. Through conversations with accomplished Location Professionals and film hosts, we aim to share frank, open advice about the film host experience. This month, we caught up with veteran Location Manager Gregory Alpert to set … Read More
Thanksgiving Holiday Permit Deadlines
FilmLA, the City and the County of Los Angeles, and other jurisdictions we serve will be closed on Thursday and Friday, November 28th and 29th in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday. Please contact Solution Services at info@filmla.com with any questions. Please note that all permits are due by 10am on the date listed below.Deadlines listed below are for simple permits. Special effects, lane/road closures, … Read More