FilmLA has assisted in the production of many Fam Tours over its decades of service. As implied in the name, “Fam Tours” aim at familiarizing Location Professionals with unique and desirable locations available for filming.
Recently, the LA County Film Office, housed within the Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), invited help from FilmLA to plan and publicize a fam tour featuring publicly owned locations in the County’s First Supervisorial District. Following outreach from FilmLA’s VP of Permit Operations Donna Washington and FilmLA Board Member Ed Duffy (Teamsters Local 399), 18 Location Professionals and other attendees signed up for the June 8 tour.
Locations chosen for the Saturday trip included the East Los Angeles Library on 3rd Street near Belvedere Park Lake, Ruben Salazar Park on Whittier Blvd., and the art deco Los Angeles General Medical Center on State Street in Boyle Heights. The last of these locations was especially notable; many in the industry may not be aware the historic healthcare facility is available for filmmaker use.
“LA’s talented workforce, entrepreneurial spirit, and diverse communities and spaces fuel our creative economy and are on full display with the Fam Tours,” observed Kelly LoBianco, Director of the LA County Department of Economic Opportunity. “We are grateful to our Board, the LA County Film Office, FilmLA, and our partners for these opportunities and all they do to build and bolster film production right here in LA County.”
“The Fam Tours provide a great opportunity to highlight LA County’s rich history and unique cultural landmarks while ensuring that local productions reflect the diversity of the County,” said Gary Smith, Head of LA County’s Film Office. “We’re thankful to Supervisor Hilda Solis for partnering with the County Film Office and the Department of Economic Opportunity on the Fam Tours and for her continued staunch support of the entertainment industry.”
“Los Angeles County isn’t just home to Hollywood,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, representing the First District. “It’s home to East Los Angeles, the San Gabriel Valley, and other neighboring communities. Films such as Blood In Blood Out, American Me, and Stand and Deliver, as well as shows like Viva and Gentefied, did not only tell Eastside stories, but they were filmed locally. I am committed to making Hollywood inclusive and reflective of our society – and that begins with ensuring that filming stays in Los Angeles County.”
Los Angeles General Medical Center – Gallery
Below are several images captures from the tour by Location Professionals Lori Balton and Stephen Weissberger. Both galleries feature photos of the Los Angeles General Medical Center. All photos are reprinted by FilmLA with permission from their respective copyright holders.
Photo credits: Lori Balton, Location Scout
Photo credits: Stephen Weissberger, Location Manager