About West Hollywood
West Hollywood is a relatively young city in Los Angeles County. It was officially founded in 1984 and has a rich history of entertainment and culture. Before it was a city, West Hollywood was just an unincorporated region in Los Angeles. It was originally named Sherman, but residents voted to change the name in 1925.
They chose West Hollywood because the nearby entertainment business in Hollywood had begun moving into the region. Mary Pickford, Charlie Chaplin, and Douglas Fairbanks founded a production company called United Artists in the early 20th century and established a studio lot in West Hollywood.
The dirt road that connected West Hollywood to Hollywood and Beverly Hills became what is known today as Sunset Boulevard. As Hollywood entered its Golden Age, West Hollywood became a popular destination to enjoy the nightlife.
During the 1960s and 1970s, several famous music venues popped up in the region. Acts such as Elton John, Led Zeppelin, and The Doors commonly performed at venues in West Hollywood.
Filming Options in West Hollywood
Given the location of West Hollywood, you won’t run out of options when filming in the city. The entire Los Angeles County is full of professionals who service West Hollywood.
- Equipment
You need industry-standard equipment to have a good filming set up in West Hollywood. The city, and nearby areas, are full of businesses where you can rent what you need. You can also hire entire production companies that are complete with their own crew and equipment.
- Transportation
Public transportation in and out of West Hollywood isn’t the best that Los Angeles County has to offer. This can make it a good idea to use a private transportation company when filming in the city. This gives you a comfortable and secure way to get around.
- Catering
Catering can enhance any film shoot, and West Hollywood has no shortage of delicious options to choose from. Several companies operating out of LA can set up buffet-style catering that can be enjoyed before and after filming.
Filming Companies in West Hollywood
There are numerous companies throughout West Hollywood, and Los Angeles County, that can work with you during your next film shoot. Many of these companies employ experienced and creative professionals that can enhance your event.
- Set Stuff Incorporated
One of the best places to find film equipment in West Hollywood is at Set Stuff Incorporated. They have a range of options that can fit any production needs and can create custom sets. You can use them for everything from rigging gear to industry-standard cameras and lenses.
- Belly Bliss Catering
If you want to provide catering services at your filming location, Belly Bliss Catering is one of the best options to consider in West Hollywood. They’ve been serving the Los Angeles region since 2008, and work to craft custom menus for each client.
- West Hollywood Limousine
One of the best ways to get around LA for any filming needs is through West Hollywood Limousine. They have an array of vehicles to choose from and provide various driver services. These include airport pickup or drop-off and private tours.
Pros and Cons of Filming in West Hollywood
Filming in West Hollywood, California will come with its pros and cons. It’s important to think about the good and bad sides of West Hollywood before making any final decisions.
Advantages
- Opportunities
West Hollywood is one of the places to be if you are after opportunities. The entire county of Los Angeles is full of people moving to make their dreams come true. The big opportunities you’ll be exposed to in West Hollywood are a major pro in using the city as a filming location.
- Nightlife
West Hollywood has one of the most vibrant nightlife scenes in Los Angeles County. It’s full of bars and clubs that can be enjoyed until the late hours of the night. You also have the option of enjoying the nightlife in LA or other nearby cities.
- Pleasant weather
One of the major pros of West Hollywood is the pleasant weather year-round. There are around 280 sunny days a year, and even in the middle of summer, temperatures don’t get unbearable. Winter months are warm enough that you’ll never need more than a light jacket.
Disadvantages
- Crowds
You can expect fairly large crowds in West Hollywood. The city is home to many famous attractions that bring in tourists year-round. These crowds have caused an increase in traffic and average commute times in West Hollywood.
- High expenses
While there is great nightlife to be enjoyed in West Hollywood, you can expect drinks to be nearly twice as much as they would be in other cities. These high expenses can be found in other parts of the city, such as restaurants, hotels, and shopping centers. Of course, there are more low-budget options to be found.
- Hardly any rain
There is a serious lack of rain in West Hollywood and other cities in Los Angeles County. This leads to droughts that have had negative impacts on the local environment. The lack of rain, mixed with the heat of warm months has also led to an increased risk of wildfires in many parts of Southern California, including West Hollywood.
Famous Locations in West Hollywood
- Comedy Store
The Comedy Store is an iconic location in West Hollywood, California. It found a place on Sunset Strip in 1972 and has been hosting unique lineups since then. It’s one of the remaining old-school comedy clubs in California and has three stages to host an array of performers.
- Troubadour
Another club interwoven into the rich history of West Hollywood is the Troubadour. It once hosted acts like Elton John and Randy Newman, and up-and-coming musicians continue to take the stage every week. Performances sell out nearly every weekend.
- Book Soup
This West Hollywood bookstore has been a must-see for literary lovers since 1975. It boasts a wide collection of books, more than 60,000 titles, and is a frequent stop for author book tours. The shop itself is rather small, but it makes up for the lack of room with its unique atmosphere and diverse book options.
