About West Hollywood
West Hollywood, known for the Sunset Strip and the Chateau Marmont, was an unincorporated enclave among the cities of Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, and Hollywood. Since the 19th century and from the start of the railroad, the area of West Hollywood became the location of rail stops, rail yards, and car barns. The working-class members of Los Angeles County settled in this area.
This city of 35,700 residents developed a reputation for protecting individual rights early in the 20th century. This enclave, free from the restricting ordinances of neighboring cities, became the location for nightclubs and casinos. West Hollywood, and its reputation for loose regulation, attracted the eccentric class of the population wary of government interference.
Besides being a major hub of entertainment, West Hollywood is also a sensational spot for outdoor fun due to its warm weather year-round and abundant sunshine. There are many parks including Plummer Park and the famous Griffith Park with over 4,300 acres as well as attractions like the Sunset Strip, the House of Blues, and the Comedy Store.
Video Shoot Location Options in West Hollywood
One category of video shoot locations is studios designed for broadcasting, podcasts, recording, and performing arts. There are homes in the styles of traditional and classic Southern California, along with a variety of commercial spaces. Most locations are interior with outside areas.
- Production
The talent, equipment, and crew for a video production can be contracted by local vendors. West Hollywood is near dead center of the 30-Mile Studio Zone. The contracting of labor will be considered local to a West Hollywood location, and the budget for the video production will not be burdened with on-location expenses.
- Catering
A caterer providing a high level of service to a video shoot, as allowed by the budget, is the best choice. Given the tight urban layout of West Hollywood, food trucks are not a viable solution for food service. The chosen caterer must have experience and the capability for flexible serving and menu options to meld with the production schedule and any changes to it.
- Permitting
The West Hollywood Film Office requires at least three days to process an application for a film permit. As with other jurisdictions in Southern California, there are requirements for insurance, signature authorizations, and a designated area for “base camp” activities. The fee schedule allows for a reduction if the cast and crew count is 15 or less and if the filming takes place on private property.
Video Shoot Companies in West Hollywood
The city leadership recognizes the value to its economy brought by video production. All vendors sourced for products and services will be considered local to a West Hollywood location to aid in the application for tax incentives. All facets of the entertainment industry are important economic drivers to West Hollywood and California.
- Cinema Vitae
Based in Redondo Beach, this company has an interesting service structure of mixing video production, drone videography, live streaming services, and script writing. The focus is storytelling through video, and the additional services are used to enhance the story. The video producers at Cinema Vitae come from journalism and documentary film backgrounds.
- WOVA – World of Video and Audio
Founded in 1982 and LA-based, WOVA prides itself in taking the guesswork out of video technology, audio sourcing, and production services. Whether the video productions are staged or a live event, any video shoot needs quality equipment within budget. Projection packages can be customized to the needs of the production and the limitations of the location. The rental for the equipment can be supplemented to include rigging and trusses.
- Rise and Shine Catering
Rise and Shine Catering presents itself as the expert in catering to film sets. A full-service catering and event planning company, food service to the set can be provided 24/7 to accommodate multi-day and night shoots. The set-ups for mornings and afternoons can be refreshed between serving times. Rise and Shine has over 20 years of experience catering to film sets, and the serving staff understands the workings of a production.
Pros and Cons of a Video Shoot Locations in West Hollywood
The advantages and disadvantages must be addressed and considered within the context of the whole project. Oftentimes, a disadvantage is mitigated by other factors as things are thought through. Below are some suggested items within the advantages and the disadvantages categories to consider.
Advantages
- Walkability
West Hollywood has a walkable grid with small lots in its dense urban plan. The walk score of 89 deems West Hollywood the most walkable city in California. Most of the residential neighborhoods are a few blocks in dimension.
- Arts and culture
This bohemian city commemorates its diversity by celebration. The annual Halloween Carnival has become an international event. The Academy Awards is a major event, and a majority of the after-parties are held on the strip.
- Cost of doing business
When compared to other cities in Los Angeles County, the cost of doing business in West Hollywood is low. As for video shoots and production, West Hollywood is near the starting point of the 30-Mile Studio Zone.
Disadvantages
- Transportation
Traffic is often congested, and parking is a problem. This condition is exacerbated by any street closures due to filming.
- Competition
Given the video shoot location options in this dense and compact city, it is obvious that West Hollywood has the space and the ancillary services to support a production.
- Over-reaching city ordinances
While some may applaud the city’s social and politically correct ordinances, others may deem them as over-reaching. The motto in West Hollywood is “Earth Day is every day.” Fur, single-use plastic bags, and the display or the exploitation of exotic animals are banned.
Famous Locations in West Hollywood
- Private Tours of Los Angeles
Tour Los Angeles in a luxury minivan with a professional, local guide. The routes can be customized for all day or just a few hours. The featured stops can be the Sunset Strip, the Santa Monica Pier, Rodeo Drive, or any request from the group.
- West Hollywood Food Tour
The reviews are exceptional, and the food tour is recommended by 100% of past attendees. This tour takes visitors away from the “tourist areas” and into neighborhoods to experience the culture, the food, and the people. The cuisine ranges from a farmers’ market to a high-end authentic meal.
- The Sunset Strip
The history-rich and iconic Sunset Strip of West Hollywood is really the main attraction. Over time, the area around the strip has become the “it” neighborhood for Hollywood’s up-and-comers and for those who “have arrived.” The strip is known for its nightlife, boutique shopping, and the clustering of eclectic cafes and restaurants.
