La La Land Comes To Life And What It’s Like Behind The Scenes
A lot of tourists visiting Los Angeles go to Hollywood Blvd, to the Walk of Fame and on studio tours at places like Universal Studios and Warner Bros.
But did you know you can also see the actual filming of movies, TV shows and commercials taking place in public areas in L.A.?
In fact, one is happening right in front of me right now as I write this post, which prompted me to give you a little insight into what it’s like to see what really happens in La La Land. This shoot was for the TV show “Veronica Mars” staring Kristen Bell.
First of all, they are big productions and long shoots. A single scene can take an entire morning or afternoon. Today, a single scene of people walking along The Strand in Hermosa Beach started at 7 in the morning and wrapped at 11 a.m. Later in the day, the scene moved onto the beach.
Second of all, they are big productions. Trucks full of equipment are brought in, tents are put up for makeup, wardrobe changes and other uses. Houses are rented – really, owners or tenants are paid anywhere from $500 to $5,000 or more – to be used in the film or even for catering.
Third, if they are using a public walkway, you can walk right through a real-life movie set. You’ll be held up and asked to wait when they actually film, but otherwise you can walk right among the set, the equipment and event the actors and actresses.
In my case, several extras are being used and since it’s a beach scene, there are several girls walking around in bikinis. My female friends inform me there are also some shirtless dudes in board shorts but I’m not looking at them, only at the girls in the bikinis!
Now you’re probably wondering how you can experience this while traveling in Los Angeles. Well, that’s the catch. You just have to come upon one. The studios don’t put out notices in advance, except to residents.
Here’s a few tips to help you identify a public filming locations: look for several white trucks parked together, several tents, several security people and on the site, signs saying that you are “entering a filming area.”
If you do find one, it’s is not something you will want to spend your entire day at – half an hour to an hour is sufficient – but it is definitely something cool to experience and get a bunch of selfies and photos to show the folks back home about a true La La Land moment.
Cheers!
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