About Los Angeles CA
Lights, camera, action—welcome to Los Angeles. If you need to create a music video, you’re in the right place. Renting music video spaces in Los Angeles is easy, with a diverse range of locations to choose from. LA is also the global capital of the entertainment industry and home to Hollywood, with a huge range of music videos filmed in the city all year round.
There are music video spaces in Los Angeles to suit every type of project. No matter what sort of locations you’re looking for, you’ll find them. Venues range from professional studios to industrial warehouses, airy lofts, and grand concert halls. Outdoor locations like parks, the arts district, street art alleys, and rooftop spaces also add spark to your video shoot, no matter your budget.
With such a wide variety of options to choose from, music video shoot locations in Los Angeles make it easy to bring your artistic vision to life.
Making Music Videos: Music Video Options in Los Angeles CA
Filming a music video is a great way to test the waters, whether you are a budding musician or filmmaker. Most music videos typically don't require a Hollywood-sized budget, and creativity is what works at the end of the day. Teaming up with local professionals can help you come up with viral-worthy music videos in Los Angeles.
- Camera Operator
You'll need to work with a filming crew and the camera operator is perhaps one of the key team members. After all, they are the lifeblood of your music video shoot, responsible for capturing your vision. It helps to work with someone who has the necessary skills and technical know-how to handle professional cameras.
- Lighting
Lighting is just one important part of a video shoot. Depending on the requirements of your video shoot, you can look for a music video shoot location with ample natural light. You can also work with a lighting technician to upgrade the overall look of your project.
- Talent
Music videos are like short films. Depending on the structure or theme of your music video, you might need to work with actors or dancers. Working with acting school volunteers can lower costs but if your budget allows it, hold a casting to get professionals on board.
- Gear
A professional music video shoot will require professional gear. Filming equipment accounts for a chunk of production budgets, so it's more affordable to rent it. It helps to work with a filming crew who can have their own gear but there are plenty of film equipment rental stores in LA.
- Editing
Once you've recorded the video, a video editor takes over and does the rest of the magic. For a professional product, you should work with an expert who specializes in editing music videos.
Music Video Companies in Los Angeles CA
Several big names like David Fincher, who worked with Madonna in the '80s, established their careers by producing music videos. Whether you are a musician, a seasoned act, or an upcoming director, local experts can help you produce awesome music videos in LA.
- Ocean Front Entertainment
This full-service production company is well-equipped to film your next production, whether it’s a dance shoot, a promotional video, a music video shoot, a web series shoot, or other film projects. In-house services include motion production, still photography, sound recording, editing, and equipment rental. Their 20-year experience in the business ensures clients that Ocean Front Entertainment knows what is on-trend.
- Hive Lighting
Hive Lighting is your plug for all your photography and production-related lighting needs. The Omni-color LEDs offer a spectrum that results in the highest light quality. They also weigh less while still doing more. Founded by photographers and filmmakers, Hive Lighting knows the versatility of every product they work with.
- Pittmobile Talent Agency
Pittmobile Talent Agency represents some big names in the industry as well as up-and-coming acts. They specialize in packaging musicians, actors, models, screenwriters, and comedians. In turn, they can provide talent for your project.
Pros and Cons of Music Videos in Los Angeles
LA presents both advantages and disadvantages that might potentially affect music video locations. Keep the following factors in mind when planning a film shoot.
Advantages
- The culture
LA revolves around entertainment and tourism, which both contribute to the city's culture. You are definitely in the right place when hosting music video shoots in Los Angeles.
- The creativity
LA oozes with creativity and hosts diverse art shows and festivals each year. It's also where the biggest music videos and classics are produced, so it’s the best place to search for a music video shoot location or film studio.
- The dining scene
Being a melting pot of cultures, as expected, LA has an incredible food scene. Filming a music video takes several hours, and you should treat your crew to some of LA's finest eats in between.
- Sports haven
Major professional sports teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Kings, Los Angeles Clippers, and Los Angeles Dodgers hail from the city. It doesn't hurt to borrow inspiration from this aspect for your music video.
- Diverse terrain
You can visit the beach, mountain, and desert in one day when exploring LA. The diverse terrains offer scenic vantage points that provide a unique range of music video shoot locations.
Disadvantages
- It's expensive
LA is an expensive city. Renting prime music video shoot locations can consume most of your budget. You can lower the costs of producing a music video in this city by searching websites where you can rent low-fee music video locations. Also, try working with film school students or fresh graduates.
- Extreme traffic
The traffic in Los Angeles isn't just bad; it’s extreme. You might want to use fewer music video locations and settle for a space with multiple sets.
- Parking
Traffic and parking nightmares in LA go hand in hand. If you’re searching for a music video location, parking should be a priority if you'll be moving around the city with filming gear.
- You'll need a car
LA isn't a city you can get around on foot. The neighborhoods are spread out and when moving around between music video shoot locations with a filming crew and production equipment, you'll want to make proper logistical arrangements.
- Stiff competition
Everyone associates LA with tourism and entertainment, and there's stiff competition within these industries. Remember that everyone needs a start, and you should give film school students or fresh graduates a shot. Also, prime music video spaces in Los Angeles will be in high demand.
Famous Locations in Los Angeles CA
- Arts District, Downtown LA
The Arts District is the creative hub of Downtown LA. It was formerly a vineyard and then an industrial zone and is now home to practicing artists and creative professionals. The district has plenty of potential music video locations to explore, such as art galleries, breweries, and cocktail bars.
- Walt Disney Concert Hall
The Walt Disney Concert Hall is an architectural masterpiece designed by Frank Gehry and another one of downtown LA’s iconic landmarks. It has striking curved exteriors and one of the most acoustically impressive concert halls in the world. Opened in 2003, the Walt Disney Concert Hall is home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
- La Brea Tar Pits
The La Brea Tar Pits are found within Hancock Park and provide an opportunity to learn more about fossil excavation. The Tar Pits go 40,000 years back and were formed by oil seeping through rocks. They would entrap passing animals and the tar preserved the fossils through the ages.
Los Angeles is a hotbed of filming locations. You’ll find endless music video spaces in Los Angeles that can complement your music and help you attain your artistic vision. In finding a potential music video location for your project, look through several online platforms where you can browse listings in the area.
Whether you’re eyeing downtown LA, central LA, or South Los Angeles, you’re sure to find many inspiring locations that can lend a stunning backdrop for your video. A video shoot can be a lengthy endeavor, so it’s important to plan ahead so you can scout the best music video spaces in Los Angeles.