What to know before shooting in Los Angeles
Distance, access and timing — the three things visiting productions underestimate about LA.
GuideAug 20267 min
Production notes.
Practical writing about producing photo shoots in Los Angeles — transportation, logistics, location realities and what actually has to happen before call time. Written from the shoots we work on, by Ian Hartman.
6 articles
Photo shoot transportation in Los Angeles: what to plan for
Sequencing pickups, staging gear, and why the truck should leave earlier than you think.
LogisticsJul 20266 min
Production support vs. full-service production: what do you actually need?
When a lean support team is the right call, and when you want a full production company.
Working with usJul 20265 min
Planning a Malibu location shoot: gear, parking and logistics
Coastal conditions, drive times from the rental houses, and where the truck actually fits.
Location guideJun 20267 min
DTLA photo shoot logistics: loading, parking and equipment
Freight elevators, dock windows, and the downtown details that eat a morning.
Location guideJun 20266 min
What happens before call time on a commercial photo shoot
A walk through the hours nobody photographs — pickups, prep, staging and setup.
On setMay 20266 min
Shooting in Los Angeles?
Tell us what you’re shooting, when and where, and what you need from us.