Where to Shoot Your Film in L.A.: the Best Locations for Students & Creators

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Woman at Booth on Santa Monica Pier

Los Angeles is a filmmaker’s playground.

It feels like every inch of this city has an incredible shooting location just waiting to be captured. And all it takes is a little familiarity with L.A. to know that beautiful, intriguing, camera-ready spots are always just a few steps away. 

Scenes that help bring stories to life.

From urban industrial settings to scenic natural landscapes and vibrant cultural hotspots, it really is the city of dreams. 

Whether you’re a student at The L.A. Film School working on your next project or a music video director scouting for the perfect backdrop, L.A. has something for every vision. 

But in a city with so much choice, where do you start?

Things to Consider Before Choosing Your Shoot Location

Before we get into the location ideas, here are a few things to keep in mind when narrowing down your options:

  • Mood: Make sure you match the tone of your film or video to the energy of the location.
  • Lighting: Scout locations at the time of day you plan to shoot to check things like natural light. 
  • Accessibility: Think about gear, parking and space for you and your crew. 
  • Budget: Make sure to factor in things like location costs and permit fees.
  • Permissions: Public or private, most locations will need a permit or at least an agreement. 

Great! Now that you’ve thought about what you might need, we’re going to get into breaking down the best locations for your film or music video—along with some practical tips and tricks for permits, budgeting and accessibility. 

Ready to shoot? 

Urban and Industrial Spaces: Iconic City Backdrops

Arts District Warehouses

L.A.’s Arts District is a real favorite among filmmakers for its industrial-chic aesthetic. 

The graffiti-covered walls, exposed brick and expansive warehouse spaces create an edgy, urban backdrop—perfect for dystopian narratives, contemporary dramas and urban music videos. 

As it’s such a popular spot, many of the building owners in the district are film-friendly, offering flexible rental agreements that—depending on your budget—can work great for your project. 

Union Station

As one of L.A.’s most recognizable landmarks, Union Station offers a stunning blend of Art Deco and Mission Revival architecture. 

This famous transportation hub has been used in everything from classic noir films to modern sci-fi blockbusters and is a perfect location for getting those edgy shots. 

If you’re doing a commercial shoot here, you’ll need a permit—but film or music student projects often get special consideration, so it’s always worth asking. 

Bradbury Building

A true architectural gem, the Bradbury Building is best known for its intricate ironwork, skylit atrium and Victorian design. 

The lobby is open to the public, making it an accessible filming spot for student projects. However, the upper floors of the building require special permission. 

But even ground-level shots offer fantastic, striking visuals, so it’s a great place to shoot—even without full access. 

Angel’s Flight Railway

This restored funicular railway in Downtown Los Angeles offers a unique, vintage feel—absolutely perfect for period pieces and retro music videos. 

The bright orange cars moving up and down Bunker Hill also give a dynamic feel to the setting, making it a location that really stands out. 

Parks and Nature: Scenic Outdoor Shoot Locations

Echo Park Lake

With its lotus-filled lake and views of the downtown L.A. skyline, Echo Park Lake is a truly picturesque setting whether you’re making a film or shooting a music video. 

Though it’s a public space, filming permits are still needed for student productions—so you’ll need to get in touch and get permission if you want to film there. 

That being said, you can get reduced rates through FilmLA, which makes it a budget-friendly choice.

Elysian Park

One of the largest and oldest parks in L.A., Elysian Park offers secluded trails, rolling hills and sweeping city views. 

It’s a gorgeous, scenic location for nature scenes, dream sequences or getting some establishing shots of Los Angeles to set the mood of your film.

Griffith Observatory

Few locations in L.A. are as instantly recognizable as Griffith Observatory. 

The site has been featured in numerous films on the silver screen, including the Oscar-winning film La La Land. 

The stunning panoramic city views, striking architecture and surrounding scenic parkland offer multiple vantage points for capturing the real essence of L.A..

El Matador State Beach (Malibu)

For breathtaking coastal shots, El Matador Beach is a must. 

Its dramatic rock formations and sea caves make it an ideal setting for fashion shoots, music videos, scenic dramas and romance films. 

To capture the best lighting, try to plan your shoot during the golden hour. You’ll be treated to gorgeous backdrops that will bring your shots to life. 

Permits are required to shoot here, but they’re well worth the investment for the stunning visuals this location provides.

Street Culture and Alternative Vibes: Authentic L.A. Energy

Venice Beach Skate Park

Venice Beach embodies L.A.’s vibrant, free-spirited culture. 

The skate park, street performers and colorful murals make it a dynamic location for high-energy shoots. 

While it can be tricky getting your shots in such a bustling place, it makes up for the hassle by being a great fit for urban music videos or projects that capture street culture.

Hollywood Boulevard

Hollywood Boulevard is a classic L.A. film location.

Featuring the Walk of Fame and historic theaters, it’s perhaps one of the most iconic, instantly recognizable parts of the city. 

While it can be crowded, early morning shoots offer you the chance to capture the magic of Hollywood without the usual hustle and bustle of the day.

Melrose Avenue Murals

For bold, colorful backdrops, Melrose Avenue’s street art scene is unbeatable. 

The district features an ever-changing collection of murals that add a big hit of personality to music videos and film projects. 

Some of the murals may require permission from the artist or property owner, so be sure to check before filming so you don’t accidentally fall foul of any copyright issues.

Choosing the Right Location for your Music Video

Picking the right filming location can make or break the visual storytelling of your film or music video. 

Each setting conveys a distinct mood, and the right choice can really bring the tone and feel of your project to life. 

Here are some things for you to consider when you’re scouting locations (using the examples we gave earlier):

Match your location to the mood

  • Gritty urban decay? Arts District, Union Station—ideal for raw, intense storytelling and darker themes.
  • Dreamy/romantic? El Matador Beach, Griffith Observatory—best for ethereal, emotional or love-centric videos.
  • High-energy street culture? Venice Beach, Melrose Murals—perfect for vibrant, fast-paced and edgy visual aesthetics.

Consider the lighting conditions

  • Early morning: Offers soft, natural light and minimal crowd interference.
  • Golden hour: Gives you warm, cinematic tones that hit on the visual appeal of your film.
  • Night shoots: Can be atmospheric and dramatic, but you’ll need additional lighting setups and proper permits.

Think about accessibility

  • Ease of access: Some visually stunning locations may be challenging for large equipment setups.
  • The surroundings: Parking, power sources and foot traffic should be factored into planning.
  • Permits: Secure the necessary permits before you start your shoot. That way, you can avoid any interruptions during filming.

Practical Filming Tips and Tricks—Permits, Budget & Best Shooting Times

Here are some quick-fire tips and tricks to help you with your shoot:

Permits & permissions

  • Most public locations require permits (apply via FilmLA)
  • Student discounts are often available with a valid ID
  • Private properties may allow filming in exchange for promotional content

Best times to shoot

  • Early morning (6-9 AM): Soft lighting, fewer crowds
  • Golden hour (1-2 hours before sunset): For cinematic lighting
  • Weekdays: Less foot traffic than on weekends

Budget-friendly filming alternatives

Start scouting today and bring your film to life

There’s no doubt—Los Angeles is a city built for storytelling.

The sheer diversity of film locations means that every vision, no matter how bold or considered, can be realized and brought to life. 

But remember, Los Angeles is a city that thrives on creativity and storytelling. 

So, while these famous locations can provide stunning backdrops, don’t be afraid to explore lesser-known spots that might better serve your narrative. 

Some of the most memorable scenes in film history have been shot in unexpected places—they might be exactly what your story needs.
For more support, check out The L.A. Film School’s student film resources, and start scouting your dream location today.