About Glendale
Glendale is California’s 24th most populous city and the fourth largest in Los Angeles County. It’s only ten miles from central LA and about thirty minutes from Los Angeles International Airport. It is also surrounded by four major freeways, providing easy access for visitors, residents, and workers who want to take advantage of the city's abundant offerings.
Thanks to its central location, this city allows you to enjoy close proximity to everything from shopping districts and high-end restaurants to some of the best meeting and event spaces in Glendale. It boasts more than 6 million square feet of office space and offers a wide range of world-class amenities and properties.
Many acclaimed companies call Glendale home, including DreamWorks and Walt Disney Engineering. Its distinct neighborhoods and gorgeous attractions have made it an ideal location for TV shows, films, commercials, and music videos. So if you plan to visit, keep your eyes open! You might spot the filming of the next hit movie or drama.
Attractions in Glendale
Glendale will make you experience different things in one visit. Perhaps, you’re looking for a thrilling escapade, an educational excursion, or a relaxing retreat. No matter your interest, these famous attractions will undoubtedly satisfy your desire for an adventure.
- Forest Lawn Memorial Park
Forest Lawn Memorial Park is home to the Forest Lawn Cemetery dubbed ‘Glendale’s Walk of Fame.’ It is the final resting place of many famous celebrities and renowned individuals, including Nat King Cole, Walt Disney, Jimmy Stewart, Humphrey Bogart, and Jack Carson. The memorial park has also been used as an event space in Glendale for thousands of weddings since 1923.
- Brand Library and Art Center
Sitting at the base of the Verdugo Mountains, you’ll find one of the most iconic buildings in Glendale, the Brand Library and Art Center. It used to be the home of the “father of Glendale,” Leslie Coombs Brand, and named it El Miradero. It was converted into a library by 1956 and now boasts a collection of more than 110,000 items. It hosts lectures, concerts, dance performances, films, and educational programs.
- Alex Theatre
Alex Theatre is one of the city’s registered historic properties and has been its center of artistic activity since its opening in 1925. It’s a busy performance space in Glendale, featuring film screenings and live performances. Due to its impressive architecture, it’s been an in-demand location for commercials, films, and reality shows, including the Last Comic Standing, American Idol (2002,) and Steve Harvey’s Big Time.
Production Locations in Glendale
Glendale has many exotic places and historical attractions that have stood in for unique locations in several films, television series, commercials, short clips, and music videos. Here are some of the most notable sites that made an appearance in various production projects.
- Police Stations
It can be complicated to film in an actual police department, but production crews always make it work. Instead of renting or building a standing set, many filmmakers prefer to use an existing police station for more authentic scenes. Take the famous police crime drama Criminal Minds for example. A few scenes from this series were shot in the Glendale Police Department and the city hall.
- Shopping Centers
While most of us go to shopping centers for entertainment and shopping, many photographers and storytellers make the most of these spaces to achieve their creative pursuits. A regional shopping center in downtown Glendale has caught people’s attention after being featured in Billie Eilish’s music video for Therefore I Am. You’ll see the pop superstar wandering around the empty Glendale Galleria while grabbing snacks from different stalls.
- Libraries
Libraries in Glendale are also no strangers to the spotlight. Their striking appearance and theatrical elements look great on screen. A perfect example is the Brand Library, which has been employed in TV shows and movies today. If you’ve watched The Naked Gun film series, you’ve seen what the library looked like in the 1980s. Like the Downtown Central Library, other libraries can also be rented for film screenings and discussions.
- Empty Warehouses
There’s no doubt that warehouses make phenomenal film and photo shoot locations in Glendale. These massive, empty spaces can be designed to fit your shooting requirements and are perfect for music videos, commercials, documentaries, TV dramas, dance shoots, and movies of all genres. They are flexible, versatile, and often come in interesting architectural features. Another open space you can book is a fully lit white cyc studio for your next production project.
Events and Meeting Venues in Glendale
Glendale's meeting rooms and event spaces provide an ideal backdrop for intimate celebrations, grand parties, and corporate functions. Whether formal or something relaxed and a bit more fun, here are some showstopping venues in the city that will dazzle your guests.
- Lounges
Lounges are an excellent place for attendees to mingle, socialize, and meet like-minded people. Whether you’re having a casual business meeting, a birthday, golden anniversary, or a reunion, lounges are adaptable venues to suit your party needs.
- Auditoriums
Historically rich and elegant, auditoriums are hard-to-beat event spaces in Glendale. You can use them for anything, from religious meetings, panel discussions, and staff briefings to live music and dance. They offer tremendous flexibility, so don’t be afraid to explore and push your creative boundaries to create something that your audience will remember for a long time.
- Old Homes/Mansions
There’s always something about stylish mansions and historic homes that make our imaginations fly. But because they look so fancy and grand, it’s easy to assume they’re out of an average person’s budget. The truth is, many mansions and old homes in Glendale are within your price range. A secluded home with beautiful grounds is a perfect site for your dream wedding, engagement party, private celebration, or any outdoor event.
- Bars and Restaurants
The benefits of hosting an event at bars and restaurants in Glendale are numerous. They are a cost-friendly option since you don’t have to invest in utensils and furniture. Catering isn’t an issue, as well, because they can provide you with a menu to meet any dietary requirements. They also often have experienced staff to help you manage the event, so you can focus on other essential aspects of your party.
