About Long Beach
Long Beach is located in Los Angeles County, California, and is one of the most populated cities in the state. It was founded in 1888 by William E. Willmore, who purchased the land from an existing Spanish rancho and named it Long Beach. The city experienced rapid growth during the early 20th century due to its ideal Pacific Ocean location and easy access to major transportation routes such as railways and highways.
By 1920, Long Beach had become an important port city, becoming known as "America's Seaside Playground" after constructing a new harbor. Not only is Long Beach a great place to visit for its beaches, shopping centers, and diverse culture, but it is also a prevalent location for video shoots due to its accessibility from Hollywood studios and wide range of locations that are available for filming purposes.
From its vibrant downtown skyline to its art deco structures, there are plenty of cinematic locations to choose from. With so many options available within this city alone, Long Beach is often regarded as one of the best places for video shoots!
Video Shoot Options in Long Beach
- Videography
Whether you're looking to capture stunning footage of the cityscape or get up close and personal with your subject, Long Beach has a videographer for you. Professional videographers know what it takes to package your idea or message in a captivating format that connects with your intended audience. They'll work with you to understand your vision and take charge of the recording process to deliver cinematic perfection.
- Film Production
Long Beach has several film production companies that are well-versed in creating diverse video content. From big-budget blockbusters to independent films and marketing videos, there is a film production studio in Long Beach that can handle your project.
- Audiovisual Equipment
The equipment rental companies in Long Beach provide a cost-effective solution to accessing film production gear. Audiovisual rental companies have catalogs of the latest filming equipment, from microphones and cameras to speakers and projectors, helping you to complete your video shoot process.
- Catering
A hungry crew doesn’t translate to a productive team, and all it takes is a meal break to instantly turn things around. Long Beach catering companies can deliver everything from simple snacks to full-service meals to your video shoot set.
- Lighting
Besides sound and video, lighting is another crucial element when producing a video. Production lighting companies in Long Beach have the gear and technical know-how to illuminate your filming space.
Video Shoot Vendors in Long Beach
- Catered By Raquel
Catered By Raquel isn’t a regular food supplier that delivers pre-packaged or processed foods. The Long Beach food professional only sources the freshest ingredients from local farmers' markets and delivers exceptional dishes made from scratch. The company specializes in serving upscale events but there isn't a job that is too big or small for them to handle.
- 4th Street Productions
4th Street Productions is a full-service media company based in Long Beach. The company has experience creating diverse video content, from scripted content to high-end commercials and short documentaries. Their skilled in-house team handles everything from concept development, cinematography, aerial photography, and editing.
- State of The Art Audio Visual Equipment
State of The Art Audio Visual Equipment has served the Southern California area for over 30 years. The equipment rental company provides AV and event technology, specialty lighting, and on-site technical assistance. Their rental inventory also includes draping, screens, and LCD projectors.
Pros and Cons of Video Shoot Locations in Long Beach
Long Beach is a fantastic place to shoot videos. With its sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and diverse cityscape, it offers filmmakers a wide range of potential locations. However, each location has its own set of advantages and disadvantages that should be considered when deciding whether to film there. Here are some of the pros and cons of shooting video in Long Beach:
Advantages
- Long Beach boasts a variety of filming locations, from natural landscapes such as beaches and parks to urban areas like downtown and the waterfront.
- The city’s warm Mediterranean climate makes it ideal for outdoor shoots year-round, meaning that you don’t have to worry about planning around inclement weather.
- Long Beach is home to many experienced professionals in the film industry who can provide expertise on every aspect of production—from cinematography to sound design—and equipment rentals if needed.
- The city also offers special permits for commercial productions, so you can obtain legal permission to shoot at specific locations without any worries or inconvenience.
Disadvantages
- Long Beach is in an urbanized area with heavy traffic, which could be disruptive during filming shots on the street or require pedestrians to walk by in the background.
- Although many experienced professionals are available for hire, there is more competition among them, resulting in higher fees and rates for their services.
- For certain kinds of shoots (e.g., underwater footage) that require specialized equipment or personnel, it might be more cost-effective to look outside the city limits as those services may be cheaper elsewhere due to fewer overhead costs associated with being located near an expensive urban center like LA County’s hub of activity.
Tips on How to Organize Video Shoots in Long Beach
The vibrant coastal city offers plenty of stunning natural and man-made backdrops for any production, but it’s essential to ensure that local regulations are considered. To ensure that your filming project runs smoothly, here are some tips on how to organize video shoots in Long Beach:
- Research Local Regulations: Filming permits are required in all public locations in Long Beach, including parks and beaches. Ensure they are obtained before the shoot day, and keep copies of the relevant documents handy. Make sure you also familiarize yourself with noise ordinances and other rules related to filming projects since residents may complain if your team is too loud or intrusive.
- Budget Accordingly: Between hiring crew members, renting equipment, and securing permits, filmmaking can be an expensive venture—especially when shooting in a major metropolitan area like Long Beach. Put together an accurate budget that reflects the size of your production, and don't forget about the hidden costs such as transportation or catering expenses for cast and crew members during lengthy shoots.
- Gauge Weather Conditions: Be sure to check out the weather forecast before scheduling a big shoot day. Rainy days may force you to cancel or reschedule filming sessions altogether, which could cost you additional money if you had already booked talent or planned on renting gear over multiple days. Keep an eye out for upcoming forecasts so that you can adjust accordingly if necessary.
- Double Check All Equipment: Renting gear can be costly, so make sure everything works before leaving the rental house or shop, especially on large productions with multiple cameras and lenses involved. Additionally, many states require certificates of insurance upon arrival, so familiarize yourself with rental company policies ahead of time, so there aren't any last-minute surprises when checking out equipment at the end of the day.
Famous Locations in Long Beach
- Naples
Naples is a beautiful neighborhood in Long Beach, California. Named after the famous Italian city, Naples is known for its luxury and island setting. Visitors can explore the area’s restaurants and stores while taking in the views of the Pacific Ocean. The Gondola Getaway is a popular activity for those who want to experience a taste of Italy in California. Whether you're looking for a relaxing vacation or an action-packed getaway, Long Beach has something to offer everyone.
- Rancho Los Cerritos Historic Site
The Rancho Los Cerritos Historic Site dates back to 1844, and it is where you will find some of the region’s oldest artifacts. From legal documents, clothing, and other significant items from the Mexican period, the site pays homage to the 1840s and sheds light on what life was like in that era.
- Downtown Long Beach
Downtown Long Beach is one of the city’s attractions, and the Waterfront area is perfect for walks, jogs, or runs. The area hosts several annual events including parades, festivals, and just some good old-fashioned fun entertainment.
