The Hollywood film industry has faced significant challenges in recent years. A recent development raised concerns further when Netflix chose to film the miniseries adaptation of John Steinbeck’s “East of Eden” in New Zealand. This decision serves as a reminder of California’s past status as a primary filming location.
As a child, I often recognized Los Angeles as the backdrop in many television shows and movies. The city’s features were often disguised, with distinct elements such as palm trees and unique traffic lights shining through.
Los Angeles, however, is no longer the unrivaled film hub it once was. In the past, the city’s appeal was rooted in its diverse settings and year-round suitable filming weather. Paramount Pictures famously mapped California locales in 1927, showing how different areas in California could replicate distant lands on film. Downtown L.A. was a prime filming area with its distinctive architecture and versatile streets.
The city once bustled with film productions utilizing its various neighborhoods. Key locations like Spring Street and Broadway offered unique backdrops. Meanwhile, areas like the Arts District added industrial charm to productions. At the height of its popularity, Los Angeles was often transformed into ‘anyplace, USA.’
Recently, cities such as Atlanta and Vancouver have been chosen over L.A. for filming. Valued filming days dropped by nearly 50% since 2019, reflecting the downturn. Atlanta, for example, substitutes for Los Angeles in numerous productions.
In light of this shift, filmmaker Thom Andersen’s documentary, “Los Angeles Plays Itself,” chronicled the city’s portrayal in film. A counterpart, “Los Angeles Plays Someone Else,” might explore instances of L.A. standing in for other cities, as in productions like “Friends With Benefits.”
With the choice of New Zealand for “East of Eden,” Zoe Kazan cited unspoiled New Zealand landscapes. Her perspective aligns with her grandfather Elia Kazan, who also filmed portions of the 1955 version outside of California due to modernization concerns. Despite these changes, filmmakers meticulously recreated California settings, capturing the essence of the original story.
Los Angeles’ role in the film industry may face uncertainties, with new locations taking a prominent place. Yet, its legacy as a vibrant cornerstone of filmmaking remains.
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Things To Do: Visit an Ethiopian restaurant for unique ice creams or explore LACMA’s “Home of the Future” exhibition.
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