Production is Complicated, Your Location Search Shouldn't Be.

Finding a location online might seem simple—but productions are anything but. That’s where a real-life location scout with taste, production knowledge, and hands-on experience steps in.

We save you time, legwork, stress, and often money, negotiating terms that protect your budget and reflect real production needs. A true location agency isn’t just booking a space—we’re safeguarding your shoot, your schedule, your budget, and your sanity.

And unlike a homeowner eager for a quick deal, we don’t gloss over red flags—we offer alternatives and solutions.

We’re deeply connected in the industry, so approvals move faster, hidden gems surface, and last-minute surprises are rare. In fact, some of the most exclusive homes aren’t listed publicly at all. Their owners prefer working with professionals who understand production—and trust matters. Those properties often bring the exclusivity, character, privacy, and nuance that elevate a shoot, but they require established relationships and thoughtful negotiation.

Here’s the real kicker: we charge the same commission as the online platforms—but deliver far more than a listing.

We don’t just push paperwork and listings; we vet properties, read the room, negotiate discrepancies, and anticipate on-set needs before they become problems. We know which homeowners are collaborative, which neighbors might complicate things, and where city regulations, parking or other tricky logistics could derail a shoot.

Our expert scouts research locations in person, uncovering hidden gems, capturing authentic, high-quality imagery, and evaluating accessibility, atmosphere, and value. You know exactly what you’re walking into.

Building a trusted relationship with a real-life location agency pays off in ways a one-off booking never can.

When we know a production company is professional, respectful of homes, and transparent in communication, we go the extra mile—prioritizing their requests, sharing off-market opportunities first, and often negotiating preferred rates or offering discounts when we can.

Trust creates flexibility on both sides, smoother approvals, and long-term cost savings. The more we work together, the more we can advocate for you—and protect your budget like it’s our own.

Skip the platform, hire a pro. And you can feel good supporting a hardworking, woman-owned small business built from the ground up. Send us your location brief or request a quote!

We’re always happy to help.

In Ruins or Revival-Ready? Los Angeles's Struggling Film & Production Industry

The production industry in Los Angeles has long been a cornerstone of global entertainment, standing as a central hub for film and television creation with deep-rooted historical significance. However, recent challenges are increasingly exposing vulnerabilities within the system.

Fires, strikes, political upheaval, increasing regulations, AI, and other confounding factors have placed significant and growing strain on those seeking to use LA as their primary filming hub. In response to these mounting pressures, many industry players are turning their gaze toward alternative shooting areas, which promise a more sustainable and economically viable path forward for film and television production endeavors.

The Telecomm Tower and its 360 degree views, Still Alive and Ready to book in Topanga.

The Numbers Tell the Story

Recent data paints a stark picture: on-location filming in Los Angeles plummeted by 22% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the previous year. Television production days dropped by a staggering 30.5%, and feature film shoots fell nearly 29%. This isn’t an isolated dip—since the industry’s post-pandemic peak in 2021, television production alone has contracted by 58%. The ripple effects are everywhere: craftspeople are out of work, support businesses are shuttering, and even historic studio lots face uncertain futures.

Where else can you find an authentic teepee next to the pool where Shirley Temple learned to swim.

Why Is Location Shooting Declining?

Several forces are converging to create this perfect storm:

  1. Economic Competition: Other states and countries are luring productions away with generous tax incentives and lower costs, making it harder for LA to compete.

  2. Union and Labor Pressures: Traditional union arrangements, while vital for worker protections, are often financially unfeasible for today’s rapid, high-volume content demands. Attempts at non-union shoots can be met with costly disruptions.

  3. Bureaucratic Hurdles: Navigating LA’s maze of permits, noise ordinances, and location restrictions can slow productions to a crawl, driving filmmakers elsewhere.

  4. Recent Disasters and Strikes: The devastating fires of early 2025, ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the aftershocks of labor strikes have all compounded the crisis.

  5. Changing Media Landscape: The rise of streaming, social media, and new consumption habits has fragmented the industry, making traditional big-budget location shoots riskier and less frequent.

Topanga Cabin, another example of the wide range of locations available in Los Angeles.

Is There Hope on the Horizon?

City leaders are taking action. In May, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass signed an executive directive to make it easier and cheaper for productions to film on location. The initiative aims to streamline permits, lower costs, and open up access to legendary sites like Griffith Observatory and the Central Library. At the state level, proposals are underway to expand California’s film tax credit from $330 million to $750 million—a bold move to claw back lost productions and jobs.

Industry veterans are cautiously optimistic. These steps, while modest, could help smooth the logistical and financial roadblocks that have driven filmmakers away.

Old Hollywood Villa - a classic location that cannot be replicated outside of Los Angeles.

Why Real Locations Still Matter

As the industry stands at a crossroads, it’s vital to remember why shooting at real locations is irreplaceable:

Authenticity: Nothing matches the texture, light, and energy of a real LA street or landmark. Audiences can feel the difference.

Economic Impact: On-location shoots support thousands of local jobs, from caterers to carpenters, and pump money into neighborhoods across the city.

Cultural Legacy: LA’s unique character has shaped the world’s cinematic imagination. Losing location shoots means losing the city’s starring role in its own stories.

Community Pride: When films and shows shoot on location, they showcase LA’s diversity and vibrancy, inspiring pride and tourism.

an incredible array of architectural styles are available for production Location rentals in los Angeles.

A Plea for the Future

The struggle is real, but the solution is clear: we must fight to keep filming in Los Angeles, on real locations, with real people. This isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about preserving the city’s identity, supporting its workers, and ensuring that the next generation of filmmakers can tell authentic stories in the place where movie magic was born.

Let’s not let LA’s vibrant entertainment industry go silent. Let’s keep the cameras rolling—right here, where they belong.

Lights, Camera, Preservation: How Movies Are Saving Our Historic Sites

From the Silver Screen to Real-World Preservation

Have you ever watched a movie and felt transported to another time and place? Film has a unique power to capture our imaginations and bring history to life. But did you know that movies can also play a crucial role in preserving that history for future generations?

Pristine, historic Art Deco Penthouse available for rent at Painfully Hip Locations.

Historic buildings and sites often face challenges like neglect, decay, and redevelopment pressures. However, when a film crew chooses a historical location as a backdrop, it can spark a renewed appreciation for these places and fuel efforts to protect them.

One shining example is Highclere Castle, the iconic setting for the beloved TV series Downton Abbey. The castle, with its rich history and stunning architecture, had fallen into disrepair by the late 20th century. But the show's immense popularity brought a surge of visitors and revenue, allowing for much-needed renovations and securing the castle's future.

Highclere Castle, The main character in Downton Abbey.

Film Tourism: A Powerful Force for Preservation

The phenomenon of "set-jetting," where travelers visit locations featured in films and TV shows, is a testament to the power of film to ignite interest in historical places. When tourists flock to these sites, they not only boost local economies but also generate funds for preservation efforts. Think of the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, which transformed New Zealand into a sought-after destination for film enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The breathtaking landscapes that served as Middle-earth now attract millions of visitors each year, contributing to the country's conservation initiatives.

Midcentury Cabin, featured on Daisy Jones & the Six, is available for rent on Painfully Hip Locations.

Promoting the Intersection of Film and Heritage

Several initiatives are working to bridge the gap between film and heritage preservation. For instance, the UNESCO World Heritage Centre recognizes the potential of film to raise awareness of cultural heritage and promotes the use of film as an educational tool. Preservation Futures, a non-profit based in Chicago, is exploring the future of historic preservation through research, action, and design. Organizations like the National Trust for Historic Preservation in the U.S. and Historic England in the UK actively collaborate with filmmakers to showcase historical sites and advocate for their preservation.

Historic Monument, featured in WOMAN AT BEST” Music video by Scout Larue Willis, is available for rent at Painfully Hip Locations.

You can play a part in preserving these important monuments to history and architecture. Here are some ways to get involved:

  • Rent your historic home or building to Film, Fashion, Commercial or TV Productions: Historic homes need great care and maintenance. Home buyers and renters who love historic homes have the power to save homes otherwise meant for demolition. A great way to pay mortgage, rent, or renovations on an historic home is to rent it to productions on location rental sites like Painfully Hip Locations.

  • Support local preservation organizations: Donate to or volunteer with groups like Preservation Futures, dedicated to protecting historic sites in your community.

  • Visit historical filming locations: Plan your next trip around locations featured in your favorite films and learn about their history.

  • Spread the word: Share information about the importance of heritage preservation and the role of film in protecting our historic treasures.

Historic Victorian Craftsman available for rent at Painfully Hip Locations.

By supporting these efforts, you can help ensure that the magic of film continues to inspire and preserve our cultural heritage for generations to come.

Banner image is Hollywood Hilltop, available for rent on Painfully Hip Locations.