NYC vs. LA Video Production: What You Need to Know
When it comes to video production, New York City and Los Angeles are the two undisputed powerhouses. Both cities offer world-class talent, cutting-edge equipment, and iconic backdrops—but they're also very different in how they approach production.
If you're a brand deciding where to shoot your next corporate video, commercial, or branded content, understanding the nuances between NYC and LA can save you time, money, and headaches.
At BLL Films, we produce videos in both markets (along with Philly and DC), so we've seen firsthand what works best in each city. Here's what you need to know.
The Cultural Difference: Fast-Paced vs. Laid-Back
New York City: The Hustle
NYC is all about speed and efficiency. The city moves fast, and so does production. Crews are used to tight schedules, quick setups, and adapting on the fly. If you need to shoot in multiple locations in one day, NYC crews excel at making it happen.
Best for:
Corporate videos with tight deadlines
Documentary-style shoots that require agility
Urban, gritty, or high-energy aesthetics
Projects that need to feel "real" and authentic
Vibe: No-nonsense, get-it-done mentality. Expect professionalism and precision.
Los Angeles: The Creative Playground
LA is the entertainment capital of the world, and it shows. The city has a more relaxed, creative vibe with a focus on high production value. Crews are used to working on commercials, music videos, and feature films, so they bring a cinematic sensibility to every project.
Best for:
High-end commercials and brand films
Music videos and entertainment content
Projects requiring elaborate sets, wardrobe, or special effects
Lifestyle and aspirational storytelling
Vibe: Creative, collaborative, and detail-oriented. Expect artistry and polish.
Cost Comparison: What to Expect
NYC Costs:
Crew Rates: Generally higher due to cost of living and union rates (especially for IATSE crews).
Permits: NYC requires permits for most public shoots. Costs vary but can add $300-$1,000+ depending on location.
Locations: Filming in iconic spots (Times Square, Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park) requires permits and can be logistically complex.
Equipment Rental: Competitive rates, but demand is high—book early.
Bottom Line: NYC can be more expensive for logistics, but the efficiency of crews can offset costs if you're shooting multiple scenes in one day.
LA Costs:
Crew Rates: Competitive, with a large pool of experienced freelancers. Union rates apply for bigger productions.
Permits: LA is more film-friendly. Permits are easier to obtain and often cheaper than NYC.
Locations: Endless options—beaches, deserts, mountains, urban settings—all within an hour's drive. Location fees vary widely.
Equipment Rental: LA has the best equipment rental houses in the world. Rates are competitive, and availability is excellent.
Bottom Line: LA offers more flexibility and often lower logistical costs, especially for multi-day shoots or projects requiring diverse locations.
Talent Pool: Who You'll Work With
NYC Talent:
Actors: Strong theater background. NYC actors bring depth, authenticity, and emotional range.
Crew: Experienced in corporate, documentary, and commercial work. Highly adaptable.
Diversity: NYC's melting pot means access to talent from every background and ethnicity.
Best for: Projects that need authentic, relatable performances or diverse casting.
LA Talent:
Actors: Hollywood-trained. LA actors are polished, camera-ready, and experienced in commercial work.
Crew: Many have worked on major films and TV shows. Expect high technical expertise.
Diversity: Large talent pool, especially for entertainment and lifestyle casting.
Best for: Projects that need polished, aspirational performances or celebrity talent.
Weather & Shooting Conditions
NYC Weather:
Seasons: Four distinct seasons. Winter can be brutal (cold, snow, short days). Summer is hot and humid.
Indoor Shoots: Common due to weather unpredictability.
Challenges: Rain, snow, and extreme temperatures can delay outdoor shoots.
Pro Tip: Plan NYC shoots for spring or fall for the best weather and fewer crowds.
LA Weather:
Seasons: Mild year-round. Sunny 300+ days a year.
Outdoor Shoots: Ideal for outdoor filming. Consistent lighting and weather make scheduling easier.
Challenges: Occasional rain in winter, but generally predictable.
Pro Tip: LA is perfect for projects that rely on natural light and outdoor locations.
Locations & Backdrops
NYC Locations:
Urban Energy: Skyscrapers, busy streets, subway stations, rooftop views
Iconic Landmarks: Times Square, Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, Wall Street
Diverse Neighborhoods: SoHo, Williamsburg, Harlem, Queens—each with its own character
Challenges: Crowded, noisy, requires permits for most public spaces
Best for: Corporate videos, tech startups, finance, fashion, urban lifestyle brands
LA Locations:
Variety: Beaches, mountains, deserts, urban downtown, suburban neighborhoods
Iconic Landmarks: Hollywood Sign, Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach, Griffith Observatory
Studio Lots: Access to soundstages and backlots for controlled environments
Challenges: Traffic can be brutal; plan extra travel time between locations
Best for: Lifestyle brands, entertainment, automotive, outdoor/adventure brands
Permitting & Logistics
NYC Permitting:
Required for: Most public outdoor shoots, even small crews
Process: Apply through the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME). Turnaround: 5-7 business days.
Cost: $300+ depending on location and scope
Challenges: High-profile locations (Times Square, Central Park) require additional coordination and may have restrictions.
Pro Tip: Work with a local production company (like BLL Films) that knows the permitting process inside and out.
LA Permitting:
Required for: Public outdoor shoots, but LA is more film-friendly
Process: Apply through FilmLA. Turnaround: 3-5 business days.
Cost: $625+ for most permits
Challenges: Popular locations (beaches, downtown) may have blackout dates or require insurance.
Pro Tip: LA's film-friendly infrastructure makes permitting smoother, but plan ahead for popular spots.
When to Choose NYC vs. LA
Choose NYC if:
You need a fast-paced, efficient shoot with tight deadlines
Your brand is corporate, finance, tech, or fashion-focused
You want an urban, authentic, or gritty aesthetic
You're shooting in the Northeast and want to minimize travel costs
Choose LA if:
You need high production value with cinematic quality
Your brand is lifestyle, entertainment, or aspirational
You want diverse outdoor locations (beaches, mountains, deserts)
You're shooting a multi-day project and want predictable weather
Why Work with a Bi-Coastal Production Company?
Here's the advantage of working with BLL Films: we operate in both NYC and LA (plus Philly and DC), so you get:
Local expertise in each market (permits, locations, crew)
Consistent quality across all shoots
Cost efficiency by avoiding travel fees for out-of-town crews
Flexibility to shoot in multiple cities for one project
Whether you're launching a product in NYC and LA simultaneously, or you need to capture different aesthetics for a national campaign, we've got you covered.
Final Thoughts: It's Not About Better—It's About Fit
NYC and LA are both incredible cities for video production. The key is choosing the one that aligns with your brand, budget, and creative vision.
NYC is perfect for fast-paced, authentic, urban storytelling.LA is ideal for high-end, cinematic, lifestyle content.
And if you need both? That's where a bi-coastal production company like BLL Films comes in.
Ready to Shoot in NYC, LA, or Both?
At BLL Films, we specialize in purpose-driven storytelling across multiple markets. Whether you're in New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, or DC, we're here to help you create video content that resonates.
Get a free quote: contact@bllfilms.com | 424-431-1578
See our work: BLL Films Portfolio
About the Author: Sam Moskowitz is the Owner, Producer, and Director of Photography at BLL Films, a boutique video production company serving NYC, LA, Philadelphia, and DC. With a focus on purpose-driven storytelling, BLL Films helps brands tell powerful stories through innovative and creative strategies.