Los Angeles remains the largest concentration of feature, episodic, and commercial production in the United States. From studio lots in Burbank and Culver City to independent shoots across the Eastside, crew positions turn over weekly across every department.
When a brilliant but disgraced scientist makes contact with an alien intelligence, he must choose between global salvation and his own redemption. We are seeking a highly experienc...
We need a skilled Sound Designer to elevate an upcoming corporate video project. This is an independent production focused on a new tech startup, showcasing their innovative produc...
Shooting in Los Angeles the last week of October 2026, we're an independent production seeking a skilled Colorist for an upcoming corporate video project. This project is a series ...
An independent production team is seeking a talented 1st AC to join our upcoming pilot project. This dramedy, with touches of magical realism, explores themes of connection and fin...
Seeking an experienced VFX Artist for an upcoming independent sci-fi web series, shooting in Los Angeles. Our project is a gritty, character-driven story with cyberpunk elements, f...
Our upcoming sci-fi web series, exploring a near-future dystopia through the eyes of a young inventor, is seeking a talented Sound Designer. This independent production offers a co...
Seeking a 1st AC for an upcoming independent corporate video project shooting approximately early December 2026 for 3-4 days in the Los Angeles area. Rate is $2000-3000 per week, d...
A deep dive into the lives of unsung community heroes, this intimate documentary feature needs an organized Assistant Editor to join our post-production team. We're crafting a hope...
An independent production is seeking a senior screenwriter for an upcoming sci-fi pilot, a gritty, character-driven story exploring themes of identity and artificial intelligence i...
This is a compelling, interview-driven documentary series focusing on the vibrant, often hidden, subcultures within Los Angeles. We are an independent production looking for an ent...
Seeking an entry-level screenwriter for a unique commercial project promoting a new, eco-friendly consumer product. This spot aims for a lighthearted, humorous tone, blending quick...
Shooting in Los Angeles, CA in November 2026 for 2-3 days, we're seeking an enthusiastic entry-level Director for an independent pop music video. This project features a rising ind...
An independent production is seeking a talented Senior Editor for an upcoming corporate video project. This isn't your typical dry corporate piece; we're crafting an engaging, narr...
An independent production is seeking a talented Senior VFX Artist for an upcoming commercial project, a visually dynamic spot blending live-action with intricate digital elements. ...
An independent production is seeking a dedicated and skilled 1st AC to join our small team for an upcoming commercial project. We're producing a visually engaging commercial for a ...
An independent production is seeking a talented Director to lead an upcoming commercial shoot in Los Angeles. This project is for a unique beauty product, focusing on a natural, as...
Our upcoming documentary, a compelling exploration of regenerative agriculture practices in California, needs a dedicated 1st Assistant Camera. This project aims to bring awareness...
Seeking a talented Director to bring a series of dynamic, visually-driven commercial spots for a new tech product to life. Our independent production aims for a polished, modern ae...
Seeking an experienced Locations Manager for an upcoming pilot filming the first half of November 2026, offering co-producer credit and backend participation. This dramatic, charac...
Shooting in Los Angeles, CA, for 1-2 days during the first half of November 2026, we’re looking for a dedicated 1st Assistant Camera for an independent commercial project. This spo...
Los Angeles, CA, independent production pilot shooting for approximately 3 weeks in late November or early December 2026. We are seeking a senior Production Designer to lead our ar...
Seeking a dedicated 1st AC for an independent sci-fi short film. We need someone ready to jump in and ensure smooth camera operations from day one. This project is a visually ambit...
We need an experienced Gaffer to join our independent web series production, starting with a prep day in the last week of October 2026. This sci-fi drama blends intimate character ...
Seeking an enthusiastic VFX Assistant for an upcoming independent feature film shooting primarily in Los Angeles, CA. Production dates are approximate, targeting late November or e...
Why crew work in Los Angeles
Los Angeles offers the deepest talent pool, the broadest vendor ecosystem (rentals, post houses, stages), and the highest density of signatory productions in North America. Most working crew live within a one-hour drive of the major studio zones, which keeps day-call hires practical and same-week starts common.
Major production hubs in Los Angeles
Burbank: Warner Bros. lot, Disney, Nickelodeon, and a cluster of post and rental houses.
Culver City: Sony Pictures, Amazon MGM, Apple TV+ offices, and Culver Studios stages.
Hollywood: Paramount lot, Sunset Gower, Sunset Las Palmas, and Netflix offices.
Studio City / Valley: CBS Studio Center, Radford, and a deep bench of independent stages.
Santa Monica / Playa Vista: Streamer offices, agency production, and commercial work.
Unions and guilds serving Los Angeles
IATSE Local 600: International Cinematographers Guild (camera department, publicists)
IATSE Local 728: Studio Electrical Lighting Technicians
IATSE Local 80: Motion Picture Studio Grips and Crafts Service
IATSE Local 700: Motion Picture Editors Guild (picture and sound editorial)
IATSE Local 695: Production Sound, Video Engineers, and Studio Projectionists
DGA, WGA West, SAG-AFTRA: Directors, writers, and performers
Crew roles in demand
1st AC and 2nd AC (digital and film workflows)
Gaffers and Best Boy Electric for episodic and commercial
Key Grips and Dolly Grips with stage experience
Sound Mixers, Boom Operators, Utility Sound
Editors, Assistant Editors, VFX Editors (Avid and Premiere)
Colorists and DI Producers (Resolve, Baselight)
Production Coordinators, APOCs, Production Accountants
Rates and pay structure
Rates in Los Angeles split into three rough tiers: union signatory (rate-card based on local and budget tier), non-union scripted at indie and commercial scale, and low-budget short form. Day rates climb sharply with stage work, night premiums, and turnaround penalties. Always confirm whether a posting is union, fi-core friendly, or non-union before applying.
How to get hired in Los Angeles
Keep a one-page resume with department, key credits, format experience (ARRI, RED, Sony), and union status at the top.
Day-play hires move fast: respond to call sheets within the hour, confirm rate and turnaround in writing.
Most LA hires come through department heads (DP, Production Designer, Editor). Network up, not sideways.
Maintain current kit list, insurance certificate (if you own gear), and W-9 ready for payroll companies (Cast & Crew, Entertainment Partners, GreenSlate).
Frequently asked questions
How do I get hired on film productions in Los Angeles without being in the union?
Most non-union work in LA flows through commercials, music videos, low-budget features, and streamer-funded indie projects. Build credits across these formats, get referrals from department heads, and accumulate the days required to qualify for IATSE roster placement when the time comes.
Which Los Angeles neighborhoods have the most film production activity?
Burbank, Culver City, Hollywood, and Studio City contain the largest studio lots. Commercial and indie production also clusters in Downtown LA, the Arts District, and the Eastside (Frogtown, Atwater).
Do I need to live in Los Angeles to apply for crew positions here?
Most productions hire local crew to avoid travel and per diem costs. If you are outside the LA area, postings usually note 'local hire only' or specify a zone (Zone 1 vs Zone 2). Out-of-town hires happen for department heads and specialists, not day-play roles.