Escape to LA: Behind the Scenes of a Star-Studded Production
Los Angeles has always been on my radar, but it took a surprise call after another trip to get me there. The reason? An exciting assignment to shoot a promotional video for a celebrity duo's new barbecue brand. As you'd imagine, this last-minute trip was filled with unexpected twists and new experiences.
Travel Woes
Traveling from the East Coast to the West Coast isn’t easy. Even though you technically arrive around the same local time you left, the 4 to 5-hour flight can be taxing. I was fresh off a two-week road trip and barely recovered before I had to embark on another journey. I took off from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport before sunrise for an early morning arrival at LAX in Los Angeles, California.
Choosing America Airlines, which I'd mistakenly assumed was top-tier, was a miscue right from takeoff. The plane lacked the amenities I'd grown accustomed to with Delta, like in-seat entertainment. Plus, with Wi-Fi down, my plans to work during the flight were dashed. This was not the biggest deal, but still, a disappointment when you have four hours of uninterrupted time for productivity.
However, that would be the least of my issues. Upon landing at LAX, I was informed that our checked baggage containing lighting equipment had taken its detour. The attendants at the baggage claim area told me and my team that even though our flight was direct, our baggage took a connecting flight through Phoenix. This forced us to spend three hours people-watching at the airport so we could lay hands on the vital equipment we needed for our shoot before finally departing.
The City of (Fallen) Angels
After an eventful three hours at LAX full of interesting characters, an ambulance sighting, and a surprising burst of coffee on the Starbucks ceiling, we grabbed our equipment and went to the airport’s ride-share area. With it being my first time at LAX, I was surprised to find out we would have to take a shuttle bus a few miles away to catch an Uber.
As we moved further away from the airport, I was taken aback by what I'd thought was fog. The omnipresent yellow haze wasn’t mist; it was smog. And this wasn’t your typical smog, similar to what I have experienced in Atlanta. This was a smog so dense it obscured the Los Angeles skyline. I was almost sure it would begin to lift the closer we got to the city as we made our way over the infamous I-405, however, it always seemed to be there. Next, I noticed a huge billboard advertising legal services for Uber and Lyft accidents. It wouldn’t be long before I began to see why.
And the infamous LA traffic lived up to its reputation, being packed even during the non-rush hour period.
On Location
We reached our shooting location, the headquarters of a brand named "Meater," to scout the area and prepare for the next day’s shoot. This gave us time to sync with the Meater team and strategize how we would approach the shoot. The fantastic team at Meater made us feel right at home, offering us drinks and showing off some of the content and new products they would be ready to deploy in the coming weeks. We stayed around for a few hours before heading out for dinner at Bludso’s Barbecue and returning to our Airbnb accommodations for the evening.
Unfortunately, the Airbnb listing caused us some confusion by providing two addresses, the first of which we traveled to, only to find out it was an office. After sorting it, we hopped in another Uber and rode back to our condo. At this point, I began to notice some things about Los Angeles. The number of homeless people, how spread out they were across the metropolis, and the reckless driving of the Uber drivers (and they say ATLAliens are bad).
Our stay in a seemingly plush LA neighborhood revealed how stark LA's homelessness issues are. Seeing well-to-do residents going about their day undisturbed by homeless individuals rifling through their trashcans was quite a contrast. I also noticed the many unhoused people in the streets as I took our many Uber tours throughout the city. Uber driving was also something I took notice of because, with each driver we had, the driving got more intense. Quick cuts through traffic, sharp turns, and constantly accelerating engines were the norm. I was beginning to see why the billboard outside of LAX was so well-placed.
Shooting with the Stars
Morning Preparations
As dawn broke over LA, our team headed to the shoot location and began meticulously checking and double-checking our equipment. As the morning rolled on, the studio went from quiet to buzzing with excitement as the staff started to roll in. Our team moved into place, ensuring the day would go off without a hitch before the talent arrived. We settled on a 3-camera setup to capture the duo in the outdoor cooking studio and utilized two lights, one key, and one hair light. We would shoot with a couple of Sony FX3s for cutaways and roaming shots, and a Sony FX6 as our main cam.
BTS for Cedric the Entertainer and Anthony Anderson AC BBQ Promotional Shoot.
The talented duo of Cedric the Entertainer and Anthony Anderson arrived on site and went straight in with their teams to get “camera ready.” When they rolled onto the set, you could tell they were professionals who had done this for years. They asked questions most people in front of the camera would barely have thought of. Their crews were all behind the camera, viewing monitors to ensure every detail was on point, a new experience for me.
Cedric and Anthony’s charisma was evident as they effortlessly transitioned into promotional bits, discussing their new barbecue brand, unboxing their new sauces, and occasionally bursting into fits of laughter, making the atmosphere light and joyful. Their chemistry was undeniable, each playing off the other's energy, creating authentic and delightful moments.
After the promotional materials were shot, the set transformed into a mini culinary set as Rasheed Philips stepped in to do a little one-on-one with Anthony Anderson. Rasheed donned the chef's hat and seasoned up a tomahawk steak while giving Anthony a few pointers. Anthony played the role of a student, peppering Rasheed with questions, adding a touch of humor and relatability. Their camaraderie was evident, making the segment both informative and highly entertaining. They wrapped up with a taste test before Anthony departed, and we concluded the shoot.
Homeward Bound
As the sun dipped below the horizon, signifying the end of a long day, the studio resonated with the sounds of a job well done. There were smiles, handshakes, and an overall sense of accomplishment. We broke down the set and had a quick, impromptu celebration for Rasheed’s birthday. However, the celebration wouldn’t last too long because we were scheduled to fly back out. With equipment packed, we hustled to LAX for a red-eye flight back to Georgia. Exhaustion hit me hard, and I slept the entire journey back. And as we landed in Atlanta, just before dawn, we quickly realized something was missing – our bags.
Thanks, American…
