Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
This Impressive Drone Video Is A Beautiful Love Letter To Los Angeles
With all of the controversy surrounding drones lately, it's refreshing to encounter a drone video that is both thoughtfully produced and beautifully shot.
We became big fans of filmmaker Ian Wood's cool drone video of downtown LA last July, so we were excited to see that he just released another one—this time filming much more of Los Angeles. The stunning city-wide video montage—simply titled Los Angeles—features aerial views of many of L.A.'s most iconic locations, shot from angles that we don't often get to see while stuck in traffic or walking around. From the Hollywood sign to the oil derricks of Baldwin Hills, the murals of Mariachi plaza to the waves crashing beneath the Santa Monica pier, the 6-minute video manages to gracefully cover over 100 locations (which can be found on this map).
Much like last year's video, Wood's latest project pays particularly close attention to L.A.'s impressive array of architectural achievements, cultural institutions, as well as the city's many colorful and eclectic murals. As much ground as the video covers, Wood still laments on his Vimeo page for the video, that wished he could have fit even more into the video—including the LAX Theme Building, Lautner homes, and both Gettys. But he admits that for the sake of "safety, privacy or simply because I couldn't make it 30 minutes long," he couldn't possibly cram it all into the short-form video. (He did, however, happen to catch me riding a bike at the 00:17 mark, purely by coincidence.)
While some drone pilots have been dangerously obstructing the flightpaths of firefighting and medical choppers, Wood specifically chose to abide by both legal and common sense principles while filming. On his Vimeo page, he explains his "Drone Protocol," which includes rules to keep in mind when filming up in the air. From law-abiding advice like steering clear of airports and restricted airspace to respecting residential and sensitive areas for noise and privacy, Wood's thoughtful "Droning For Good" tips are ones that many drone pilots would be smart to consider.
Support for LAist comes from
Wood's Los Angeles short serves as a beautiful love letter to the city and Wood even provides an appropriately stirring soundtrack, courtesy of BLu ACiD’s electro-blues adaptation of "If You Ain't Never Had The Blues" by Boo Boo Davis. Wood points out that he felt the music—used with permission—is fitting for "a city of eclectic styles and influences, equal parts refined and rough edges."
Both the video and the music make for great Friday afternoon viewing, so turn up your speakers, switch to full screen and enjoy the journey across L.A.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake. -
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
-
Censorship has long been controversial. But lately, the issue of who does and doesn’t have the right to restrict kids’ access to books has been heating up across the country in the so-called culture wars.
-
With less to prove than LA, the city is becoming a center of impressive culinary creativity.
-
Nearly 470 sections of guardrailing were stolen in the last fiscal year in L.A. and Ventura counties.
-
Monarch butterflies are on a path to extinction, but there is a way to support them — and maybe see them in your own yard — by planting milkweed.
Best of LAist