Hollywood’s Changing Landscape and the Filming of ‘East of Eden’
Hollywood has seen significant shifts in film production over recent years. The filming of John Steinbeck’s “East of Eden” in New Zealand serves as a recent example. This Netflix miniseries opted for New Zealand due to its unspoiled landscapes, contrasting with California’s current environment.
The Legacy of California in Film
Historically, California, particularly Los Angeles, has been a prime filming location, offering diverse settings. Los Angeles often doubled as various worldwide locations, thanks to its varied scenery. The consistent climate made it ideal for year-round filming, attracting the entertainment industry in its early days.
Los Angeles as a Stand-In City
Los Angeles was once the epicenter of production, capable of masquerading as different U.S. cities and international landscapes. Spring Street was favored for its Art Deco appeal, while Broadway was perfect for replicating Manhattan street scenes. These areas became hotspots for movie and TV production, with downtown L.A. offering a backdrop for numerous films.
The Decline of Filming in L.A.
Recent years have seen a decline in film production in Los Angeles. The number of film production days has dropped nearly 50% since 2019, resulting in significant job losses in the industry. Other cities, such as Atlanta and Vancouver, are increasingly used as stand-ins for L.A., even for stories inherently tied to the city.
A Tradition of Filming Elsewhere
The move to other locations is not entirely new. Even in the 1950s, the Salinas Valley was considered too modern for filming key scenes of the original “East of Eden” movie. Consequently, many scenes were filmed in Burbank, illustrating how film producers sidestep the challenges of evolving landscapes.
“There’s a lot of unspoiled landscape in a way that would be much harder to find here,” director Zoe Kazan remarked regarding filming in New Zealand.
Challenges in California
Aside from film, California grapples with various challenges, such as turtle smuggling and disputes over transgender rights. Coastal flooding remains a concern following recent storms, further showcasing the state’s evolving landscape and its effects on industries like filmmaking.