Am I OK? Filming Locations

Los Angeles, the city of dreams, sets the stage for the heartwarming LGBTQ+ romantic comedy “Am I OK?” Starring Dakota Johnson, this film takes viewers on a rollercoaster ride of self-discovery, friendship, and love against the backdrop of LA’s vibrant cityscape.

Let’s dive into the captivating filming locations that bring this story to life, from the sun-soaked streets of West Hollywood to the iconic Hollywood Hills.

Setting the Scene: The Story Behind “Am I OK?”

“Am I OK?” follows the journey of Lucy (Dakota Johnson), a 32-year-old woman grappling with her sexuality and identity. When her best friend Jane (Sonoya Mizuno) announces she’s moving to London, Lucy’s world is turned upside down. This catalyst propels her into a whirlwind of self-discovery, set against the diverse and colorful tapestry of Los Angeles.

Directors Stephanie Allynne and Tig Notaro crafted a vision that captures the essence of LA’s laid-back yet energetic vibe. Their goal? To create a visual love letter to the city while exploring the nuanced emotions of coming out later in life.

“We wanted to show LA as a character itself – a place where people come to find themselves,” says Allynne. “The locations we chose reflect Lucy’s journey, from familiar comfort zones to exciting new territories.”

Los Angeles: The Star of the Show

Why was LA the perfect backdrop for “Am I OK?”? The answer lies in the city’s unique blend of familiarity and possibility. Los Angeles embodies the spirit of reinvention, making it the ideal setting for Lucy’s transformative journey.

• Diversity: LA’s LGBTQ+ community is one of the largest and most visible in the world.
• Iconic landmarks: From Griffith Observatory to Venice Beach, the city offers countless recognizable locations.
• Cultural melting pot: The mix of cultures in LA mirrors the film’s themes of acceptance and self-discovery.

The city’s vibe complements the narrative by offering:

1. A sense of endless possibilities
2. A backdrop for both intimate moments and grand revelations
3. A visual representation of Lucy’s expanding horizons

Mapping the Movie: Key Filming Spots

West Hollywood Hotspots

West Hollywood, or WeHo as locals call it, plays a crucial role in “Am I OK?” This LGBTQ+-friendly neighborhood serves as the perfect backdrop for Lucy’s journey of self-discovery.

Key locations include:

• The Abbey: This famous gay bar makes a cameo, representing Lucy’s first steps into the LGBTQ+ scene.
• Melrose Avenue: Several scenes showcase the trendy shops and cafes along this iconic street.
• West Hollywood Park: A pivotal conversation between Lucy and Jane takes place in this lush, urban oasis.

Downtown LA’s Urban Charm

The film also ventures into Downtown LA, capturing its mix of historic architecture and modern skyscrapers.

Notable spots:

• Grand Central Market: Lucy and Jane share a meal at this bustling food hall, symbolizing the diversity of LA’s culinary scene.
• The Last Bookstore: A scene set in this quirky bookshop highlights Lucy’s journey of self-education about her identity.
• Walt Disney Concert Hall: Its striking architecture serves as a backdrop for a moment of reflection.

Hidden Gems in Surrounding Neighborhoods

“Am I OK?” doesn’t just stick to well-known areas. It also showcases some of LA’s lesser-known but equally charming neighborhoods.

• Silver Lake: Known for its hipster vibe, this area reflects Lucy’s growing comfort with her authentic self.
• Echo Park: The lake here provides a serene setting for a pivotal heart-to-heart between Lucy and Jane.
• Los Feliz: This artsy neighborhood hosts several scenes, including a visit to the vintage Vista Theatre.

Read more about this: Incoming (2024) Filming Locations

Behind the Scenes: Location Scouting Adventures

Finding the perfect locations for “Am I OK?” was no small feat. The location team faced several challenges:

1. Balancing iconic LA spots with lesser-known gems
2. Securing permits for popular areas like West Hollywood
3. Finding locations that could authentically represent different aspects of Lucy’s journey

Despite these hurdles, the team made some surprising finds:

• A hidden rooftop garden in Downtown LA became the setting for a crucial turning point in Lucy’s story.
• An abandoned Art Deco building in Koreatown was transformed into a vibrant LGBTQ+ club for a key scene.

Iconic Scenes, Iconic Places

Let’s break down some memorable moments from “Am I OK?” and the real-life settings that brought them to life:

Scene	Location	Significance
Lucy’s coming out	Griffith Observatory	Symbolizes new perspectives
First LGBTQ+ party	The Standard Hotel rooftop	Represents Lucy stepping out of her comfort zone
Heart-to-heart with Jane	Santa Monica Pier	The vast ocean backdrop mirrors Lucy’s expanding horizons
Climactic kiss	Hollywood Sign	Iconic symbol of dreams coming true

Before and After: Location Transformations

Many locations underwent significant changes to fit the film’s aesthetic. For instance:

• A quiet Silver Lake cafe was transformed into a bustling LGBTQ+ meetup spot, complete with rainbow flags and inclusive signage.
• An ordinary West Hollywood apartment became Lucy’s charmingly messy living space, reflecting her internal journey.

The LA Lifestyle on Screen

“Am I OK?” captures authentic LA culture in numerous ways:

• Food scene: Characters frequent real LA hotspots like Sqirl and Intelligentsia Coffee.
• Outdoor living: Many scenes take place in parks or on beaches, showcasing LA’s year-round pleasant weather.
• Creative industries: Lucy’s job as a graphic designer reflects LA’s thriving creative scene.

Local businesses and landmarks featured:

• Amoeba Music
• Sunset Tower Hotel
• Hollywood Farmers’ Market
• Runyon Canyon Park

Cast and Crew’s LA Experience

The cast and crew of “Am I OK?” didn’t just work in LA – they lived it. Here are some anecdotes from their time filming around the city:

• Dakota Johnson fell in love with the vegan scene in Silver Lake, often grabbing lunch at Cafe Gratitude between takes.
• Director Tig Notaro introduced the crew to her favorite comedy clubs, including The Comedy Store on Sunset Boulevard.
• The cast bonded over post-wrap dinners at local favorites like Musso & Frank Grill and Gjelina.

Favorite off-camera spots discovered during production:

1. Hiking trails in Topanga State Park
2. Hidden beaches in Malibu
3. Eclectic bookshops in Los Feliz
4. Vintage clothing stores in Echo Park

Film Tourism: Walk in the Characters’ Footsteps

For fans wanting to experience “Am I OK?” in real life, here’s a DIY location tour guide:

1. Start at Griffith Observatory for panoramic views of LA
2. Head to West Hollywood for lunch at a spot featured in the film
3. Take a stroll down Melrose Avenue, window shopping like Lucy and Jane
4. End the day with sunset at Santa Monica Pier

Tips for visiting featured spots:

• Visit Griffith Observatory on a weekday to avoid crowds
• Make reservations for popular restaurants featured in the film
• Check for special events in West Hollywood that might align with your visit
• Consider a guided tour of Downtown LA to fully appreciate its architecture and history

Cinematic LA: Other Films Showcasing the City

While “Am I OK?” offers a unique perspective on LA, it joins a long list of films that have captured the city’s essence. Some notable examples:

• “La La Land” (2016): Highlights LA’s dreamers and iconic locations
• “Tangerine” (2015): Offers a gritty, authentic look at LA’s transgender community
• “Clueless” (1995): Showcases the Beverly Hills lifestyle

What sets “Am I OK?” apart is its intimate portrayal of LA’s LGBTQ+ community and its focus on the city’s lesser-known neighborhoods. While other films might glamorize or grit up the city, “Am I OK?” strikes a balance, showing LA as both ordinary and extraordinary – much like Lucy’s journey.

The Impact of Filming on Local Communities

Productions like “Am I OK?” significantly boost the local economy:

• Job creation: From catering to security, films provide numerous local jobs
• Tourism boost: Fans often visit filming locations, benefiting local businesses
• Community engagement: Many locals were hired as extras, fostering a sense of involvement

Sustainability efforts during filming included:

• Using reusable water bottles on set
• Donating leftover food to local shelters
• Prioritizing fuel-efficient vehicles for transportation

Technical Aspects of Filming in LA

Capturing LA’s essence on camera presented unique challenges and opportunities:

Lighting challenges:

• Harsh midday sun in outdoor scenes
• Neon-lit nightclub sequences
• Balancing natural and artificial light in indoor/outdoor transitions

Solutions:

• Early morning or “golden hour” shoots for softer lighting
• Custom-designed lighting rigs for nightclub scenes
• Skilled use of reflectors and diffusers for balanced indoor/outdoor shots

The crew masterfully captured LA’s diverse visual palette, from the golden sunsets over Venice Beach to the twinkling cityscape viewed from the Hollywood Hills.

From Script to Screen: How Locations Shaped the Story

The symbiosis between setting and narrative in “Am I OK?” is evident throughout the film. For instance:

• A scene originally set in a generic coffee shop was moved to the iconic Chateau Marmont, adding a layer of LA glamour and history.
• An impromptu dance sequence was added when the crew discovered a street performer in Venice Beach, embodying the spontaneous spirit of the city.

“Sometimes, the locations spoke to us,” says director Stephanie Allynne. “We’d arrive at a spot and suddenly see new possibilities for a scene. That’s the magic of filming in LA – the city itself becomes a collaborator.”

Viewer’s Corner: Fan-Spotted Locations

Since the film’s release, fans have taken to social media to share their own LA connections to “Am I OK?”:

• @LGBTQtraveler tweets: “Just had brunch at the same WeHo cafe as Lucy and Jane! #AmIOK #LAlife”
• @filmfanatic88 posts on Instagram: “Found the exact spot of THE kiss scene near the Hollywood Sign. Breathtaking view! #AmIOKfilmlocations”

We encourage readers to share their own LA experiences related to the film. Have you visited any of the locations? Did you spot any places we missed? Let us know in the comments!

What’s Next? Future Projects in LA

The success of “Am I OK?” has sparked interest in more LGBTQ+-themed projects set in Los Angeles. While a sequel hasn’t been confirmed, directors Allynne and Notaro have hinted at future collaborations that will continue to showcase LA’s diverse communities.

“LA is an endless source of stories,” says Notaro. “We’ve barely scratched the surface of what this city has to offer in terms of LGBTQ+ narratives.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where was the dance club scene in “Am I OK?” filmed?
A: The dance club scene was filmed at The Standard Hotel’s rooftop bar in Downtown LA.

Q: Can you visit all the locations featured in the film?
A: Most locations are accessible to the public, but some private residences used for interior shots are off-limits.

Q: Did they really film at the Hollywood Sign?
A: The scenes near the Hollywood Sign were filmed on a nearby trail in Griffith Park that offers a clear view of the sign.

Q: How long did filming take?
A: Principal photography for “Am I OK?” lasted approximately 6 weeks.

Q: Are there guided tours of the film’s locations?
A: While there aren’t official tours yet, several LA tour companies have added “Am I OK?” locations to their LGBTQ+ and film-themed tours.

In conclusion, “Am I OK?” isn’t just a film set in Los Angeles – it’s a love letter to the city’s diverse landscapes, communities, and spirit of self-discovery.

From the sun-drenched streets of West Hollywood to the iconic vistas of the Hollywood Hills, each location plays a crucial role in bringing Lucy’s journey to life.

Whether you’re a film buff, an LGBTQ+ traveler, or simply someone who loves exploring new places, the locations of “Am I OK?” offer a unique and inspiring tour of Los Angeles. So why not take a page from Lucy’s book and embark on your own journey of discovery through the City of Angels?