Southern California has faced unprecedented devastation as wildfires ravage iconic film locations, leaving the entertainment industry scrambling to cope with the losses. Among the most affected sites is the historic Andrew McNally House, built in 1887, which featured stunning architectural elements beloved by production teams. Once famous for its role in the HBO series “Entourage,” the mansion has been reduced to ruins, leaving location scouts like Lori Balton heartbroken. "There was so much texture. You did not feel like you were in L.A. Such a great location to have. It just breaks my heart," Balton lamented.
The wildfires have not only destroyed significant buildings but have also disrupted the livelihoods of many involved in the film and television industry. The Altadena area, known for its distinctive homes and scenic backdrops, was particularly hard-hit. Locations here have served as stand-ins for East Coast cities and international locales, thanks to their unique architectural styles. Ed Lippman, a location manager based in Sherman Oaks, shared his anguish over the devastation, stating, "I wasn’t even thinking about film or location sets at
that point. I was thinking about the people, the magnitude of people I had personal interactions with ... suddenly, their houses were gone. It was kind of overwhelming."
Philip Sokoloski, spokesperson for the nonprofit FilmLA, remarked on the fires’ significant repercussions for local filmmaking, noting, "There is no question the fires’ impact extends to the business of film production and the livelihoods it sustains." This sentiment resonates across the industry as the production schedules are disrupted, forcing pauses to countless projects.
Among the other casualties of the fires are Will Rogers State Historic Park and the Topanga Ranch Motel. Will Rogers, famous for his historic connection to both vaudeville and film, had its ranch house and outbuildings destroyed, which appeared as backdrops for productions ranging from “Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home” to the classic film “The Parent Trap.” With its picturesque setting, the park was frequently sought after for its incredible views and versatile filming capabilities.
The destruction goes beyond just physical locations. It extends to personal stories entwined with those spaces. "Each house had been there so long it had its own personality. We look for locations really adding another character to a movie. It’s gone, it’s all gone," Balton remarked sadly, reflecting on the unique charm captured for numerous films and shows. But as the heart of the film industry continues to navigate the losses, efforts are underway to help communities recover.
Location scouts and managers have initiated a project to compile databases of homes and locations once used for filming. This idea sprang from the need for homeowners to document their property for insurance claims, especially those whose homes were part of the fabric of many films. Balton, who has taken the initiative to start compiling this information, shared, "The film industry supports them any and every way we can. We can’t film on location without their homes and their communities."
While the film industry faces not only physical but emotional turmoil, it is not alone. The riots have also disrupted sporting events, with the PGA announcing the Genesis Invitational, set to take place at Riviera Country Club, will be relocated due to the fires. The PGA TOUR noted: "The PGA TOUR's focus continues to be on the safety and well-being of those affected by the unprecedented natural disaster in Greater Los Angeles.” Such cancellations and relocations add to the already heavy burden placed upon factors of local economy and community spirit.
Over 23,000 acres have burned across the Pacific Palisades and Altadena, representing years of history, culture, and memories reduced to ash. The consequences of these fires reverberate throughout the fabric of Southern California life—especially within Hollywood, where the community's charm lies not just within its glitz but also through the personalities and lives connected to its iconic locations.
Emerging from this tragedy, there is hope for rebuilding not only homes but also the community. The resilience of those affected is palpable, and with it, the hope remains strong. "Hope we go on. You can rebuild homes, but boy, how long it takes to rebuild a community," Balton concluded, emphasizing the long road to recovery.