Hotel Los Angeles

The celebs, who obviously have to turn up in person to play in the cement or receive their star, often have a few famous friends in tow so both occasions are prime opportunities for some serious star spotting.

The other option is to join the crowds that make up the unofficial audience when movies, TV shows, videos and adverts are filmed on location in the city. All filmmakers need permits to film in LA and have to conform with specific regulations if they plan to use aerial shots, guns or special effects. To get both the permit and the list of regulations they have to apply to The Entertainment Industry Development Corporation (EIDC). The EIDC also maintains a handy 'shoot sheet' for locals and hopeful spectators, which details where and when filming is taking place.

For example The Anniversary Party, written and directed by Alan Cumming and Jennifer Jason Leigh and starring Kevin Kline and Gwyneth Paltrow, was shot on Torreyson Drive on the 17th August. The next day they filmed for the TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer on Pendleton Street while Brentwood Pictures were making a commercial for the Sony Walkman at North Detroit Avenue on the 21st.