Los Angeles became the main shooting location because all the events of the movie take place here. One of the key locations is the apartment complex at 4044 Gelber Place, where the main characters live. This neighborhood was chosen to show the typical life of young women in the big city. Spacious apartments and proximity to the city infrastructure emphasize their desire for independence and self-realization, as well as create a contrast with the problems they face after losing money. Another identified location was a restaurant on La Cienega Blvd in East Hollywood, where the filmmakers created the fictional Norm's Restaurant.
The apartment complex where Dreux and Alyssa live.
In movie
Scene where A new girl named Bethany moves into the apartment complex where Dreux and Alyssa live. everyone is extremely surprised by her appearance, since only dark-skinned people live in the neighborhood and in that particular place. The appearance of a friendly white girl is read as something unusual, but Alyssa and Dreux try to behave in a friendly manner.
Real
Scene was shot in the Gelber Place apartment complex in the Baldwin Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles. The location is characterized by cheap rents, mixed socioeconomic status, and is historically known as an African American neighborhood. The characters in the movie lead modest lives in LA and face financial hardships such as the inability to pay rent. Therefore, the location was an ideal choice for where the film's Alyssa and Dreux live, and also fits the plot twist in which a new white neighbor, Bethany, moves in with them.
Los Angeles
The cafe where Dreux is waiting for Alyssa
In movie
Scene where Alyssa picks Dreux up at the diner and explains why she was late to meet her. Dreux makes excuses for the delay, and a disgruntled Alyssa silently gets into the car. Then we see them riding in the car and discussing their difficulties and aspirations for self-actualization: Dreux complains about her life, and Alyssa encourages her, saying that everything will get better in her friend's life. This scene emphasizes their close relationship and sets the tone for the rest of the film, where friendship becomes a key element in overcoming difficulties.
Real
Scene was shot at Norm's, a small chain restaurant in Los Angeles. It is a classic American diner that is open 24/7. It is perfect for the plot of the movie, as it reflects the everyday reality and financial hardships faced by the main characters. The simplicity and affordability of the cafe makes it an ideal place for those who cannot afford the luxury of expensive restaurants. It creates a contrast between the protagonists' dreams and reality.
Los Angeles
