A time-lapse video filmed at LAX offers a remarkable look at one of the world’s busiest airports.
The video below was filmed in honor of National Aviation History Month, which occurs each November in the USA (yes, I was also surprised). Take a look:
Videographer Chris Pritchard made the video. Commenting on what led him to make the video, he said:
“The impetus for ‘World Way: The City of LAX’ was born in 2013 as I sat on a rooftop in El Segundo, waiting for a shoot to begin and looking out over LA. The incoming planes looked like a highway, evenly spaced and spread across multiple lanes. This led my eye to the end of their path – LAX. I realized I had a fully unobstructed view of the airport, and immediately started capturing timelapses of it. I became fascinated with the many layers of movement that were visible – planes taking off and landing, planes taxiing, ground support equipment moving on the ramp and throughout the airport, passenger vehicles on World Way, passengers on foot outside and inside the airport – all moving at their own unique pace.
“It made me realize that LAX is a city unto itself, with so many moving pieces and individual people all doing their part to keep it moving. Despite its struggles, it is a logistical and modern marvel. I wanted to show it in a way it had never been seen. In 2016, I was able to bring this project to life with help from the Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board, Los Angeles World Airports, and a group of talented shooters.
“We set out to capture these layers of movement in a way that cannot be seen with the naked eye, and from vantage points that few get to experience. It’s been a long journey from then until now, but was very much worth it. Getting to experience every aspect of LAX as a non-traveler, and having the opportunity to work with so many people who help keep it operating, has given me a new perspective on this place.”
LAX is indeed a city unto itself. I hope you enjoyed the video as much as I did.
(H/T: Murray)
One of my favorite sights in Los Angeles, California, — often seen when I’m heading down the 105 freeway on my way home after an evening arrival — is the double line of airplanes that can be stretching east out into the desert, as far as my eye can see.
Thanks for the share, Matthew!
Me too! Love that.
I can’t think of any other city where the waiting line to land is so obvious, or perhaps lined up with a freeway. Occasionally you can see the line to land at EWR from the west side of Manhattan, but it’s not as obvious.
Thanks for sharing this. Super cool video.
Great cinematography but I couldn’t get into this. Wish there were long sustained shots of whatever we were looking at, whether it be aprons, ticket counters, tower opps, whatever. Just as you’re getting fixated and interested in something it jumps to a new scene.