We had the good fortune of connecting with Nikki McLelland and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nikki, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I have been working in the film and television industry for several years now and no matter how much time went by I could never get over or accept the amount of waste we produce during production. In fact, it became a really big question in my career. I adore this industry but how can I continue working within it when it puts the health of our planet at risk? I had already been taking many steps to eliminate waste in my personal life and when I began to bring some of those tactics onto sets with me, I was often met with support and curiosity. It got me thinking that this industry is wildly open to change, especially for the betterment of the environment. After doing some research, I discovered that there were a few other wonderful companies working on improving production sustainability but nearly enough. And that’s why I founded Photosynth LA.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I moved to Los Angeles several years ago with all of the dreams to work in “show business” but with zero understanding of how to actually do that or how the industry worked. Through years of literal blood, sweat and tears, I have been working constantly as a freelance production assistant, production coordinator, assistant director and associate producer. It has never been easy, but it has always been rewarding and I’m far from done. “Hollywood” has the power to change the world and I aim to be one of the people helping it harness that power.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My favorite places in this city are almost always related to either hiking, plants, Japanese cuisine or books. My favorite hiking spots are the Chantry Flat in Mt. Wilson. the Deukmejian Wilderness Park or any of the various trails in Griffith Park. My favorite plant stores in LA are Sarah Cotta in Glendale, The Standard Design Group Nurseries in Sherman Oaks and Mickey Hargitary Plants in Hollywood. You also can’t go wrong with a stroll through the LA County Arboretum. My go-to for food is always sushi. I love trying new places in whatever part of town I happen to be in, but when I’m around Glendale where I live, I always go to Kumadori. As for books, you can’t go wrong at the Lost Book Store in downtown.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My absolute biggest support is and has always been my fiancé who is an unmovable force of love and support for all of my wild ideas.

Website: photosynth.la

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/photosynth.la

Linkedin: https://www.instagram.com/photosynth.la

Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/photosynth.la

Image Credits
Photo 1: Julia Tranfaglia

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.