Lost L.A.

Lost L.A. is an innovative documentary series produced by KCET in 2016 that delves into the rich and often forgotten history of Los Angeles, California. Born from a collaboration between public media company KCETLink, the USC Libraries, and the public, the show uncovers the vibrant past of the city and interconnects it with the frenzied present, offering audiences a deeper understanding of the cultural landscape of Southern California.

The series mines the vast collections of the USC Libraries' Special Collections for historical documents, photos, and other archival materials, which are proficiently woven into the narrative. Lost L.A. brings the past alive through these extraordinary materials, offering a fascinating snapshot into the city's evolution and development.

Each episode of Lost L.A. unravels an intriguing tale from the city's past that informs, educates, and often surprises. From the city's founding to its golden era of Hollywood, from its sprawling suburbs to its diversity, Lost L.A. covers all aspects. The series covers a diverse range of topics and locales. Tales from the iconic Griffith Park to the well-known streets of Hollywood, from forgotten buildings with accumulated history to little known figures who shaped the city's culture, all find space in this intriguing show.

The host of the series, Nathan Masters, is a historian and Los Angeles native. His knowledgeable insights and charismatic storytelling make the journey through the labyrinth of L.A.’s history engaging. But this isn't a one-man show. Lost L.A. invites local historians, writers, and experts to share their unique perspectives, contributing to a robust dialogue about the future and past of Los Angeles.

One of the compelling elements of Lost L.A. is its ability to engage the community in the creation of the show. Archived material is derived from community submissions and public sources, fostering a sense of audience involvement and connecting the past to the present in an organic way. It encourages viewers to consider their own relationship with the city, contributing to a layered and thoughtful reflection on urban existence.

Integral to the series is the creative use of visual storytelling. The blend of historical photographs, documents, and innovative graphics draw the viewer in, bridging the divide between past and present, memory and experience. The series is visually delightful and intellectually stimulating, making history accessible, relevant, and entertaining. It also employs interviews, expert commentary, and narration to shape an immersive learning experience.

Lost L.A., however, extends beyond just being a series about the city's past. It's also an exploration of how historical forces and pivotal events have shaped the city we know today. Aspects such as racial tensions, environmental challenges, urban sprawl, class struggles, and cultural melting pot are all part of the narrative, offering a nuanced snapshot of the city's socially complex and geographically diverse structure.

One of the strengths of Lost L.A is that it offers fresh perspectives on commonly known aspects of Los Angeles history. Whether it's a new angle on the city's architecture or a deep dive into sectors of its economy, every episode is rigorous in its research, and enlightening in its content, creating a sense of rediscovery even for seasoned Los Angeles aficionados.

The series doesn't just offer a dive into the past, but also serves as a springboard for a dialogue about the city's future. It encourages conversations about preservation, urban planning, cultural identity, and more. By looking back, Lost L.A. offers a means of understanding where we might be headed, reminding us that cities are not just static entities, but evolving landscapes shaped by their inhabitants.

Lost L.A. is an intellectual journey into the city's historic nooks and crannies, filled with rich storytelling that appeals to history buffs, LA natives, and newcomers alike. It's a tribute to a city that's always changing but remains steeped in its historical roots, offering an enlightening and engrossing look at one of America's most iconic urban spaces. It's not just a retelling - Lost L.A. is a rediscovery.