D.M. Gremlin Productions

Wow, what a mess. I thought it was sketchy when she said that for payment they only took cash and USPS money orders and that I had to bring cash to the facility at least 48 hours before my recording session, or mail a USPS money order. But I figured she must have a lot of credit card fraud or something, so I drove across town to pay for my session in advance.
When I got there to pay, I knocked on the door and nobody answered. So I tried the knob and it was locked. I was getting out my phone to call when she opened the door with a bunch of attitude and insisted that I hadn’t knocked. Not the epitome of customer service but honestly I was too distracted by the smell. There were several birds — loose and in cages — and it smelled like it.
I was a little worried about what the facilities were like since what I was looking at didn’t even remotely resemble the pictures on the website, (but they were clear that they DO NOT give a tour of the facilities as part of the payment appointment,) plus it was just a voice recording session so looks weren’t that big of a deal. Then she gave me my «receipt» which was hand written on notebook paper. (It was at that point I started to think that the whole «cash only» thing was probably a bid to dodge taxes.) But the place had some good reviews and I wanted to give her the benefit of the doubt.
Then I tried to pay for my $ 70 appointment with a $ 100 bill, and she said that she didn’t take $ 100 bills (she also said that she had told me that in her e-​mail which wasn’t true, but in fairness when I got home I was able to find it buried on the terms and conditions page of the website) and that she probably didn’t have change, and that I’d need to go break the bill somewhere and come back. At that point I stopped apologizing for her in my head and snapped back into reality — I looked around at the smelly run-​down facilities, and went over my interactions with her and realized that, regardless of any positive reviews, I realized that his was not going to be a professional — let alone pleasant — experience, and I realized that I simply could not imagine any kind of professional product coming out of this place. So I gave her back her notebook paper receipt and wished her the best.

A friend and I recently finished recording a 7 song ep at D.M. Gremlin. We were very happy with the recording and service provided. I had not been in a recording studio for about 10 years and instantly felt comfortable and confident that everything would come out great. Wendy is great at what she does and did not waste any time during production. I highly recommend this studio and plan to go back to record more music in the future.

The staff was very helpful and friendly. They where able to set the appointment for very short notice. The equipment are AlienBees, some of the setups require a complete lighting reorganization as some of the props can’t be moved. They have three back drops to choose from. I would go there again. The modifiers they have are a medium softbox, a strip box as a head light, a small softbox and a beauty dish.

I would not recommend this place for any professional photo shoot or even for a beginner. Do not come here just to save money because you will have to spend so much time editing afterwards.
I came here a few months ago to shoot a product photo shoot. The location is not ideal but that could be overlooked if this studio had offered higher value. When you walk in, there are birds in cages and a bunch of props/​things lying around.
The venue and backdrops are disgustingly dirty, messy, and disorganized. I felt like I needed to sanitize my whole body afterwards! There is no way you can do product photoshoots on the backdrops here for the backdrops are so revolting, it looks like they haven’t washed it ever. The studio itself has all the props described in the plans but they only look like good condition AFTER being photoshopped. The Alien Strobes and lights were fine for a beginner, the connection was lost a couple of times though. I would spend the extra money to go else where for a professional shoot or just shoot outdoors.

Easily one of the sketchiest photo places in LB. The owner is an extremely argumentative, awful person, and loves to make life difficult for clients.

D.M. Gremlin is nothing short of professional. It is a friendly atmosphere, and the owner knows everything from recording, mixing, producing, etc. The list is endless. Not to mention, the prices are way more affordable than most. We always walk away with a fantastic mix, and have never been disappointed. We have also used the live room for practicing. They are very accommodating and I can say that I have never had a problem with D. M. Gremlin Productions! Thanks for keeping us in the groove!

I have been going to this studio for 9 years. It is a great studio. I have completed many projects at DM Gremlin studios including albums for bands from the east coast, and Australia. It is professional, affordable, and efficient. The owner Wendy is a great musician, and has played keyboards, percussion, and guitar on quite a few of my projects. She is very knowledgeable, and has a great ear. It is great to work with someone who hears the parts, and can make constructive criticism in a way that does not make you feel dumb. She has helped me grow as a musician working with her. I wish I had four hands so I could give it four thumbs up.

Cool vibe, great experience!

We travel from Los Angeles to use this studio. It is WORTH the drive.
From photoshoots to recording sessions this is the only place I’ll go.
The lady who runs it is so nice and a total pro… making sure all our needs were met.
We walk away each time happy and with a great product.
Thx Dm Gremlin!!!

This «rental photo studio» may be the cheapest in town but there is a saying that is true in nearly all cases: YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR.
First this «photo studio» is a total dump and it is also in a very scary crack infested ghetto neighborhood in Long Beach. I wouldnt have my worst enemy walk around that neighborhood. You really have to lock your car in this non-​safe neigborhood and thats on a Sunday morning! Like the previous reviewer said, the studio manager is rude and totally amateur, and trys to embarrass you in front of your client if you sit on her furniture or move any of her stuff. But thats only the beginning. This place looks like its had one too many parties/​raves.
Only the CHEAPEST studio lights are used at this «photo studio». The studio lights used are entry level Alien Bees. I personally hate Alien Bees although Einsteins/​White Lighting from Paul Buff are OK. Its bad enough Alien Bees are used which are made of cheap plastic, non-​color temp consistant and tend to break with heavy light modifiers… but when its been used and abused without replacement and you are trying to give the best photo possible… its time to look for new photo studio rental .
I have rented at pro– photo studios and none that I am aware of use Alien Bees. The studios I rent at use professional studio strobes like Profoto pack and heads. YES its more expensive but the quality of light is so much better.
Only go here if you are in a pinch and desperately need a place to shoot but truely you are better off buying your own studio strobe lights and finding a place to shoot or pony up a little more rental cash (you can pass it on to your client who will rather pay extra for higher quality photos) and rent at a pro photo studio.

This is the best bargain in L.A. County. Where can you find a studio rental at $ 22 a hour with all equipment, a kitchen, a lounge, and a large recording area with hardwood floors. Parking in back is convenient and it is close two two major freeways. I even liked the terrazo floors in the lobby. If you live a little far away it is worth the drive.

A studio my friend intro’d me to in Long Beach. It is on the ghetto-​er side of Long Beach and it is hard to miss. I usually park on the streets and nothing has happened to my car. I hear there’s a parking structure in the back but I haven’t parked there yet.
However, their studio setup is pretty sweet once you get in. Two big studios with a good amount of backdrops, props and lighting gear (soft boxes, spot, strip lighting, umbrellas, reflectors, light stands — alienbees but I think they had some profoto gear). They also can convert one into a recording studio which is neat! They also have a makeup and wardrobe room. They also have an outdoor area if you want to use that as an area to shoot.
The staff is very friendly and the rental rates are astoundingly good. Something around $ 15-​$ 22/​hour which includes all the equipment and … you get pocketwizards (for those of us who haven’t gotten them yet… *raises hand*). I took a lighting workshop here — 8 hours, they provided lunch, the models, lighting and makeup artist. Adam (the teacher) and Wendy were both very knowledgeable and I learned a lot about the studio lighting setup with various elements.
They are very on top of the ball — so when they say RSVP is required. You better make sure you got that in!
Probably would go back to test try some shoots again. =)

had a photo shoot here. location is a bit on the ghetto side. the place is a lot smaller than i expected. parking is very limited. getting to the parking lot is a challenge. i almost scratched up the orange creamsicle getting to the parking area. that would not have been good.
we worked in one studio. they had a music system that i hooked my ipod up to. good selection of backdrops and props. and there’s a makeup and wardrobe room with a mirror and lights! that’s rare.
outside was some artwork. (i’ll post the pics). it was kinda scary but kinda cool. not sure if i’d go back here again tho.