Bringing a Little Love Back to Los Angeles with Suits LA

By Dan Rovetto, ACE

"Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies."

– The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

"It’s not about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward." – Rocky Balboa (2006)

The iconic Hollywood sign stands majestically against a vibrant sunset sky, overlooking the sprawling cityscape.

When I had been hired to edit the pilot for the latest series in the Suits franchise, I didn’t quite understand how much it would mean to me to work on a series set in Los Angeles.  Suits LA would have an all-new cast while retaining the sharp-witty drama and comedy of the original series.  However, instead of faking Toronto for NYC, the city I came of age in, as in the original series; Suits LA was both set and filmed in Los Angeles.  The city that I have come to call home for the past 15 years.    

Back in 2010, I managed to convince my pregnant wife Nicole to move our young family to Santa Monica from New Jersey, away from anyone we knew, in order to chase my dream of

becoming an ACE editor in scripted television.  A genuine longshot if not for the early support and encouragement of Lori Jane Coleman, ACE, Executive Director of American Cinema Editors Jenni McCormick and perhaps a little naiveite.  Those early years where the adventure was real and everything was new couldn’t have been more exciting.  And as I was expanding my network in Hollywood, I was unknowingly becoming rooted to Los Angeles at the same time.  Whether the hikes I would take with my family, the waves I would surf with my son or the bonds I would form with friends and colleagues, Los Angeles has truly become more than just a path for career advancement.  It has become my home.  It has become something I wouldn’t give up on, it has become something I would fight for.

Hollywood has seen its fair share of obstacles over the past couple of years.  The global pandemic in 2020 rocked the industry, as it did so many others, with its wide spread shutdowns and overall disruption.  As the industry tried to come up with clever ways to keep the camera’s rolling, the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes in 2023 halted Hollywood’s post-pandemic recovery efforts as our colleagues, friends and union brothers and sisters fought for fair compensation, stronger workers' rights, and greater employment protections from the use of AI.  And then, well…sweeping wildfires hit at the beginning of the new year devasting so many communities in the greater Los Angeles area from the beaches of Malibu to the mountains in Altadena.

It’s no secret that a common sentiment is that Hollywood and Los Angeles are on the decline.  Heck the most popular podcaster in the world won’t stop talking about how far things have fallen and has all but given up on those of us that continue to fight for the industry and city that we love.  However when I look around, I see creative, like-minded, good humans who are not ready to call it quits.  

Having the opportunity to be a part of Suits LA at this very moment has been extra special.  In the series, the city of Los Angeles naturally becomes a character in the show through storytelling.  With our characters working as lawyers in Los Angeles, it was inevitable that themes would revolve around Hollywood—agents, actors, and the entertainment industry. This alone gives the city a strong, undeniable presence in the series, shaping the plot and the characters' journeys in a way that feels authentic.

Beyond the narrative, we emphasize LA’s beauty with transitional shots between scenes. Aerial views and sweeping images of the cityscape give a distinct feel of LA and help ground the show in its setting. These transitions make this beautiful, unique city feel like an integral part of the story rather than just a backdrop—it’s woven into the fabric of every episode.  

With each project, I aim to grow and share my experiences with others. Suits LA reminded me of why I fell in love with storytelling in the first place—and how, as editors, we have the power to shape narratives that leave lasting impressions. At such a difficult and pivotal time in Los Angeles’ history, it feels more important than ever to bring a little love back to this city. By embracing LA’s vibrant spirit, Suits LA doesn’t just tell its story—it celebrates a city that’s continually finding ways to rise from the ashes, reminding us all of the magic this city holds.