Actors Daniela Ruah, from left, Chris O’Donnell and LL Cool J crouch as a car is blown up on Ocean Front Walk in Venice during shooting of an episode of “NCIS: Los Angeles.” The CBS series films extensively on L.A. streets. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)
Director James Whitmore Jr. briefs the cast on the next shot as smoke rises from the car blown up in the previous shot. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)
Crew members set up for another shot during filming of an episode of “NCIS: Los Angeles” on Ocean Front Walk in Venice. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)
Actors LL Cool J, from left, Chris O’Donnell, Meta Golding and Daniela Ruah shoot a scene on Ocean Front Walk in Venice. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)
Director of photography Victor Hammer handles a new Canon 7D camera outfitted with a ARRI lens during a location shoot for “NCIS: Los Angeles” in Venice. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)
B camera operator Fred Iannone moves on a camera dolly for a shot during shooting of “NCIS: Los Angeles.” (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)
Director James Whitmore Jr. goes over the next scene with LL Cool J during rehearsal. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)
