I'm doing a film project; just me looking at the video camera, and I was thinking Elings has some good background. do I need permission to film there, (again not other people, just me pretty close up, but with a rock wall in the background).

You need a permit from the city. Film LA Inc. issues, and collects 🤑fees on behalf of city of Los Angeles. Elings park is the largest community supported, non profit in the US. No drones allowed though Toby, in case you were thinking about aerial videography 😎

Call the main office. I'm sure that's not an issue and the lady who runs it is very friendly