Despite facing economic pressures, production slowdowns, and growing competition from tax-incentivized regions, Southern California is doubling down on its role as the global hub of entertainment. Developers, city officials, and industry leaders are banking on a strong rebound in 2025, committing billions of dollars to modernize and expand the region’s soundstage infrastructure. From historic revivals like Radford Studio Center to ambitious new projects like East End Studios’ ADLA campus, these investments signal confidence in Hollywood’s resilience and its enduring status as the epicenter of global content creation.
Radford Studio Center: Revitalizing a Legacy
Hackman Capital Partners and The MBS Group are leading a $1 billion overhaul of the 55-acre Radford Studio Center in Studio City. Originally built in the late 1920s as Mack Sennett Studios, the lot has been home to iconic productions like Gilligan’s Island, Seinfeld, and Will & Grace. The redevelopment plan includes:
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20-25 New Soundstages: Modern facilities to meet soaring demand for high-quality production spaces.
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Enhanced Production Facilities: New production offices, basecamps, and support facilities.
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Community Integration: A new bike and pedestrian path along the Los Angeles River, improved pedestrian infrastructure, and multimodal mobility hubs.
“This studio means so much to our community, not just as an important hub of content creation but as an economic engine,” said Michael Klausman, president of Radford Studio Center. The redevelopment is projected to generate $5.5 billion in new economic activity and over 8,000 jobs, underscoring its potential to invigorate Studio City and the wider Los Angeles region.
Television City: Betting $1 Billion on the Comeback
Hackman Capital Partners’ $1 billion expansion of Television City underscores its faith in the region’s recovery. Located in the Fairfax District, the redevelopment will include:
Eight State-of-the-Art Soundstages: Designed to attract high-profile productions.
A 15-Story Office Tower: Providing integrated office and production spaces.
“We are confident these cycles will work themselves out, and Los Angeles will continue to be the global capital of media,” says Zach Sokoloff, senior vice president at Hackman Capital.
East End Studios: Pioneering the Next Generation of Production
East End Studios is reshaping Los Angeles’ production landscape with purpose-built campuses designed to accommodate the industry’s evolving needs.
ADLA Campus in the Arts District: This $1 billion flagship project will feature 16 state-of-the-art soundstages and extensive post-production facilities across 1.28 million square feet. Designed for virtual and XR production, it epitomizes the future of filmmaking.
Mission Campus in Boyle Heights: Scheduled for completion in late 2025, this $230 million development includes five soundstages and support facilities, tailored for episodic television and commercial projects.
Glendale Campus: Opened in 2024, this 97,000-square-foot site has already hosted productions from Apple, Hulu, and Amazon. “For the most part, [traditional studios] weren’t purpose-built for today’s workflow,” says Shep Wainwright, managing partner at East End Studios.
With 38 soundstages across 2.7 million square feet in development, East End Studios is one of the most active players in the Southern California market, targeting both television and streaming productions to sustain occupancy rates.
Echelon Studios: A New Hollywood Landmark
Set to transform a full city block on Santa Monica Boulevard, Echelon Studios is a $600 million project by Bardas Investment Group and Bain Capital Real Estate. When completed in 2026, it will include:
Four 19,000-Square-Foot Soundstages: Designed to meet modern production needs with cutting-edge technology.
Integrated Facilities: Over 388,000 square feet of office space, 12,300 square feet of retail, and curated public spaces featuring gardens and courtyards.
“This project is designed with Hollywood’s future in mind,” notes Bardas Investment Group, emphasizing Echelon’s blend of functionality and community integration. As the first purpose-built studio in Hollywood in decades, Echelon Studios reflects the area’s enduring allure for filmmakers.
Warner Bros. Ranch Lot: A Burbank Icon Expands
Warner Bros. Discovery is also betting on a brighter future with its $500 million redevelopment of the Ranch Lot in Burbank. The project will add:
16 Soundstages: Increasing production capacity for one of Hollywood’s most storied lots.
229,000 Square Feet of Office Space: Supporting administrative and creative teams on-site.
“This project will transform the area and usher in a new stage of growth,” says Jeff Worthe, president of Worthe Real Estate Group. Expected to be completed by late 2025, the redevelopment will further solidify Warner Bros.’ presence in Los Angeles.
Chula Vista Entertainment Complex: San Diego Joins the Spotlight
In San Diego County, filmmaker Aaron David Roberts is spearheading an $85 million project to establish the Chula Vista Entertainment Complex, which will feature:
89,000 Square Feet of Virtual Production Facilities: Including state-of-the-art soundstages and post-production facilities.
Community Focus: Providing resources for local filmmakers and emerging talent.
