East End Capital
East End Studios has opened a new campus in the Arts District, building upon city and state initiatives to boost production in the entertainment industry.
The new Mission Campus is a 255,000 square foot facility providing a slew of services for creatives, including production facilities, five sound states and office space. The campus, which broke ground in July 2024, generated 1,500 construction jobs and is expected to create an additional 750 permanent jobs.
“The Downtown Los Angeles Arts District has been a key focus for us for many years as one of the region’s most dynamic development markets,” said Shep Wainwright, Managing Partner at East End Studios. “Its deep cultural roots and unique character make it an ideal setting for a world-class, fully integrated film and television studio campus.” Wainwright added, “We are deeply grateful for the support of the City of Los Angeles and Mayor Karen Bass, whose leadership helps ensure Los Angeles remains the global center of the entertainment industry.”
The City of Los Angeles has taken several steps over recent months to bolster the entertainment industry. Mayor Karen Bass’ Executive Directive 11 announced planned improvements to generate growth, including the Central Library reopening filming for major productions and the Port of Los Angeles cutting the time it takes to review filming applications.
“LA is the creative capital of the world with our entertainment industry being core to this city’s history and the backbone of our economy,” Bass said. “When we invest in our signature industry we are creating good-paying union jobs, expanding creative outlets and spurring new economic opportunities. I want to congratulate East End Studios on this milestone and look forward to continuing our partnership to deliver for Angelenos.”
Furthermore, city staff are preparing a proposal to return to lower fees for filming at the Griffith Observatory. The LA Department of Transportation has extended staff hours to ensure on-street signage posting requests and changes for local productions are made in a timely manner, the Mayor’s Office said, and has pre-approved certain closures in Downtown Los Angeles, allowing FilmLA — the city’s film permitting partner — to authorize curb lane and local street closures.
“East End Studios’ continued investment in Los Angeles is a strong vote of confidence in our city’s creative economy and workforce. The opening of the Mission Campus not only expands world-class production capacity in the Arts District, but also reflects a long-term commitment to keeping jobs, talent, and innovation here in Los Angeles,” said Denise Gutches, CEO, FilmLA. “Congratulations to the entire East End Studios team on this impressive achievement and their growing success in our region.”
At the state level, Gov. Gavin Newsom has promoted the growth of the entertainment industry through the expanded Film & TV Tax Credit Program. As part of that initiative, “Baywatch” and other major television productions are returning to LA. Many of the jobs that are generated are union jobs, such as with Teamsters Local 399.
“Collaboration is key to protect, stabilize and grow our film and television industry and the important jobs it creates across our state and right here in the heart of Los Angeles,” said Lindsay Dougherty, Teamsters Local 399, Principal Officer & Motion Picture Division Director. “It is the commitment of Hollywood Teamsters, and Hollywood Labor, to continue the advocacy work for programs, policies and investment in infrastructure that promotes a vibrant industry for our members and participates in a thriving local and state economy. While the work continues to remain competitive, we are excited to celebrate the official opening of East End Studios. Now, let’s fill these stages.”
