Echelon Studios Hollywood Nears Completion, Offering Vertical Production Facilities and Sky Bungalows

Developer David Simon is nearing completion on Echelon Studios Hollywood, a $450 million project designed to revitalize local film and television production. Located on a former Sears site on Santa Monica Boulevard, the innovative studio packs five soundstages and extensive production facilities into a single building, effectively fitting a 10-acre studio onto a 5-acre footprint. Architect Andrew Wright of RIOS designed the complex, which also features landscaped bungalows atop the structure, offering panoramic views and aiming to recreate a classic Hollywood studio ambiance.

Despite a significant downturn in Southern California's production activity, with feature film shoots down 20% and TV production down 30% in the second quarter, Simon is optimistic about a rebound. He cites expanded state tax credits and a pending 20% federal tax credit as key drivers. Jamie Crosbie, who will head studio operations, believes the industry is on the cusp of a "renaissance." The project, initiated five years ago amid high demand for soundstages, is poised to open early next year. This vertical development strategy provides a compact, modern solution for filmmakers seeking to operate within Los Angeles, potentially influencing future urban studio designs.