New Hollywood Studio Will Open in Early 2027
Developer David Simon is building a high-tech movie production facility designed to spark local industry growth.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Commercial
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Echelon Studios Hollywood will launch in early 2027 on a 5-acre site along Santa Monica Boulevard. This $450 million development aims to address space constraints in the local industry while capitalizing on potential tax credit expansion.
Why it matters
The project seeks to bolster local production capacity amid recent downturns in filming activity throughout the region. The developer intends to leverage state and federal tax incentives to attract creators back to Los Angeles.
The 10-acre studio facility, developed by BARDAS Investment Group, represents a $450 million investment. The site replaces a former Sears store with five soundstages and parking for over 1,000 cars.
The players
David Simon
Founder of BARDAS Investment Group who has led the development of major local commercial entertainment projects since 2018.
BARDAS Investment Group
A developer focused on commercial real estate and creative office spaces that serve the needs of the Hollywood entertainment industry.
The details
To fit the 10-acre studio capacity onto a 5-acre lot, the facility uses a vertical design that stacks soundstages, support bungalows, and parking within one building. Engineers used thick concrete, drywall, and insulation layers to isolate the stages from the vehicle areas below, ensuring quiet environments despite the dense footprint.
Timeline
1920s: Metro Pictures Corp. operated at the Television Center site.
2018: David Simon founded his company.
Q2 2026: Film and TV production decreased in Los Angeles.
Late July 2026: FilmLA reported production declines.
Early 2027: Echelon Studios Hollywood is scheduled to open.
Money Landscape
This development marks a significant investment in studio infrastructure despite the recent downturn in local filming volume. It follows a pattern of developers expanding capacity in anticipation of state tax credit programs designed to incentivize entertainment production.
The opening of the studio may influence local commercial real estate demand and employment opportunities in the entertainment sector. Households should monitor how these large-scale investments affect regional tax bases and industry-related job growth in the coming year.
The takeaway
The $450 million Echelon Studios project highlights a bet on the long-term resilience of the Los Angeles entertainment sector. Interested parties should monitor the status of federal tax credit legislation, which the developer identified as a key driver for future production volume.
Further reading
For broader trends in property investment and business development, see the commercial section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Los Angeles Times.
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