Los Angeles Film Industry Faces Challenges Despite Recent Studio Openings

Los Angeles remains a global leader in soundstage capacity, but a recent dip in production occupancy and a decline in production jobs signal challenges for the city’s entertainment industry. Despite the opening of new facilities like Cinespace Studios in Woodland Hills and East End Studios in Boyle Heights, the industry is navigating a period of transition impacted by factors like industry strikes and increased competition from other production hubs.

Soundstage Occupancy and Production Trends

Data from FilmLA reveals that soundstage occupancy in Los Angeles decreased to 62% in 2025, a drop from pre-strike levels in 2023. Simultaneously, new studio spaces are entering the market. Cinespace Los Angeles, which debuted on March 2, 2026, features six 18,000-square-foot soundstages within its 180,000-square-foot campus [1]. East End Studios, a 255,000-square-foot facility with five soundstages, opened in the Arts District last month [2].

Cinespace Studios Expands to Los Angeles

Cinespace Studios’ Woodland Hills campus, located at 21200 Victory Blvd., represents the company’s first foray into the Los Angeles market. The 10-acre site also includes 72,000 square feet of production offices [3]. The studio already has an active production underway: the thriller “Nightwatching,” directed by Adam Schindler and Brian Netto [3]. Cinespace Studios operates additional campuses in Chicago, Atlanta, Toronto, Wilmington, North Carolina and Potsdam, Germany, totaling 115 soundstages across 4.3 million square feet of production space [3].

Mayor Bass Supports Industry Revival

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has actively supported the entertainment industry, recognizing its importance to the city’s economy. She participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Cinespace Los Angeles on March 2, stating that the opening demonstrates that “LA is the creative capital of the world” [3] and [2]. She also recently joined the grand opening of East End Studios in the Arts District [4].

Competition from Other Production Hubs

Despite Los Angeles’ continued dominance in soundstage capacity, the city faces increasing competition from other production centers, including New York and England. Production jobs in Los Angeles have fallen by 40% since 2022 [2].

Location and Accessibility of Cinespace Los Angeles

Cinespace Los Angeles is strategically located in Woodland Hills, offering proximity to talent and producers in West Hills, Topanga Canyon, Malibu, and Calabasas [1]. The campus also benefits from nearby amenities, including retail options and the new Ram’s practice facility [1].