About Us
LA Center Studios, LACS to our friends, is the best worst-kept secret in downtown LA—a bustling, 20-acre creative campus that brings film, television, and digital media to life. Nestled just west of the 110 freeway – close to the action, and outside the traffic –, it’s where filmmakers, storytellers, and industry innovators come together in a dynamic environment designed to support every phase of production.
LACS Who We Are
Then: A Vision for Something More
In 1999, a group of forward-thinkers saw potential where others saw an abandoned corporate headquarters. What was once the Union Oil Center—a landmark of mid-century architecture—was on the verge of demolition. But instead of fading into history, it was reimagined as a premier production hub, bridging the gap between Hollywood and downtown Los Angeles.
Now: A Thriving Creative Campus
LACS is Los Angeles’ premier all-in-one production hub. Built to support every aspect of film, television, streaming, and commercial production– we offer state-of-the-art sound stages, practical filming locations, outstanding office suites, and on-site parking all within a fully secure sprawling 20-acre campus.
Then: A Historic Landmark
Built in 1958, the iconic tower at LA Center Studios was originally designed as a corporate headquarters with a modernist vision. At the time, due to its ideal location on a hill, it was LA’s highest building upon its completion—an emblem of a growing city.
Now: A Home for Creativity & Collaboration
Today, the same tower stands tall—not as an oil company headquarters, but as a vertical backlot, a production office hub, and a symbol of adaptive reuse. It’s more than a filming location—it’s a community. From the sunlit courtyards to the dog-friendly spaces, LACS isn’t just where productions are made; it’s where people love to work.
Then: A Single Idea, a Bold Transformation
The transformation wasn’t easy. In a city where entertainment was historically rooted in Hollywood, the idea of a major studio facility downtown was a gamble. But through vision and adaptive reuse, we turned an existing structure into a state-of-the-art production campus, breathing new life into the area while preserving its historic character. This approach not only helped revitalize downtown but also reduced waste and supported environmental sustainability. Construction on our soundstages began in 1998, and by 1999, the first productions rolled in. What started with six stages has grown into a full-scale, multi-purpose entertainment hub, proving that innovation and preservation can go hand in hand.
Now: A Legacy of Storytelling
From blockbuster films like Top Gun Maverick and Fast & Furious X to critically acclaimed series like The Rookie, For All Mankind, and Lincoln Lawyer, LACS has become an integral part of the entertainment landscape. With versatile office spaces, immersive backlot environments, and some of the fastest Wi-Fi in the city, the campus has evolved into a creative ecosystem that keeps productions moving seamlessly.
The Next Chapter
As LA Center Studios celebrates 25 years, the story is still being written. What started as a bold vision has grown into an entertainment powerhouse—one that continues to evolve with the industry. Whether you’re here for a week or a long-term production, welcome to LACS—where you’ll find endless possibilities on one creative campus.