L.A. Soundstages Remain Underutilized Despite New Openings

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Los Angeles soundstages are still struggling to lease space to productions, even as new facilities are opening around the region. Soundstage occupancy fell to 62% in the first half of 2025, according to data compiled by FilmLA, as production remained below the levels seen during the 2023 strike. Despite that, the region continues to add soundstage capacity, with new openings from East End Studios and Cinespace Studios.

Why it matters

The underutilization of L.A. soundstages highlights the ongoing challenges facing the entertainment industry as it recovers from the pandemic and the 2023 strike. While new facilities are being built, the lack of full occupancy suggests there is still uncertainty around production levels and the industry's ability to bounce back to pre-pandemic norms.

The details

According to the data from FilmLA, soundstage occupancy in the first half of 2025 fell to 62%, down from higher levels seen before the 2023 strike. This comes even as new soundstage facilities have opened, including East End Studios' five-stage Mission Campus in Boyle Heights and Cinespace Studios' six new stages in Woodland Hills. Several other soundstage projects are also in the works, seeking approvals or under construction.

• Soundstage occupancy fell to 62% in the first half of 2025.
• East End Studios opened its five-stage Mission Campus in Boyle Heights in January.
• Cinespace Studios opened six stages at its new Woodland Hills facility in March.