Manny Halley Takes Over Pacoima Studios
Producer Manny Halley has officially taken control of Pacoima Studios in Los Angeles through a long-term lease. The facility, previously operated by Quixote North Valley Studios, will now be known as Imani Studio.
Details of the Lease
Halley has secured a 25-year lease with an option to purchase the studio complex, which includes four sound stages spread over 125,000 square feet on a six-acre site. The land is still owned by Rexford Industrial Realty.
Quixote’s Exit and Future Plans
Quixote’s departure from many of its leased sound stage facilities in Los Angeles was announced earlier this year, part of a broader pullback by its parent company, Hudson Pacific. This shift reflects ongoing changes in the production landscape, with many projects relocating to find better terms.
Investment and Upgrades
Halley plans to invest up to $5 million in upgrades, which will include advanced technology such as LED volume walls and XR stages. He aims to create a dedicated home base for developing and producing new projects while supporting California’s production industry.
Continuity and Upcoming Projects
The existing staff at Pacoima Studios will remain to ensure a smooth transition. Recent productions at the facility include popular shows like MTV’s RuPaul’s Drag Race and projects for A24, Apple TV+, and Netflix. Future projects for Amazon, Fox, and BET are also in the pipeline.
Halley’s Background and Vision
Halley has an extensive portfolio, including credits for BET’s Lot Patrol and the True to the Game trilogy. His company encompasses various sectors in the entertainment industry, including music and distribution. BET executive Brian Rikuda emphasized the importance of supporting Black ownership in entertainment and expressed enthusiasm for Imani Studios’ growth.
Support for California Productions
Colleen Bell, head of the California Film Commission, highlighted the significance of facilities like Imani Studio in maintaining production jobs and supporting the state’s entertainment economy.
