Am I being overly dramatic when I say that I think the Disney Studios at the Ranch proposal could remake and reshape much of Santa Clarita for decades to come?
Probably. I’m given to wild histrionics occasionally and I plead guilty to that in this case.
But I think that statement might be justified and here’s why. This isn’t just a bunch of a studio soundstages being built in Santa Clarita. It’s the wholesale construction of a new industry for Santa Clarita. Whereas before Hollywood had dipped its toes into the pool of the SCV (or perhaps waded waist-deep around in it), now a major player has stripped down to its skivvies, mounted the diving board, and performed a flawless reverse double somersault right into the deep end.
Really bad metaphors aside, I think Jason Crawford is right when he says:
I think that now that Disney is committed to doing this, we’re going to see many post-production, visual effects and other film-related businesses that want to move here as well.
Businesses and industries tend to congregate and when a major player like Disney decides to invest in an area, other supporting businesses are sure to follow. We’ve already seen this happen in Santa Clarita; there are several biotech firms in town, quite a few minor defense contractors and of course, the existing film infrastructure has only encouraged more filming in Santa Clarita.
What’s more, this could be really good for Newhall. An anecdote: back in the closing, angst-ridden last days of Newhall Hardware, I heard many stories from film pros about how they would miss the crowded 60 year old hardware store because they could literally find anything they needed there. That sentiment came from roving bands of film pros who worked in town for a given length of time.
Now imagine a permanent, high-quality studio and soundstage operating year round right across the freeway where future TV hits are produced. How many new businesses will pop up to support that enterprise? I’m talking about businesses providing the nuts and bolts of the film industry: make up artists, lighting consultants, parts suppliers, commercial real estate, equipment maintenance, camera professionals, sound engineers and more. In other words, a place like Burbank.
And what SCV community stands to benefit the most from that? Where will some of that Disney-estimated $522 million in economic activity surely go? Newhall.
We might even see in short order people/speculators purchasing or investing in property in and around Newhall just in anticipation of these new studios. I imagine Old Town Newhall will benefit directly as long as the City executes correctly.
Speaking of that, the city is going to need to get busy on building infrastructure for this. Obviously, the extension of Dockweiler through to Lyons Avenue should become a high priority. We need to funnel Disney workers right into town without sending them down Sierra Highway on a goose chase.
Again I may be guilty of overstating this proposal and its effects on the SCV, but it is quite exciting to think about the possibilities. What a great legacy for the place William S. Hart once called home.
I absolutely agree with that assessment, and if I had the resources, I’d buy up the old Newhall Hardware store and reopen it, focusing on the needs of the film industry, with some grip and expendables in addition to the eclectic hardware collection of years past. Perfect for when you run out of grip tape while shooting an “Anytown, America” scene in downtown Newhall.
Jeff:
You are sometimes prone to exaggeration like any person born after 1970, but this IS a BIG deal.
There was an earlier point by Brian that these are essentially empty warehouses – nothing more than a series of soundstages.
Brian, perhaps YOU don’t understand: Disney has a shortage of studio space today. They are borrowing soundtages from independents, piecing production together from multiple locations and additional production units.
This is a cost-saving move – Disney won’t be renting external space and can wrap a show without coordinating multi-location, multi-unit production.
The recent LA times article quoted a Disney rep thusly: “The Ranch provides a phenomenal and unique opportunity to leverage the advantages of co-locating indoor and outdoor production and creating a new cost-efficient model for our productions.”
Timmy:
And like any person born before 1970, you are prone to stereotyping!
Now aren’t we REALLY glad the MRF across the way didn’t materialize? I think office space and/or auxillary services on that parcel would be an ideal land use given its close proximity to The Ranch.
You’re exactly right, Jeff. There are so many layers to this thing that it will be fodder for commentary for many years to come. One thing we *should* see it directly impact is the four corners at Sierra & Newhall Ave. The first project(s) were envisioned as a large gateway; now they can and hopefully will turn into a monumental gateway complete with at least one large hotel and convention center. With Disney and Gate-King and the four corners, Newhall will be on its way. Combined, the activity has seriously piqued the interest of developers, positioning the city (or more correctly the redevelopment agency) to purchase & repackage entire blocks in Old Town Newhall, and start building out the vision of the Downtown Newhall Specific Plan. (We saw one instance of this in today’s Signal.) Of interest to me, personally, will be the job we members of the public do as Santa Clarita Valley-minded folks to make sure Newhall’s history is preserved and championed in the process. It doesn’t have to be lost. It *can* be preserved and even emboldened like never before. Imagine what the Historical Society would be able to do if only it had money — and now, for the first time in the Historical Society’s (Newhall-based) existence, there will be real money in Newhall. I hope we will be able to convince downtown developers to incorporate “local history” into their projects with the same enthusiasm that many of them incorporate “public art.”
The City should be talking to the Disney company, and asking to see if they would be interested in being annexed. The City could expedite the planning and create a developement agreement that would benifit the Disney company and the City. This is the kind of developement that would be good for our City.
From what information I have thus far, this appears to be a win win for all of us. A company that is sensitive to the surrounding community, high paying quality jobs in an industry that does not add much to the negative,high quality design values, a big boost for our Plaza at Golden Valley shopping center right up the 14 Fwy at Golden Valley Road that is struggling a bit right now, more than likely incorporation into our City, and a whole host of other benefits. Unless there is something important I am missing here, Hurray!
Mr. Boydston: You don’t think LACO would grind the thing to a screeching halt if that were to take place? I get that we want to keep it in the family, but let’s not get greedy…
Nickeldime:
Who said I was born before 1970?
I will.
Geesh – TimBen. Can’t you just say something like “wow this is great.” or perhaps “wonderful job City Film Division”. Or even a simple “what a great opprlortunity.”
one step at a time.
You obviously have nothing positive to say even when there is something entirely positive happening.
And speaking of fantasies! Tomorrow and Saturday nights are the last nights to visit the Heritage Haunt at the Historical Society Train Station. If you or your kids are into Halloween DON’T miss this one. The Haunt guys have gone above and beyond this year. Doors open at 7:00 so get there early and avoid the long lines. Tickets $10. Kids under 7 free.
Timmy,
You look wise beyond your years!
SCVfan sounds like something Frank Ferry would say.
It’s called being balanced.
Frank, relax. TBB things it’s a good thing too, he’s just looking at the next step, the next move.
A game of chess is like a swordfight.
You must think first, before you move.
If what you say is true, the Shaolin and the Wu-Tang – could be dangerous.
Do you think your Wu-Tang sword can defeat me?
Huh? Who are you talking to?
Next Burbank, could be. Wouldn’t that be nice…
{The recent LA times article quoted a Disney rep thusly: “The Ranch provides a phenomenal and unique opportunity to leverage the advantages of co-locating indoor and outdoor production and creating a new cost-efficient model for our productions}
Hardly a new concept!
I think Disney’s decision to come to Santa Clarita Valley is great! Definitely beneficial for future growth. Lastly, I cannot believe we lost Newhall Hardware, they were a landmark for the Newhall community.