Plan for Studio Complex in Canoga Park Trips on MTA By CARLOS MARTINEZ Staff Reporter A local special effects company wants to build a 400,000-square-foot film studio complex in Canoga Park. The company, WonderWorks, which currently operates on the site in Canoga Park, has proposed a $9-million redevelopment that would include four sound stages and 200,000-square-feet of office space for post- production, special effects and other entertainment-related businesses. But the project could be foiled by plans for a North-South Valley Busway on the property at Canoga Avenue and Sherman Way. “With the plans for the busway uncertain, it makes it that much harder to get financing for the project,” said John Palmer, who along with his partner Brick Price, owns WonderWorks. The property is owned by the Metropolitan Transit Authority and is part of a public right of way. MTA spokesman Rick Jager said it could take months or years for a decision on the busway, which would run north and south, to be made. Price said the company could incorporate a bus station and busway into its designs, but they and potential lenders need assurance that the MTA would not interfere with the development. Los Angeles City Councilman Dennis Zine said he plans to help push the project through the permit process. “This is something that this community needs, not only in terms of jobs, but in revitalizing the entire area,” said Zine. “I want to show that the city doesn’t just talk a good game about keeping production in town, but is actually doing something about it,” he said. Because the company leases the property well below market value, Price plans to rent studio facilities at rates 20 to 25 percent below the going rate at local studios, an incentive for companies now working in Canada to reduce expenses. Film producer Chris Bremble, president of Avondale Entertainment, said the low rates would provide a strong incentive to keep production local. “Nobody wants to go to Canada, but they’re forced to because of costs, so if you cut some of that you have more productions staying here,” he said. Likewise, Richard Hatch, actor and president of BerlinQuest Entertainment Studio, said the WonderWorks project would attract more jobs and improve the local economy. “With reduced costs of using the studio, companies are going to want to come and bring jobs with them,” he said.
