Senator Portantino’s Statement on New Soundstage Plans for Burbank

For Immediate Release: October 18, 2021

Contact: Lerna Shirinian, (818) 409-0400

Senator Portantino’s Statement on New Soundstage Plans for Burbank

Burbank, California - Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D – La Cañada Flintridge) released the following statement regarding the construction of new soundstages in Burbank by the Worthe Real Estate Group on the historic Warner Bros. property.

“We are at capacity and this is the way to have more production jobs where they belong - in California.  I am ecstatic to see the Worthe Group and Warner Bros. partner to construct 16 new soundstages in Senate District 25.  Our tax incentives are working and supporting much needed production activity.  In recent years, construction of soundstages has not kept pace with the growth in film production, scripted television, and streaming content.  I was proud to author SB 144, which includes $150 million for a new incentive directly tied to the construction of soundstages.  I am hopeful that Warner Bros. and others will be able to take advantage of this new state economic development program.  Entertainment is a core industry in California and one that is essential to the state’s economic success, as well as the vitality of my district.  Modernizing our studio infrastructure creates good paying jobs and ensures that California will remain the entertainment capital of the world.”

Governor Newsom signed Senate Bill 144, authored by Senator Portantino, into law in July 2021.  The bill includes a $180 million increase to the current film and television tax incentive program and $150 million for a new incentive tied to the construction of soundstages.  In addition to the monetary incentive, SB 144 includes a creative plan to increase diversity within the film and television production workforce.

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