Stocker Street Creative is set to become a groundbreaking force in film and television production, establishing a state-of-the-art entertainment campus in Baldwin Hills, a historic neighborhood in Los Angeles, California.
Designed as a hub for storytellers, creators, and industry professionals, the project offers sound stages, creative office spaces, and post-production facilities. It aims to bridge the gap between Hollywood and underrepresented voices in South Los Angeles.
Jessica Sarowitz, founder and managing partner of 4S Bay Partners, said the project is about creating an infrastructure that fosters storytelling from historically marginalized communities.
“We needed to partner and tell the story—not just of this site but of the people, the activists, and the creatives who have shaped this area into what it is today,” said Sarowitz.
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Stocker Street Creative is strategically located along the Crenshaw Boulevard Corridor, an area rich in Black cultural history and artistic expression.
This region has been home to prominent civil rights figures, musicians, filmmakers, and visual artists. Sarowitz said the studio is not just about physical space but about cultivating an industry ecosystem.
Stanley Washington, president, and CEO of Pantheon Business Consulting, emphasized that accessibility is a key focus of the project, ensuring production resources are available for both local and visiting filmmakers.
“We were going to make at least 10,000 square feet available for ongoing lease,” said Washington. “We were also looking at equipment rentals to support independent productions.”
Stocker Street Creative is launching at a pivotal moment in the industry, as Hollywood continues to grapple with representation and access issues. Sarowitz said independent filmmakers, particularly those from marginalized communities, face significant barriers. “The way in which distribution was structured was broken for independent filmmakers,” she said.
Washington said the project is structured to support long-term economic growth and entertainment career development in South Los Angeles. The initial plan focused on repurposing existing buildings, but community feedback led to a more ambitious approach. “One of the things we realized was that the creative community here was already incredibly rich,” said Washington.
The entertainment campus is designed to house large-scale productions while maintaining a space for independent and emerging creatives. Plans include cutting-edge sound stages, editing suites, and screening areas. The campus will also serve as a venue for industry events, premieres, and community film screenings.
“We were going to be wired for audio-visual sound, and we were going to have a screen for film events, performances, and community gatherings,” Sarowitz said. “It was about creating an open space where the community could come together and see themselves reflected in the work being produced.”
Washington said Stocker Street Creative is also dedicated to workforce development, ensuring that opportunities extend beyond actors and directors. “People are always focused on the talent in front of the camera,” he said. “But guess what? You needed accountants, editors, facility managers, and restaurant operators.”
As Hollywood continues to evolve, Sarowitz said Stocker Street Creative is uniquely positioned to redefine the production pipeline by prioritizing diversity and equity from the ground up. She emphasized that this project is not just about development but about shifting the entertainment industry.
“Sometimes the best ideas happened after the fact,” said Sarowitz. “The community wanted jobs, the community wanted opportunity, and there was so much talent here. Putting a studio here was about empowering that talent and making sure these stories were told.”
Washington said the response from the local creative community has reinforced the necessity of the project. “We knew this was a big idea,” he said. “But once we started talking to the community, it became clear just how many people in this neighborhood had been working in entertainment for years.”
With its focus on infrastructure, economic impact, and entertainment innovation, Stocker Street Creative is set to become a major player in Los Angeles’ production landscape. Sarowitz said she remains committed to the long-term success of the project. “This work took time, and we knew there were challenges, but we were building something real here,” she said.
