OCTOBER 2005

"Another condition stipulates that IRG must a meet a required studio use periodfor the next 30 months, guaranteeing the effort to use the land in question for a successful movie studio, and that after 30 months IRG can turn to alternative means of development."

 

Mirrored for historical purposes from:http://www.thedowneypatriot.net/pdfs/October_07z_2005.txt

All systems go with Downey Studios
By Henry Veneracion

DOWNEY--The Downey City Council at its Sept.27 regular meeting approved the certificate of required developement investment, a condition of the purchase and sale agreement drawn in 2003 between the City and Industrial Realty Group (TRG), which is developing the much-anticipated Downey Studios at the old NASA site.


The amount agreed on was a minimum of $13 million, a “good faith” investment assuring one and all that IRG had full faith in its capacity and commitment to build a viable movie studio in Downey.


In its capital expenditure report to the council, and as conveyed by acting Economic Development Department director Charles Vose, IRG matched dollar expenditures to major construction/development categories on the site, applicable to buildings 1, 6, 9, 11, 14, 23 and 290 (especially buildings 1 and 290). Some $3 million has so far, for example, gone towards roof replacement on Building 1, Kaufmann Wing (only 65-plus percent complete), $2.3 million to installing electric and gas infrastructure, and close to $1 million towards building “the largest indoor water tank for filming in the world.”


What this means, of course, is that work on the Downey Studios is proceeding as planned, despite delays, cost overruns and a reported negative campaign from some quarters about ‘safety’ matters surrounding the project.


The same report meanwhile described the economic impact of Downey Studios on the local economy, even before its full completion.

Case in point: movies, TV programs, and commercials have been using its facilities for some time. Overnight stays for cast and crew at the Embassy Suites while filming goes on affords another example. Most security guards are local hires. Many other products and services are being provided by local suppliers. It is said that some 300 elves and extras for a November Disney production are on the boards.


Movie celebrities such as Mark Wahlberg, Charlize Theron, Edward Norton, Ben Stiller, Queen Latifah, Ann Margret, Ewan McGregor, Scarlett Johansson, Tim Allen, Jamie Lee Curtis, Meryl Streep, Jim Carrey—the list goes on and on—have been in and out of Downey, unbeknownst and undetected by most of us. Downey is becoming a byword in the movie industry.


Another condition stipulates that IRG must a meet a required studio use period for
the next 30 months, guaranteeing the effort to use the land in question for a
successful movie studio, and that after 30 months IRG can turn to alternative means
of development. Much street and building construction is going on at present in Downey,
but none is projected to have a greater impact than a completed Downey Studios.
Until then, everybody agrees, “A great deal of work remains.”


Downey Theater plans excursion to Sony Studios


CULVER CITY—A limited number of tickets are still available for the Downey Theater's excursion to the Sony Studios Tour and “Jeopardy! taping on Wednesday, Nov. 2.


The tour affords a behind-the-scenes two-hour walking tour of Sony Studios (formerly the famous home of MGM Studios) at 9 a.m., lunch (on your own) in the famous Studio Commissary at 11 a.m., and a taping of “Jeopardy!” at 12 noon.


This excursion involves extensive walking and a government-issued photo ID is required; no large bags or packages may be taken on the tour, into the Studio Commissary, or into the “Jeopardy!” soundstage. Minimum age requirement is 12 years old.


The excursion will depart Downey City Hall at 7:30 a.m. The $45 per person ticket includes roundtrip bus transportation, the Sony Studios walking tour, and the “Jeopardy!” taping. Return to Downey City Hall will be approximately 4:30 p.m. A limit of two (2) tickets per person will apply; cash or check accepted for payment.


For information, call the Theater Box Office, 12 noon-4 p.m., Monday through Friday, at (562) 861-8211.