Find Film Studio spaces for rent in Burbank, CA

About Burbank

Burbank is an incorporated city located 12 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. According to the 2020 census, the population was marked at 107,000. The history of Burbank follows that of cities and regions in Southern California. There were conflicts between Spain and Mexico for control and land grants with ranchers and farmers being the benefactors.

The entertainment industry outgrew Hollywood by the early 1920s. Burbank had an established manufacturing base at the time of the film industry’s overflow. Hollywood is the iconic symbol of the entertainment sector, but Burbank became the premier location for production services. The big-name studios, like Disney, Nickelodeon, and Warner Brothers, are located in Burbank.

The film industry did not completely take precedence in Burbank’s economy. The changes in manufacturing plants over the ensuing decades resulted in cleaner operations and the efficient use of space. The technologies applied in both industries are clean and enhance the diversity of Burbank’s economic base.

Today, Burbank has the second largest inventory of Class A office space in the valley at the highest lease rates. It is estimated that only one-quarter of the employed population work in Burbank. The venues offered for a Burbank film studio space range from fully built-out stages with green screen technology to open spans you can furnish and equip as needed.

Film Studio Space Options in Burbank

Finding film studio spaces in Burbank is easy. It is choosing from so many great venues that can be difficult. To narrow it down, make a list of your needs from the size of the space to the amenities it offers. And do not forget to consider the number of local experts that can help you with your space.

• Studio Equipment Rental
  The open, free-span studio spaces are plentiful in Burbank. An essential contractor will be for the design and the engineering of the a/v and lighting systems. These professionals will need to meet with the producers to become familiar with the set and the scope of the project to plan and install the appropriate equipment. The training and support to the grips will also be necessary to organize and maintain the equipment during filming.
  
  
• Catering
  The catering to a film studio is a defined service style. A caterer specializing in food service to a film set knows that the service style needs to be professional and flexible. Those working on a set want to perform their duties and get through a shoot without an intrusive service style. The catering is both important and necessary but, of all the vendors present on the set, the caterers should be the vendor needing the least direction.
  
  
• Permitting
  The film ordinance in effect is consistent with the suggested form provided by the California Film Commission. However, the ordinance retains the city’s authority to require a permit for all filming, with very limited exceptions for certified sound stages. A permit is required for film projects by students and non-profit organizations, but the permit fee may be waived or reduced.

Film Studio Space Companies in Burbank

The choices of local companies based in Burbank providing ancillary services are abundant. Given the entertainment industry is a major economic driver, it stands to reason that you can find studio space companies in Burbank that can help.

• Illuminar
  This Glendale-based equipment company provides solution-based services for the design and equipment rental for lighting and production supplies customized for the shoot. The equipment for rent and the supplies for purchase cover both the specifications for the design and the expendables for the use of the equipment. Illuminar has assembled curated packages for quick shoots, mobile projects, and long-term schedules with a higher demand for equipment use.
  
  
• Boyz in the Kitchen
  Established in 1993, the proprietor chefs of Boyz in the Kitchen were “discovered” when serving the studio executives at the Toluca Lake Tennis Club. The clientele of Boyz in the Kitchen has expanded its base in the valley and retained its connections with the film industry. Catering to a film set is a top-listed venue when describing the company’s experience. The talent in the staff, in addition to the professional chefs, includes chefs-in-training, pastry chefs, experienced servers, and bartenders.
  
  
• Sunbelt Rentals
  Additional services may be needed to complement the equipment rental. There may be a need for the rental of materials for the construction of scaffolding and elevated work surfaces. The professionals within the Sunbelt staff can advise of any special needs for material handling. The electrical power to the studio space may not be sufficient to handle the extra loads of film and lighting equipment.

Pros and Cons of Film Studio Spaces in Burbank

Although a Burbank film studio space may seem perfect, every city has its pros and cons. From the wonderful climate to the high cost of living, it is essential that you weigh your options carefully before making any permanent plans.

Advantages

• Climate
  The summers are hot and dry, and the winters are mild and warm without the moderating effects of the Pacific. The average winter temperatures remain in the 60s, and the summer temperatures can reach 100 degrees F.
  
  
• Lifestyle
  The salaries commensurate with the industries supporting Burbank’s economy comes with a high expectation of style and service. Burbank caters to this lifestyle in its eclectic choices for dining, shopping, and entertainment.
  
  
• California Film Commission
  Production companies may receive a 20%-25% tax credit if filming occurs on a qualified site. This tax credit program for certified sound stages is over and above the existing tax reduction program for qualified production expenses.

Disadvantages

• Crime stigma
  Even though ranked within the top 20 of the safest cities in America, Burbank continues to carry the stigma of high crime rates. The crime rate has continued its sharp decline since 2018, but Burbank’s connection to crime runs deep. The statistics are reported on a per capita basis as opposed to actual numbers.
  
  
• High cost of living
  Burbank is ranked 12th in the 273 cities ranked for the cost of living. As of this writing, Burbank’s living costs are on par with those of Los Angeles.
  
  
• Crowded city
  At times, it can feel like you are in the middle of a tourist trap and there are definitely spaces that can be considered as such. If you want to hit the popular attractions, try to get there early to avoid the crowds.

Famous Locations in Burbank

• Scavenger Hunt in Burbank
  Using an app as the virtual tour guide, this themed walk is a great way to explore and come to know Burbank. The groups are limited to 10 people to participate in this scavenger hunt seeking items and completing challenges in competition with other tour groups. The guide will be live, though remote, and the activities will last approximately two hours.
  
  
• Warner Brothers Hollywood Classic Tours
  This studio tour differed from the other studio tours as it educates the participants on Hollywood’s golden years from the industry’s inception through 1970. Touring the iconic backlot will introduce the locations of classic movies and television shows, the dressing rooms of the stars, and the exhibitions of costumes and props.
  
  
• Burbank Food Scene
  Burbank is known as Southern California’s foodie scene. The nationally known non-chain restaurants are the local favorites as are the mom-and-pop cafes within the neighborhoods. The areas downtown, Magnolia Park, and the Media District are the main corridors of the foodie scene. You will find everything from street vendors to food trucks as well as fancy dining establishments.