Courtesy photo
By Stephen Oduntan
Contributing Writer
BALDWIN HILLS — A bold new creative hub is rising in Baldwin Hills, positioning South Los Angeles as a major force in the entertainment industry.
Stocker Street Creative, a multimillion-dollar production campus, will keep local talent working in their own community. With state-of-the-art soundstages, Class A production offices, and a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views, it aims to reshape the entertainment landscape in South L.A.
For too long, filmmakers had to go to Hollywood or Burbank to bring their visions to life. Stocker Street Creative is changing that — creating a space where Black and other underrepresented voices can tell their own stories on their own terms.
On Feb. 22, local leaders, industry professionals, and community members gathered at the Community Connect Event to witness the unveiling of Stocker Street Creative’s vision. Hosted by Pantheon Business Consulting, the event showcased the ambitious 5.12-acre project.
“This isn’t just a studio — it’s a movement,” said Stanley Washington, CEO of Pantheon Business Consulting and the project’s lead developer. “For years, local talent had to leave their neighborhoods to find opportunities. Now, we’re bringing Hollywood home.”
The project comes amid longstanding calls for investment in Black communities and increased access to the entertainment industry. Baldwin Hills, Leimert Park, and Crenshaw have long been centers of Black artistry and activism — home to legends like Ella Fitzgerald, Tina Turner and Ray Charles.
U.S. Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove, the area’s representative in Congress, reinforced the project’s significance.
“Everyone kept saying the same thing — we need a Black-led production campus,” she said. “We know how to share our stories. We know how to create jobs — lots and lots of Black jobs.”
Beyond filmmaking, she highlighted the economic power of the project.
“When a city encourages industry, it drives job creation, investment and development,” she said. “That’s what makes people want to live here, raise families here. That’s what economic recovery looks like.”
The campus will feature two soundstages, including a 30,000-square-foot facility that can be divided into two 15,000-square-foot spaces. Additional amenities include a six-level parking structure, a fabrication mill for set construction and a dedicated community space for events and meetings.
“Hollywood has long depended on Black creatives to shape its biggest cultural moments,” Washington said. “Now, we’re giving them a home.”
Yet, with investment of this scale, concerns loom over its impact: Will Stocker Street Creative empower the community — or accelerate gentrification?
Washington tackled the issue directly.
“It might,” he admitted. “But when we talk about gentrification, it’s always from the perspective of people who don’t look like us. The truth is, this is a chance for us to benefit. If my housing value goes up, I’m not mad about that. What I care about is jobs, careers and opportunities for the future.”
He reinforced the idea that the key is Black ownership.
“When the community becomes exciting and vibrant, outsiders will want to come in,” he said. “That’s just a fact of life. But the goal here is making sure we’re the ones leading that success.”
Stocker Street Creative is backed by 4S Bay Partners LLC, a private investment firm focused on eliminating racial inequities. Founder Jessica Sarowitz said the project was inspired by the racial reckoning following George Floyd’s murder, pushing her to invest in long-term solutions.
“This is about owning our own stories,” Sarowitz said. “Independent filmmakers are struggling. The economics of film distribution are broken. We have to fix that.”
For many underrepresented filmmakers, the biggest challenge isn’t just making a movie — it’s getting it seen. Limited theatrical runs and biased distribution models shut out Black creatives from major awards and opportunities.
“We need a space where bold, important stories — stories that matter — get the platform they deserve,” Sarowitz said.
Plans for Stocker Street Creative were first unveiled in February 2022. Three years later, developers hope to break ground later this year, with a projected opening in 2027.
The project is expected to provide construction jobs for South L.A. residents, generate tax revenue, but no estimations were cited at the community meeting.
“This is more than a film studio,” Sarowitz said. “It’s about ensuring the next generation of Black creatives doesn’t have to ask permission to be seen — or heard. Hollywood isn’t a place we chase anymore. We’re bringing it home.”
Stephen Oduntan is a freelance reporter for Wave Newspapers.
