Manny Halley Takes Over Pacoima Studios, Rebranding as Imani Studio

Background on Pacoima Studios

Located in the heart of the San Fernando Valley, the complex now known as Imani Studio has a history that stretches back several decades. The site originally opened under the name Quixote North Valley Studios and quickly became a hub for independent filmmakers, commercial shoots, and television productions. Its four sound stages, each equipped with high ceilings and flexible rigging points, attracted projects ranging from low budget features to major network pilots.

The studio’s strategic position near major freeways and its proximity to downtown Los Angeles made it a practical choice for producers seeking a balance of space and accessibility. Over the years, the facility has hosted a mix of local talent and national productions, contributing to the Valley’s reputation as a secondary production center.

Previous ownership and operations

Before the recent transaction, Quixote North Valley Studios managed the property under a series of short term agreements. While the venue remained functional, many industry observers noted that the aging infrastructure limited its competitiveness against newer facilities in the region. The need for a fresh investment and a clear strategic vision became apparent as the market shifted toward larger, technology‑driven sound stages.

Manny Halley’s acquisition

Producer Manny Halley, best known for his work on several acclaimed television dramas, entered the picture through his company Imani Media Group. In a move that signals confidence in the Valley’s production ecosystem, Halley signed a twenty five year lease that includes an option to purchase the entire complex.

The agreement was announced in a press release that highlighted Halley’s intention to revitalize the site, upgrade its technical capabilities, and expand its service offerings for both film and digital content creators.

Terms of the lease

The lease covers a total of 125,000 square feet of built‑up area, encompassing four sound stages, office suites, post‑production rooms, and ancillary support spaces. Key points of the agreement include:

• Twenty five year term with a renewal clause.
• Option for Halley to acquire the property at a predetermined market valuation.
• Commitment to invest in state of the art lighting grids, acoustic treatment, and digital workflow infrastructure.
• Allocation of space for community outreach and emerging filmmaker programs.

Halley’s team plans to begin renovations in the coming months, with a target to reopen the upgraded facility under the new name Imani Studio by early next year.

What the rebranding means for the Valley

The transition to Imani Studio is more than a name change. It reflects a broader strategy to position the complex as a modern production hub that can compete with larger studios while retaining the collaborative spirit that has long defined the Valley.

Facilities and capabilities

Imani Studio will feature:

1. Four sound stages ranging from 8,000 to 20,000 square feet, each equipped with adjustable grid systems.
2. Dedicated virtual production space designed for LED wall workflows.
3. On‑site post‑production suites with high‑speed data connections.
4. Green rooms, wardrobe, and makeup areas that meet current union standards.
5. Parking and loading dock capacity to accommodate large crew trucks.

These upgrades align the studio with the technical expectations of contemporary content creators, from streaming series to high‑budget commercials.

Industry impact

Halley’s investment arrives at a time when Los Angeles is experiencing a resurgence of studio development outside the traditional downtown core. The Los Angeles Film Office has reported a steady increase in production permits issued for the Valley, citing lower costs and easier logistics as primary drivers.

By enhancing the capabilities of a historic site, Imani Studio is poised to attract a new wave of projects that might otherwise travel to other states offering tax incentives. The studio’s location also provides a talent pool drawn from nearby film schools, including the UCLA Film & Television Archive, which frequently collaborates with local production facilities.

Potential projects and partnerships

Industry insiders anticipate that the upgraded stages will be suitable for:

• Streaming platform series that require flexible set builds.
• Commercials that demand rapid turnaround and high visual fidelity.
• Independent films seeking a professional environment without the overhead of downtown studios.
• Virtual production pilots leveraging LED wall technology.

Halley has already hinted at discussions with several content creators who are exploring the Valley as a primary shooting location. In addition, the studio plans to host workshops and networking events in partnership with the Variety editorial team, fostering a community of emerging talent.

Future outlook

The option to purchase the complex gives Halley flexibility to adapt the business model as market conditions evolve. Should the demand for larger sound stages increase, the lease structure allows for phased expansion without the constraints of a short term agreement.

Moreover, the commitment to community programming signals a long term investment in the creative ecosystem of the San Fernando Valley. By providing space for student projects, local festivals, and industry panels, Imani Studio may become a catalyst for the next generation of filmmakers.

As the entertainment landscape continues to shift toward hybrid production models that blend physical sets with digital environments, the timing of this acquisition appears strategic. Imani Studio’s blend of historic charm and modern technology positions it as a versatile venue that can meet the diverse needs of today’s content creators.

With the lease now in place and renovation plans underway, the industry will be watching closely to see how Imani Studio reshapes the production map of Los Angeles.