Electric Pony Studios is a 10,000-square-foot warehouse film and photo studio in a 1919 building near downtown Los Angeles, with three stages (Pony 1, Pony 2 and Little Pony) and an outdoor Graffiti Lot. For almost 11 years it has hosted films, commercials, photography, dance, shorts, features, events, brand activations and creator shoots. In February, I became the new owner and steward. This post is our hello, our thank-you, and our promise for what comes next.
Thank you, Jen and Leila
Before anything else, this space exists because of Jen and Leila. They saw a raw Los Angeles warehouse and gave it the soul of a New York loft: sandblasted brick walls, original distressed fire doors, skylights over an 18-foot-high floor with no pillars, and the feeling that something real happens here. For 10+ years they opened the doors to directors, photographers, dancers, brands and first-time filmmakers.
What they built is more than square footage. It is a reputation, built on accepting and welcoming a diverse community of creatives who kept coming back. We are grateful to be trusted with it, and we intend to protect what made it special.
Almost 11 years of work on these floors
If these walls could talk, they would need a long credit roll. Electric Pony has hosted:
- Feature films and short films
- Commercials and branded content
- Editorial, fashion and commercial photography
- Dance films and end-of-session showcase shoots
- Music videos and artist content
- Live events, brand activations and creator meetups
- Art and fashion shows
Every one of those projects was made by people: DPs, directors, producers, gaffers, grips, art departments, stylists, HMU artists, dancers, students and crews who gave long days to make something they believed in. Their work is the real story of this building.
What we've been working on since February
We started with the things you don't always see on camera but always feel on set. Since taking over, we have been investing in:
- The grid – upgrades to make rigging and lighting faster and safer.
- Electrical – improved power and labeled the Edisons so crews can plug in with confidence.
- Bathrooms – better facilities for crew, talent and guests.
- Security and safety – so your people and your gear are protected.
- Our processes and systems – clearer booking, communication and day-of logistics, so your shoot runs smoothly from inquiry to wrap.
Meet the team
Jordan - Social Media Manager
Jordan Tritton has been a member of the Visual Arts Domain for 20+ years. Get to know Jordan.
Nick – Student Program Lead.
Nick is a senior at the USC School of Cinematic Arts earning his BFA in Film and Television Production. Get to know Nick.
John - Chief Pony Wrangler
John Smartz spent more than 20 years in sales, most of it helping big companies figure out who their customers were and how to reach them. Get to know John.
Our commitment: access and community
We believe great work should not depend on who you know or how big your budget is. We are committed to keeping Electric Pony accessible to people from all walks of production, from agency teams and label shoots to dance schools, community film collectives and first-time directors.
We also want this blog to be a place that celebrates you. We will highlight the people who shoot here, share their work, and cheer on their accomplishments. If you made something here, we want to see it and help more people see it too.
We're not the experts, and that's the point
We'll be honest: we are new owners, not the final word on filmmaking, lighting or production. The real expertise lives with the crews, artists and vendors who work in this space every week.
So instead of lecturing, we plan to listen and pass the mic. Expect interviews with producers, DPs, gaffers, camera rental houses, lighting and grip houses, production partners, and the creatives who bring ideas to life here. If you have knowledge to share, a story to tell or a project to feature, we'd love to hear from you.
Introducing our student program
In June, we launched the EPS Student Program, run by Nick. It's a safety-first way into a real, working production environment, because the next generation of filmmakers needs real sets to learn on. It's open to anyone with a verified .edu email: directors, producers, DPs and anyone building culture in Los Angeles.
Students in the program get:
- Introductory studio safety training
- Student discounts on studio rates (more shooting, less fundraising)
- In-studio grip and lighting equipment access
- A spot on the EPS Crew Call List for real production opportunities
- Connections with students across 14+ film and creative schools in Southern California
Learn more on our EPS Student Program page.
We also have a request for producers and department heads: consider hiring a student from the EPS Crew Call List on your next shoot. They get hands-on experience and a chance to build their network. You get safety-trained, eager crew who will remember who gave them their first break. Reach Nick at nick@electricponystudios.com or (213) 867-7669 Ext 2.
Better days ahead
This building has already given almost 11 years to the creative community. We want the next chapter to be even more open, more collaborative and more generous. Whether you are shooting a feature, music video, visualizer, a dance video or your very first short, there's a place for you and your message here.
As Andy Dufresne put it in The Shawshank Redemption: "Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies."
We're hopeful, we're excited, and we look forward to working with you.
— John Smartz, Owner, Electric Pony Studios
Ready to see the space in person?
Check stage availability and book a studio walkthrough, explore our film studio rental in Los Angeles, or email info@electricponystudios.com.
FAQ
Who owns Electric Pony Studios?
John Smartz took over Electric Pony Studios in February 2026. The studio was founded by Jen and Leila, who ran it for 10+ years.
How big is Electric Pony Studios?
Electric Pony Studios is a 10,000-square-foot warehouse studio in a 1919 building with 18-foot ceilings and no pillars. It has three stages (Pony 1, Pony 2 and Little Pony) plus an outdoor Graffiti Lot.
Where is Electric Pony Studios located?
The studio is at 439 E 58th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90011, minutes from the 110 and 10 freeways. It has drive-in access and a private parking lot.
What is the EPS Student Program?
The EPS Student Program launched in June 2026 and is open to anyone with a verified .edu email. Students get safety training, discounted studio rates, grip and lighting access, and a spot on the EPS Crew Call List.
Can I hire students for my production?
Yes. Producers and department heads can hire safety-trained students from the EPS Crew Call List by contacting Nick at nick@electricponystudios.com or (213) 867-7669 Ext 2.
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