Friday, February 24, 2012

Los Angeles Becomes YouTube's Content Hub With New Playa Vista Studio

The Los Angeles area is fast becoming the content hub for online video site YouTube, a position that takes advantage of both the LA region's long history in the entertainment business, and the rise of a slew of startups producing content specifically aimed at the YouTube audience. According to a property developer in Playa Vista, YouTube has signed an 11-year lease for a 41,000 square foot office building in the location. The new studio--which was first uncovered by the Hollywood Reporter--is in the former headquarters of Hughes Aircraft. A number of local companies are already powering YouTube's push into original content, including Los Angeles firms like Maker Studios, Machinima, Demand Media, DECA, Disney, Katalyst, My Damn Channel, and many others.

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