Disney | ABC Studios at The Ranch –A Tradition of Entertainment in the SCV

by Stephanie Elgin

Santa Clarita is a much sought-after filming destination.  In fact, Placerita Canyon and the Santa Clarita Valley first became a filmmaker’s destination back in the 1920’s.  While much has changed since the days of old, Disney has had its eye on our Valley ever since.  
The modern day movie studio was created in Los Angeles in the early 1900’s.  With the popular westerns of their days, many studios began looking for the ideal outdoor location, thus the movie ranch was born.  The 890-acre property, Golden Oak Ranch, is one of the largest movie ranches in Los Angeles County left in operation in Southern California.   Located off of State Route 14 and Placerita Canyon Road, Golden Oak Ranch is owned by Walt Disney Production and has been used for motion pictures, television and commercial productions since 1959.  Prior to the purchase, Walt Disney Productions leased the Golden Oak Ranch for filming in the late 1950’s.  The Adventures of Spin and Marty segments of The Mickey Mouse Club were filmed on the ranch, and due to the perfect setting, Walt Disney Productions purchased portions of the property, beginning in 1959 and acquired additional land over the years, bringing the total property to just under 900 acres.  Classics such as Old Yeller, Walt Disney’s Zorro and The Parent Trap as well as recent television series and motion pictures including Boston Legal, Bones, CSI, Pearl Harbor, The Santa Clause, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest and so many more.  Famous actress Julie Andrews visited the Ranch while filming Mary Poppins in 1964, and returned in 2004 to film Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement.  
With the indoor production space in Los Angeles County at a premium, there is a great need for additional studio space.  Local entertainment jobs are needed now more than ever, and Disney and ABC Studios is pleased to announce their new Los Angeles County based studio project, named Disney | ABC Studios at The Ranch.  
The Disney | ABC Studios at The Ranch project will accommodate technologically advanced soundstages and production facilities while still maintaining the natural beauty of Golden Oaks Ranch and Placerita Canyon, creating a “new kind of movie ranch.” Combining the large movie ranch for outdoor filming with soundstages, production offices and other amenities will provide countless options for the entertainment industry.
Disney and ABC Studios plan on transforming approximately six percent of the rustic setting that has made Golden Oak Ranch the perfect place for outdoor film.  They will protect the 639-acre natural backdrop area, the 195-acre outdoor filming operations at the ranch and preserve Placerita Creek and the vistas of the canyon.  Disney | ABC Studios at The Ranch will also utilize green building design and construction practices, along with new technology to reduce the consumption of water and energy.  
Disney and ABC Studios have announced that they have filed applications with Los Angeles County for the Disney | ABC Studios at The Ranch.  The transformation will also help invigorate the local and regional economy by creating 3,152 new jobs during construction and 2,854 jobs during full operation, driving $533 million in annual economic activity throughout Los Angeles County.  This is a great opportunity for the creation of new jobs and businesses vital to the industry throughout Los Angeles County and the city of Santa Clarita.
This is a new adventure for our Valley.  Take a moment to learn more about the progress of Disney | ABC Studioss at The Ranch and visit the website at www.studiosattheranch.com.