Leila was the Director of Operations for the top commercial photography studio in NYC. Jen has worked as a Producer in television and documentary film in NYC and LA for over 15 years. Together they own and operate Electric Pony Studios in Los Angeles, a creative space dedicated to film, photography, art, and set builds. They are ready to help you on your next project!
How did you come upon the space and open Electric Pony Studios? Tell us more about the name.
The name Electric Pony Studios is a mystery! A cosmic hiccup that came from another planet – seriously, it came out of nowhere one day, and we just kind of embraced it. It evoked a sense of creativity and potential which is really the core of our mission – to make space for and support creativity in all its forms.
What’s the most random, fun thing you’ve done here?
We had a Virtual Reality Human Pong project in here and we got to test it out. If you were here, you would have seen the two of us at either ends of the warehouse shuffling around with the VR glasses on and doing a lot of shit-talking. We’re both super-competitive, it’s probably good that we tied.
What made you want to open up your property to creatives to rent?
We both come from production, but different ends. Jen’s been a producer for 15 years, and Leila ran one of the most prestigious commercial photo studios in NYC – we both love being around creative people and making things happen.
What do you do when you’re not managing this space?
Art, motorcycles, dogs, and exploring LA.
What’s been your favorite project so far?
Recently a music video director brought in full-size trees, and had a ballerina dancing in an urban forest at night – it was gorgeous, a beautiful dream.
It sounds like you wear a lot of hats. How do you balance it all and stay creative and inspired?
We have fun. We’ve been best friends for 20 years and the studio feels like our grown-up club-house sometimes. Electric Pony Studios is a huge warehouse from 1924 and the space has so much vibe and atmosphere. The quality of light is great. There’s tons of space, and art, and cool vintage furniture. So we love hosting and having people in our space. We’re not just here to open the door at 6am and close it for you 12 hours later. We love welcoming clients into our space and making them feel like this is their home, their space to create whatever they want.
And of course, being around people who make things is hugely inspiring. For example, right now in the studio, there’s a psychedelic action scene being shot between a rabbit and a little girl, bathed in orange and pink neon. I can’t imagine anywhere else I’d rather be.
We noticed you’re from the East Coast. What’s one of the main differences you’ve noticed about productions in NY vs. LA?
Productions in New York seem like a family affair. The community is smaller so you tend to know at least one person on every set. Like oh yeah, I know that lead man or I’ve worked with that AD or PA. Over here, the community is HUGE.
So, Shake Shack or In and Out?
In and Out. Animal style.
Check out some of the projects made at Electric Pony Studios!
