Church of Scientology Buys Hollywood Studio Lot

HOLLYWOOD: The Church of Scientology, in a bid to expand into broadcasting, has acquired a Hollywood studio lot from public television station KCET.

The 5-acre facility covers two sound stages, post-production resources and TV, satellite and Internet broadcasting capabilities. The organization calls it the "perfect fit, in both size and location, for the expansion of the Church of Scientology’s production of religious and social betterment audiovisual properties."

The Church, which has built up a library of some 400 videos, says that it intends to expand into broadcasting "for both the religion and its many social betterment and humanitarian programs." The acquired studio also allows it to set up a "central media hub for our network of Churches around the world." The satellite uplink will be used to deliver the Church’s content, in HD, to its network worldwide, including coverage of its six annual international events, educational and introductory films and video updates for its public informational displays.

The Church of Scientology already operates Golden Era Productions outside of L.A. This will continue to generate informational and educational films, while the new studio will concentrate on the production of television programs, short-form information films and Internet content.

KCET, meanwhile, says it is in discussions with several production facilities so that it can continue producing its shows as well as expand its slate. Al Jerome, president and CEO of KCET, noted, "We are now implementing Phase Two of our transformation from a PBS affiliate to an independent public media center for the 21st century. New facilities and equipment will allow us to augment the quality, award-winning content that our fans love."

The station parted ways with PBS last October, after being unable to come to terms on fees and "programming flexibility."