Today we’d like to introduce you to Dan Kotzer.
Dan, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Being the son of Crazy Gideon, a local business icon, I knew I had big shoes to fill. After working in his business for a short while, I came to the realization that the consumer electronics business was not for me and wanted to make a name for myself. With an entrepreneur mindset, and the work ethic and business skills that my father ingrained in me from a young age, I decided to explore different ideas.
Working in the Arts District, I loved the area and saw great potential. It was untouched by developers, industrial, edgy, but still had a neighborhood feel. I wanted to make my mark in real estate, but didn’t have any experience or the know-how. I constantly saw filming in the area and was intrigued if there was a way to combine the two, real estate and film production. I decided to test the waters and converted an old underutilized building into a film location.
Starting with a few sets on one floor, the business took off and gave me the confidence to make a push on this niche market. I eventually converted the entire building and bought the neighboring warehouses and buildings. I had no idea that the business was would grow at this pace, becoming one of the most filmed at studios in LA, but knew I had to run with the momentum.
Years later, as my dad was ready to move from his business, we decided to join forces with the studio business and real estate development.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Without strife or struggle, I wouldn’t be where I am today. For one, it wasn’t easy leaving my father’s business. He had high expectations for me and it was always his dream for me to eventually take over. I had little experience and a lot of uncertainty that the studio would stick. There were countless sleepless nights questioning whether I made the right leap, or if I was better off taking a safer route. That gave me the push and the determination to work hard, learn, and not failure be an option.
Please tell us about Willow Studios.
Willow Studios, now well over 150,000 square feet, has a vast amount of standing sets, sound stages, and open warehouses to film in. We have everything needed to make productions run smoother and more efficiently. I am most proud of my crew and their dedication to each any every production that books with Willow Studios. We are extremely family oriented and extend that warm energy to our clients. It’s extremely gratifying watching TV or movies and knowing that I was part of making the magic happen.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I am extremely blessed and very grateful for the results and the opportunities that have come my way. There might have been a few properties that I wish I bought along the way, but I wouldn’t change a thing.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1333-1345 Willow Street
- Website: www.willowstudios.net
- Phone: 213-625-5771
