Thought I recognized some of the scenery in "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip." The board room scenes and corporate offices of fictional network NBS in Aaron Sorkin's new NBC show were shot on the sixth floor of the former Times Mirror headquarters at First Street and Broadway downtown. Those Times Mirror suites were cleaned out after Tribune bought the company. The space has sat mostly unused for the past five years, except for occasional meetings, Pulitzer celebrations, staff farewells and Hollywood location shoots. The New York Times says that location use in the L.A. Times building is picking up and finds it ironic that one of the productions is Dreamgirls, co-produced by would-be LAT buyer David Geffen.

Built in 1973 as an add-on to the 1935 building, the former Times Mirror offices have a decidedly modern look, with wood paneling, unusually spacious executive offices and large glass windows with expansive city views. Along with “Dreamgirls,” the building has been a location for Brian De Palma’s recent film, “The Black Dahlia,” as well as the television shows “Nip/Tuck,” “Studio 60” and “Bones.”

Filming fees at the downtown location average around $8,000 a day, a price that can vary with a production company’s specific needs. Unlike other buildings that showcase their availability on Web sites and in directories, the Times building has proved so popular that it does not advertise, Mr. Cletus [sic] said.

The guy they are quoting is Cletus Page, the facilities manager for the block of downtown L.A. formerly known as Times Mirror Square.
Anne Thompson has a take at Risky Biz.

Photo of Los Angeles Times building: Damian Dovarganes/Associated Press