Canon has been teasing us recently with intimations of a major product announcement in Hollywood. The rumor-phone has been ringing and OMG how the tweeterati are txting. Now hear this:

Canon U.S.A., Inc. just announced the opening of the Canon Hollywood Professional Technology and Support Center in the Sunset Gower Studio lot at 6060 Sunset Boulevard in LA. Canon sources say, “the office will serve our film and television production clients and will provide a local site for support, research, service and training in Hollywood’s thriving entertainment industry.”

It doesn’t take a Wall Street analyst to figure out that this looks like a major push by Canon into major motion pictures.

“We want to offer a one-stop shop where our clients can come to ask questions and explore our various products with the help of our highly qualified technical and engineering staff members,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, EVP and general manager, Canon Imaging Technologies and Communications Group.

On-site repair service will include two state-of-the-art camera body and lens adjustment rooms using Canon’s advanced calibration equipment, local spare parts inventory, and an experienced repair staff that will provide fast turnaround.

Canon’s new Hollywood facility will also house a research and development center to “assess market demands and expectations for new professional imaging technology and look to build them into future product generations. This represents only one of many initiatives and investments that Canon has planned to solidify its commitment to the film and television production community.”

Canon says the facility will provide space to meet with studio execs, production houses, television networks, rental facilities, and production crews to build relationships and assess needs.  The facility will also offer hands-on education to current and potential clients on Canon’s professional products. The Canon Hollywood Professional Technology and Support Center will host Canon Live Learning (CLL) workshops – fee-based seminars for professionals and enthusiasts and other industry-related events.

Canon’s new Hollywood center will be part of Canon’s nationwide customer service and support network that includes Factory Service Centers in Irvine (Calif.), Jamesburg (N.J.) and Newport News (Va.) as well as five broadcast lens service centers located strategically in the United States and a 100% US-based support call center.

Fasten your seatbelts. This studio tour is going to be an exciting ride.