Chaplin Studios Reopens Under New Ownership, Preserving Hollywood History
The historic studio lot formerly known as the Jim Henson Company lot has been acquired by a partnership between John Mayer and Jeff McGreggor and will reopen as Chaplin Studios.The facility, located at 5801 Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles, has a rich history in film and music and will continue to operate as a fully functioning production and recording space. Deadline first reported the news.
A Legacy of Creativity
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The studio boasts a storied past, originally built by Charlie Chaplin in 1928. Chaplin used the lot to film iconic silent films such as The Kid (1921), The Gold Rush (1925), Modern Times (1936), and The Great Dictator (1940). Silent Locations provides detailed details about filming locations for Chaplin’s work.
Following Chaplin’s sale of the property in 1952 to Webb and Knapp, the studio hosted productions like the adventures of Superman starring George Reeves.It later became home to A&M Records in 1966, owned by Herb Alpert and Jerry moss, and played a important role in the music industry, including hosting the recording of “We Are the world.” The Jim Henson Company acquired the 80,000-square-foot facility in 2000, which included chaplin’s 10,000-square-foot sound stage and original woodworking shop.
The Henson family’s Move and Scientology Rumors
The Jim Henson Company put the lot up for sale to consolidate its production operations and Jim Henson’s Creature Shop into a single Burbank location, a move the La Brea lot couldn’t accommodate. Rumors circulated in October 2023 that the Church of Scientology was interested in purchasing the property, but the Henson family quickly denied any business dealings with the organization.
“In regards to recent rumors about the sale of the La Brea studio lot, the Henson family is not in any business dealings with the Church of Scientology, and that organization is not in consideration as a potential buyer of the property,” a spokesperson for the Jim Henson family stated. the Jim Henson Company intends to relocate to a new facility.
A New Chapter for Chaplin Studios
John Mayer, the acclaimed musician and actor, and Jeff McGreggor, a film and television producer (known for directing ‘s Angels), have taken ownership of the property. They plan to honor the studio’s legacy while providing a modern production and recording facility.
“This studio has stood at the center of Hollywood’s history for generations,and it’s a priviledge to help shepherd it into its next chapter,” said Mayer. “Beyond its film legacy, the musical history here is extraordinary… Our goal is to honor that legacy by keeping it working, open, and accessible to the creative community.”
McGreggor added, “You can feel the spirit of Hollywood’s past the moment you set foot on this lot… John and I are committed to respecting that heritage while ensuring the studios remain a vibrant, fully operational home for filmmakers, musicians, and creators.”
Key Takeaways
- Chaplin Studios, formerly the Jim Henson Company lot, has been acquired by John Mayer and Jeff McGreggor.
- The studio has a rich history dating back to Charlie Chaplin in 1928.
- The facility will continue to operate as a production and recording space for music, film, television, and digital media.
- Rumors of a sale to the Church of Scientology were unfounded.
- The Jim Henson Company sought a larger facility to house both the production company and Jim Henson’s Creature Shop.