Photo credit: www.thewrap.com

John Mayer and McG Acquire Historic Jim Henson Company Lot

The iconic Jim Henson Company lot, originally established as Charlie Chaplin Studios in Los Angeles, is under new ownership as singer-songwriter John Mayer, alongside filmmaker McG, moves to acquire the storied property located at 1416 N. La Brea Ave in Hollywood. Final negotiations for the sale are reportedly underway as of late Monday night, according to sources.

Mayer, widely recognized for hits like “Daughters” and “Waiting on the World to Change,” has a strong connection to the site, having recorded his acclaimed 2021 album “Sob Rock” at Henson Recording Studios, which is part of the historic lot. He also filmed the performance video for his song “Last Train Home” there.

McG, a prominent figure in Hollywood, is celebrated for directing the successful “Charlie’s Angels” films featuring Cameron Diaz, Lucy Liu, and Drew Barrymore, as well as notable works including “Terminator Salvation” and “We Are Marshall.” His involvement in this acquisition underscores a continued interest in the cultural significance of the lot.

Earlier this year, it was reported that the Jim Henson Company was exploring the sale of the lot as part of a longer-term strategy to consolidate its operations. The company, while no longer holding rights to the Muppets, still retains ownership of various beloved properties such as “Labyrinth,” “The Dark Crystal,” and “The Storyteller.” The organization articulated that relocating its operations to a more suitable space was essential, stating that remaining in Hollywood posed challenges due to the size requirements of its Creature Shop.

This historic lot was constructed in 1919 by Chaplin, and the Jim Henson Company established its headquarters there in 2000. At that time, Brian Henson, chairman of the company, expressed the significance of the location, emphasizing its potential as an ideal home for the Muppets and its unique blend of sophisticated yet quirky entertainment.

During their tenure at the site, the Henson Company undertook extensive renovations to the 80,000-square-foot space, enhancing landscaping, updating brickwork, and refreshing the color schemes. A notable addition was a 12-foot statue of Kermit the Frog, styled as Chaplin’s iconic character The Tramp, complete with a top hat and cane.

However, the company would soon sell the Muppet characters to EM.TV Merchandising for $680 million and later to the Walt Disney Company for $89 million in 2004. This sale carries historical significance, as Jim Henson had initially intended to establish a partnership with Disney prior to his unexpected passing in 1990, a prospect that ultimately materialized years later under different circumstances.

Since the Muppets were acquired by Disney, the Jim Henson Company has continued to innovate, producing ambitious projects such as “Earth to Ned,” “The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance,” and “Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio.” The lot has also become the venue for Puppet Up!, a live performance that combines puppetry with humor aimed at a mature audience, solidifying its role as a cultural hub in Los Angeles.

It has been reported that one stipulation of the sale is that the Jim Henson Company will be permitted to remain at the lot until the conclusion of 2025, allowing for a smooth transition and continued operation amidst the changes in ownership.

Source
www.thewrap.com