John Mayer and McG Buy Historic Hollywood Studio Lot for $40 Million
John Mayer, a seven-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, and Joseph McGinty Nichol, a movie director and producer known as McG, have agreed to purchase the Jim Henson Company Lot in Hollywood, founded a century ago by Charlie Chaplin, for $40 million.
Seller and Purchase Agreement
The sale was confirmed by Larry Solters, who represents Mayer. “John Mayer and McG are under contract to purchase Henson Studios,” he said in an email to the Los Angeles Times. The seller was the Henson family.
Henson Family History
The studio lot was founded in 1917 by Charlie Chaplin, who built a Tudor-style English village and shot several films on the property. After Chaplin left the country in 1952, it was used for television production. In 1966, the studios were purchased by Herb Alpert and Jerry Moss, who converted old soundstages to recording studios. It served as the headquarters of A&M Records.
Recent Developments
The Henson family purchased the property in 1999 for an undisclosed price. At the entrance, they erected a statue of Kermit the Frog dressed as Chaplin’s famous character the Tramp. This year, the family announced it would sell the property, with plans to put the Jim Henson Company, which makes children’s television programs, and Burbank-based Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, under one roof.
Purpose of the Purchase
It is unclear what McG and Mayer plan to do with the movie and television studio, which is now mostly a music recording studio. Solters did not disclose any information about their plans for the property.
Conclusion
The sale of the historic Hollywood studio lot is a significant milestone in the city’s entertainment history. With John Mayer and McG as the new owners, the studio is sure to remain an important hub for film and television production.
FAQs
Q: Who are John Mayer and McG?
A: John Mayer is a seven-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, and Joseph McGinty Nichol is a movie director and producer known as McG.
Q: How much did they purchase the studio lot for?
A: They purchased the Jim Henson Company Lot in Hollywood for $40 million.
Q: What plans do they have for the property?
A: It is unclear what McG and Mayer plan to do with the studio lot, but Solters did not disclose any information about their plans.
Q: When will the sale close?
A: The sale has been agreed upon, but it has not yet closed, and the exact date of closure is unknown.
Q: Why did the Henson family sell the property?
A: The Henson family sold the property to put the Jim Henson Company, which makes children’s television programs, and Burbank-based Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, under one roof.
