The Shifting Landscape of Los Angeles Studio Infrastructure: What the Netflix and Radford Studios Deal Means for Production
The landscape of Los Angeles film and television production is undergoing a seismic shift. Recent developments in studio real estate, highlighted by Netflix’s potential acquisition of the historic Radford Studio Center, signal a major repositioning of capital and infrastructure in the heart of Hollywood. For content creators, brands, and video production companies like Beverly Boy Productions, understanding these changes is crucial for navigating the future of the industry.
This article explores the details of the Radford Studios deal, the broader implications for Los Angeles real estate, and how these shifts affect the day-to-day realities of video production.
The Historic Radford Studio Center Changes Hands
Radford Studio Center, located in the Studio City district of the San Fernando Valley, is a cornerstone of Hollywood history. Originally opened in 1928 by silent film producer Mack Sennett, the 55-acre lot has hosted some of the most iconic television shows in history, including Seinfeld, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Gilligan’s Island, and Will & Grace.
In 2021, ViacomCBS sold the property to Hackman Capital Partners and Square Mile Capital Management for $1.85 billion. The new owners announced ambitious plans for a $1 billion upgrade to modernize the facility with new soundstages, production offices, and sustainability measures. However, the entertainment industry shifted dramatically shortly after the purchase.
The dual labor strikes by the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA in 2023, combined with a broader pullback in content spending by major streaming platforms, led to a significant decline in stage occupancy. Rising interest rates also created a difficult financial environment for commercial real estate. As a result, Hackman Capital Partners defaulted on a $1.1 billion mortgage earlier this year, leading to the property being turned over to its primary lender, Goldman Sachs.
Netflix Steps In: A Strategic Acquisition
With Goldman Sachs looking for a buyer, Netflix emerged as a leading contender to acquire the Radford lot. Reports indicate that the streaming giant is in negotiations to purchase the property for an estimated price between $330 million and $400 million. This represents a dramatic reset in valuation, giving Netflix a historic studio at a fraction of its 2021 sale price.
For Netflix, the acquisition makes strategic sense. The company is nearing the end of its 10-year lease at Sunset Bronson Studios, where it currently occupies significant space under an agreement with Hudson Pacific Properties. Acquiring Radford Studios would provide Netflix with a permanent home base in Los Angeles, complete with 22 soundstages and extensive production facilities.
This move aligns with Netflix’s broader strategy of investing heavily in owned production infrastructure. The company has already committed $1 billion to build a major studio complex at Fort Monmouth in New Jersey and has significantly expanded its ABQ Studios in Albuquerque, New Mexico. By securing a permanent footprint in Los Angeles, Netflix is signaling its long-term commitment to the city as a primary hub for content creation.
The Ripple Effect: CBS Television City and MBS Equipment
The Radford Studios deal is not the only major real estate transaction making waves in Los Angeles. Rumors are circulating that Rick Caruso, the prominent real estate developer behind The Grove, is in talks to purchase CBS Television City at Fairfax, along with MBS Equipment Company.
CBS Television City, built in 1952, is another historic pillar of Los Angeles broadcasting. CBS sold the property to Hackman Capital Partners in 2018 but continued to lease space. A potential acquisition by Caruso would further consolidate ownership of key production assets.
The inclusion of MBS Equipment Company in these rumors is particularly noteworthy. MBS Group is the world’s largest studio operator, managing nearly 50 studio campuses globally, including Radford Studio Center and Culver Studios. Their equipment division supplies lighting, grip, and expendables to more than 650 soundstages worldwide. A change in ownership for such a critical supplier could have far-reaching implications for productions of all sizes.
What This Means for the Los Angeles Production Market
These major real estate transactions reflect a broader trend of consolidation and repositioning within the Los Angeles production market. While the industry has faced significant headwinds, including a 30% drop in production employment since late 2022 and a 13.2% decline in shoot days in the third quarter of 2025, the willingness of major players like Netflix to invest hundreds of millions of dollars indicates a strong underlying belief in the city’s future.
As Jason Fisher, founder of Stage Runner, noted regarding the Radford deal, “It says Netflix still believes in Los Angeles. It says they want a long-term production footprint here. The smart money may not be leaving Los Angeles at all.”
For independent producers and brands, these shifts highlight the importance of partnering with established, adaptable production companies. As the major studios consolidate their resources, navigating the logistical challenges of securing soundstages, equipment, and experienced crews requires deep industry knowledge and strong relationships.
Partnering with Beverly Boy Productions
At Beverly Boy Productions, we have been navigating the complexities of the video production industry since 2002. With over two decades of experience and more than 25,000 videos produced, we understand how to adapt to shifting market dynamics.
Whether you are planning a corporate brand video, a large-scale event production, or a series of executive interviews, our global network and deep local expertise help ensure that your project is executed smoothly. We operate in major cities worldwide, including Los Angeles, giving our clients access to top-tier talent and resources regardless of broader real estate fluctuations.
Our comprehensive services cover every aspect of production, from initial concept and scriptwriting to filming, editing, and final delivery. We pride ourselves on 24-hour customer service and our ability to scale operations to meet the specific needs of any project.
As the infrastructure of Hollywood continues to evolve, you need a production partner you can trust. Contact Beverly Boy Productions today to discuss how we can support your next project in this changing era of content creation.
