John Mayer and McG Finalize Purchase of Jim Henson Company Lot

GRAMMY Award-winning artist John Mayer and filmmaker McG (Charlie’s Angels, Terminator Salvation) have officially completed the purchase of Los Angeles’ legendary Charlie Chaplin Studios, which was most recently known as The Jim Henson Company Lot. They have renamed it Chaplin Studios.

Why it matters:

• Built in 1917 by Charlie Chaplin, the lot became a defining force in early film production.

• It has housed myriad film and TV productions, from legendary television shows such as The Adventures of Superman to Soul Train to the recent Knives Out: Wake Up Dead Man film.

• It was also home to A&M Records and A&M Studios, capturing landmark recordings by artists such as the Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, Fleetwood Mac, Guns N’Roses, Lady Gaga, U2, Harry Styles, and many more.

• The duo reportedly purchased the lot for $44 million, as per Variety.

The future:

• The property will continue to operate as a fully staffed, fully functioning production and recording facility.

• It is actively booking projects across music, film, television and digital media.

• Infrastructure improvements and expanded services are planned for 2026.

What they said:

• John Mayer: “This studio has stood at the center of Hollywood’s history for generations, and it’s a privilege to help shepherd it into its next chapter. Beyond its film legacy, the musical history here is extraordinary – from the A&M years and being home to A&M Records to landmark albums recorded on this campus to ‘We Are the World’ being captured inside Studio A. The Chaplin lot has given the world some of its most enduring art, and our goal is to honor that legacy by keeping it working, open, and accessible to the creative community.”