Radford Studio Center: A Century of Cinematic and Television History
Located at the intersection of Ventura Boulevard and Radford Avenue in the San Fernando Valley, the Radford Studio Center stands as a testament to the evolution of American entertainment. From the slapstick era of silent films to the high-definition demands of modern streaming, this historic lot has hosted some of the most influential figures and productions in media history.
The Early Era: From Silent Films to B-Movies
The studio's origins date back to May 1928, when silent film producer and director Mack Sennett opened his new facility. Sennett had previously operated a smaller studio in Edendale (Echo Park), where he worked with legendary talents such as Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, Mabel Normand, W. C. Fields, and Fatty Arbuckle, as well as the famous Keystone Cops.
By 1933, financial difficulties led Sennett to file for bankruptcy, and the lot was acquired by Mascot Pictures, a company specializing in serials. In 1935, Mascot merged with Monogram Pictures and Consolidated Film Corporation to form Republic Pictures Corporation. Under the name Republic Studios, the lot became a hub for B-movies—lower-budget commercial films—particularly Westerns. This era provided the first major breaks for icons like John Wayne, Roy Rogers, and Gene Autry.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]The Transition to Television and the CBS Era
As the entertainment landscape shifted toward television in the 1950s, Republic began leasing space to production companies. Revue Productions filmed early episodes of Leave It to Beaver here before moving to Universal City. Additionally, Four Star Productions utilized the lot for series such as The Big Valley, The Rifleman, and Zane Grey Theater.
Republic Pictures ceased production in 1958. Under the leadership of President Victor M. Carter, the company diversified its business and began leasing the lot to CBS. By 1963, CBS Television became the primary lessee, establishing the CBS Studio Center. The network produced hits like Gilligan's Island, Gunsmoke, and My Three Sons on the lot. Notably, the Gilligan's Island lagoon, located at the northwestern edge, was later paved over in the mid-1990s for a parking structure.
In February 1967, CBS purchased the 70-acre lot from Republic for $9.5 million. To offset the cost of new soundstages and technical facilities, CBS rented space to independent producers. The most prominent tenant was MTM Enterprises, founded by Mary Tyler Moore and Grant Tinker, which filmed The Mary Tyler Moore Show and its spinoffs Rhoda, Phyllis, and Lou Grant starting in 1970.
Ownership Shifts and Modern Evolution
The studio's ownership saw several changes between 1982 and 1992, involving partnerships with 20th Century Fox and MTM Enterprises, before returning fully to CBS control as the CBS Studio Center in March 1992. During the 1990s, the lot hosted American Gladiators; the original "Gladiator Arena" (Stage 3) remains preserved today for tours.
In 2007, the facility became the home of CBS's Los Angeles flagship stations, KCBS-TV and KCAL-TV, as well as the CBS News Los Angeles bureau. In 2008, Entertainment Tonight and The Insider also relocated to the center.
The most recent chapter began in 2021 when ViacomCBS (now Paramount Skydance Corporation) sold the facility to Hackman Capital Partners and Square Mile Capital Management for $1.85 billion. While a $1-billion upgrade was planned in 2023 to modernize soundstages and infrastructure, the owners defaulted on approximately $1.1 billion in debt by January 2026. Following a debt enforcement process led by Goldman Sachs, Netflix entered into a contract to purchase the property as of June 2026.
Key Facts
- Founded: May 1928 by Mack Sennett.
- Notable Early Stars: Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, and John Wayne.
- CBS Acquisition: Purchased in 1967 for $9.5 million.
- Sale Price (2021): $1.85 billion to Hackman Capital Partners and Square Mile Capital Management.
- Current Status: Under contract for purchase by Netflix (as of June 2026).
- Total Area: 70 acres.
The Backlot Facilities
The Radford Studio Center maintains three distinct backlot areas designed for versatile filming:
- New York City Street: Constructed in the mid-1990s specifically for exterior shots of Seinfeld.
- Central Park Area: A flexible space with grass, trees, and paths that can be flooded to simulate a pond or swamp.
- Residential Street: Comprising two streets with various houses suitable for diverse production needs.
| Era/Year | Studio Name | Primary Owner/Lessee |
|---|---|---|
| 1928 | Mack Sennett Studio | Mack Sennett |
| 1933 | Mascot Pictures | Mascot Pictures |
| 1935 | Republic Studios | Republic Pictures Corporation |
| 1963 | CBS Studio Center | CBS (Lessee) |
| 1967 | CBS Studio Center | CBS (Owner) |
| 1982 | CBS/Fox Studios | CBS & 20th Century Fox |
| 2021 | Radford Studio Center | Hackman Capital Partners / Square Mile Capital |
| 2026 | Radford Studio Center | Netflix (Under Contract) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who originally founded the studio?
The studio was founded in May 1928 by Mack Sennett, a renowned producer and director of silent films.
Which famous actors got their start at Republic Studios?
John Wayne, Roy Rogers, and Gene Autry all gained their first major breaks while working at Republic Studios.
What happened to the Gilligan's Island lagoon?
The lagoon, located at the northwestern edge of the lot, was paved over in the mid-1990s to create space for a new parking structure.
What is the current status of the American Gladiators arena?
The original "Gladiator Arena" is located at Stage 3 and has been preserved in its original form, offering tours and group events.
Who is the current prospective owner of the lot?
As of June 2026, Netflix is under contract to purchase the property following a debt default by Hackman Capital Partners.