Netflix in talks for LA studio lot seized by Goldman Sachs
Synopsis
Netflix is reportedly in early discussions to acquire the Radford Studio Center in Los Angeles after lenders took control following a $1.1 billion loan default. The talks come amid lower studio occupancy and shifting production demand across Hollywood’s soundstage infrastructure.
Netflix is in early talks to acquire Radford Studio Center in Los Angeles after lender takeover, amid declining studio occupancy and ongoing restructuring across Hollywood production infrastructure and financing conditions.
Key Highlights
- Netflix in early talks to acquire Radford Studio Center in Los Angeles
- Studio under lender control after roughly $1.1 billion debt default
- Los Angeles studio occupancy dropped to about 62% in early 2025
- Facility spans 55 acres with long history of television production use
Netflix is in early-stage talks to acquire the Radford Studio Centre in Los Angeles, a major production facility now controlled by lenders after a loan default, according to reports from Bloomberg. The discussions have not been finalised and remain subject to change.
The studio complex is currently under creditor control linked to Goldman Sachs Group after its previous owners defaulted on roughly $1.1 billion in debt tied to the asset.
The property was originally bought in 2021 for about $1.85 billion by Hackman Capital Partners and Square Mile Capital Management from ViacomCBS.
Financing Pressure Hits a Major Studio Asset
The potential Netflix acquisition comes after a period of financial strain across Hollywood real estate. Higher interest rates, combined with industry disruptions in 2023, have reduced studio utilisation and slowed new production commitments.
FilmLA data cited in industry reports shows Los Angeles studio occupancy fell to about 62% in early 2025, reflecting softer demand compared with the peak production period seen during the streaming boom years.
A Long-Running Production Hub
The Radford Studio Centre spans roughly 55 acres and includes multiple soundstages, backlots, and production offices. It has been used for decades of television production, including long-running series such as Seinfeld and Gilligan’s Island.
Originally established in 1928, the site has changed ownership several times and remains one of the larger studio facilities in the Los Angeles production ecosystem.
Streaming Demand Reshapes Studio Ownership
The talks come as streaming platforms continue to secure more physical production capacity. Netflix, which reported over $33 billion in annual revenue in its most recent full-year results, has been expanding its production footprint to support growing content output.
Industry-wide, studios and streaming services are increasingly locking in long-term access to production facilities across major hubs, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, as demand for soundstages remains tight.
Talks Still in Early Stage
Reports from Bloomberg and the Los Angeles Times indicate that discussions between Netflix and the lenders are ongoing, with valuation and structure still under review. No binding agreement has been reached, and the studio has not been formally placed on the market.
FAQs
Q1. What is Netflix negotiating in Los Angeles?
Netflix is in early talks to acquire the Radford Studio Center, a major production facility.
Q2. Why is the studio under lender control?
It followed a roughly $1.1 billion loan default by previous ownership linked to the asset.
Q3. What is the current studio occupancy trend?
Industry data shows Los Angeles studio occupancy has dropped to about 62% in 2025.
Q4. Has Netflix confirmed the purchase?
No, the discussions are still early and no agreement has been finalized.
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Pooja Malik is a business journalist with over six years of experience covering startups, entrepreneurship, and emerging trends. She has previously worked with leading media platforms such as YourStory Media and BW BusinessWorld, where she reported on business, policy, and market developments. Currently, she serves as Editor at The Inspirepreneur Magazine, where she writes and edits stories across business, lifestyle, and travel, with a focus on clarity, accuracy, and reader relevance.
