Rainbow Connection: John Mayer Partners with McG to Purchase Iconic Jim Henson Lot
According to information obtained by The Hollywood Reporter, John Mayer and McG, otherwise known as filmmaker Joseph McGinty Nichol, have come together to purchase the historic Jim Henson lot, formerly A&M Studios, and before that, the former Charlie Chaplin Studios.
A spokesperson for Mayer confirmed, “John Mayer and McG are under contract to buy Henson Studios.”
Reportedly, the property had been a highly considered purchase by Fab Factory Studios, a music production firm run by father and son Seven and Shaun Fabos–significant donors to the Church of Scientology, who were close to sealing the bid prior to Mayer and McG’s actions.
The Hollywood Reporter’s findings also included the Fabos family’s hold on the purchase, which reportedly lapsed, leading to an opening and, ultimately, Mayer’s decision to act. Due in part to its historic significance, the deal is said to be in the $60 million range.
Henson’s history with the lots extends back to 1999, while the site’s history extends further as an early film establishment and one-time home base for Chaplin–dating back to 1917. Eventually, it was sold in 1953 and used for numerous TV productions before gaining status as A&M Records headquarters, following another turnover in 1966 for $12.5 million to Henson.