Historic Film Studio for Sale | Filming Industry Slowdown
Occidental Studios, a cornerstone of Los Angeles‘s cinematic history, is now up for sale, marking a meaningful shift in the filming industry. This major announcement, reported by News Directory 3, unveils the potential transition of the historic studio, previously graced by silent film stars, within a current market impacted by economic headwinds. The 3-acre lot, with an asking price of $45 million, will interest modern content creators adn new-media businesses. the sale coincides with altered demand in the local television production landscape. Delve deeper into the details of this pivotal moment in Hollywood history. Discover what’s next …
Occidental Studios Up for Sale Amid Production Shifts
Updated June 24, 2025
One of the oldest movie studios in Los Angeles, Occidental Studios, is on the market. The potential sale occurs during a period of change in the entertainment industry, including increased competition and the lingering effects of pandemic-era slowdowns and industry strikes.
The studio, located near Echo Park in Historic Filipinotown, dates back to 1913. Silent film stars Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks once used the facilities. The 3-acre gated campus includes soundstages, offices and writers’ bungalows.
Kermit the Frog above the Jim Henson Company studio lot in Hollywood.
(AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)
The asking price is $45 million,or $651 per square foot. Nicole Mihalka,a real estate broker with CBRE,said Occidental studios might appeal to modern content creators seeking a flagship location. She added that she is showing the property to new-media businesses that rely on social media to reach younger audiences.
Writers’ bungalows at Occidental Studios.
(CBRE)
Victor Darian said the potential sale is not due to financial issues. darian said the company may also seek a long-term tenant to take over the studio.
Occidental Studios includes over 69,000 square feet of buildings, including four soundstages and support space. Cecil B. DeMille, D.W. Griffith and Pickford used it in its early years. Pickford reportedly kept an apartment on the lot for years.
More recently, television shows such as “tales of the city,” “New Girl” and HBO’s “Sharp Objects” have used the studio for production.
FilmLA reported that local television production decreased by 30.5% in the first quarter compared with the previous year. Feature film production decreased by 28.9%, while commercials were down by 2.1%.