Redford Studios — where ‘Seinfeld’ was filmed — could close after owner defaults on $1.1B loan

LOS ANGELES — Serenity now!

A century-old film and TV studio where “Seinfeld” and other hit shows were shot could shut down after the owner defaulted on a $1.1 billion loan.

It’s the latest in a series LA entertainment industry defaults, which have left Hollywood begging for mercy.

Republic Ave. on the lot of Radford Studio Center. Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

“I can’t believe the future of this studio is in jeopardy,” one gutted producer who still works on the storied lot told The Post.

Stage 9, also known as the Seinfeld Stage, where the show was produced on the lot of the at Radford Studio Center. Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

Hackman Capital Partners, the owner of the iconic CBS Radford Studios — where “Gilligan’s Island” and the classic 60’s western “Gunsmoke” were birthed — has plans to turn the property over to Goldman Sachs after failing to make payments, according to Bloomberg.

Hackman had hoped to capitalize on the streaming industry, which was booming at the time it bought the studio — but didn’t see Hollywood consolidation coming, according to industry insiders.  

Workers still punching in on the storied lot paint the sad picture of a studio that went from boom to bust. 

Street sign on the lot of the Radford Studio Center. Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

“Its been empty for years, ever since the pandemic it’s been empty. When it was booming, I couldn’t find a parking spot. They had to get security guards to show us where to park. And that was at 8 a.m.” said the producer.

“Now, it’s wide open.”

Recently business has been so slow that the cafeteria closes early because no one is coming in to eat anymore, the producer said.

 Bungalows, right, used for production, and a parking structure in the background, on the lot of the Radford Studio Center. Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

A person familiar with the studio and tenant negotiations told The Post that Radford is less than half way full and that at one point there was a thought to “eventually” make the lot residential, given its desired Studio City location. 

“The location is amazing, you’re 30 minutes away from anything. It’s already surrounded by really nice homes and restaurants” the producer said.

Hackman gobbled up the Radford lot from ViacomCBS for $1.85 billion in 2021, according to Variety. 

The purchase was part of a studio buying spree that also included LA’s CBS Television City. Hackman announced plans in 2023 to invest $1 billion to renovate the lot, which was built in 1928, Variety reported.

Entertainment Tonight and CBS News are two of the tenants that remain. It’s unclear what’s next for the lot.

“It’s a shame. If these walls could talk, the stories you’d hear would blow you away. I hope they continue to film here, one can only hope.”  the producer said.