Michael Hackman

Hackman Capital Partners (HCP) knows how to succeed in business, whether that business is real estate, entertainment or both.

With a prominent studio and soundstage presence, the Culver City, Calif.-based HCP dominates entertainment infrastructure. Already the country’s — and, therefore, Los Angeles’ — largest private owner and manager of both soundstage and studio space, HCP is continuing to expand. The company’s recent deals meet the ongoing demand for content spurred by the pandemic, as well as reflect the dominance of streaming services.

However, the entertainment industry — and its corresponding real estate — has faced no shortage of setbacks. Last year’s strikes by writers and actors introduced uncertainty and instability to Hollywood studio and soundstage developments, resulting in leasing delays and financial dips. 

HCP, however, is anything but striking out. HCP’s office and retail tenants have just as much star power as the people who walk through a Hollywood studio. In March 2023, Erewhon signed a lease at Culver Steps, joining Amazon Studios. That 122,000-square-foot Culver Steps development reached full occupancy in 2023. 

That’s not to say everything has gone as planned. This past April, HCP changed its plans for Television City studios and cut some 150,000 square feet of office space following input from community stakeholders. Adapting to market interest is therefore a must. HCP will continue with the large-scale Television City studios redevelopment, which also includes nine new soundstages, public shops, restaurants and a 15-story office building separate from the scrapped office space.

“Our investment will preserve this iconic studio and transform it into Los Angeles’ first all-electric production facility, create good-paying jobs close to where individuals and families live, and improve the quality of life and safety of residents and businesses in the Beverly/Fairfax community,” Hackman said in a statement announcing the changes. 

Yet, while California has proven a gold mine for HCP, the company isn’t limited to just the Golden State. HCP has been expanding in New York and London, taking a global approach to entertainment.