Hackman Studios has just made a major move by acquiring Vancouver Film Studios (VFS), a renowned studio that has been home to blockbuster films like Deadpool, The Flash, Yellowjackets, and more. This deal also includes affiliated companies Pacific Backlot and Signal Systems. With 13 sound stages, construction mills, and office space, VFS is a valuable addition to Hackman Studios. Pacific Backlot provides essential lighting and grip equipment, while Signal Systems offers top-notch communications services. The financial details of the acquisition were not disclosed.
Jason McLean, CEO of the McLean Group of Companies, expressed his confidence in Hackman Studios, stating, “Vancouver Film Studios has been a core company in our family business for 25 years, and we are confident HCP will take what we have built to even greater heights. Their expertise in the film industry combined with our exceptional team make for an ‘all-star cast’.” VFS has an impressive list of clients, including Disney, Warner Bros., 20th Century Studios, NBC Universal, Netflix, Apple, and CBS. Despite the acquisition, VFS will continue to operate as an independent studio.
“Within a burgeoning global production market, Vancouver Film Studios has a rare generational legacy, and we are thrilled to be its next steward,” said Michael Hackman, founder-CEO of Hackman Capital. “Not only is the facility purpose-built and state of the art, but we are inheriting a management team that is among the best in the business.” VFS is also known for its strong environmental, social, and governance program. It has been carbon neutral since 2008 and recently launched the Indigenous Filmmakers Bursary in 2022.
Based in Los Angeles, Hackman Capital Partners has an impressive portfolio of 19 production campuses across North America, the U.K., and Ireland. With over 145 active sound stages and more than 60 planned, Hackman Capital is a major player in the industry. Some of their notable properties include The Culver Studios, Radford Studio Center, Television City Studios, MBS Media Campus, Raleigh Studios, and Saticoy Studios in Los Angeles; Silvercup Studios and Kaufman Astoria Studios in New York; Second Line Stages in New Orleans; Ardmore Studios and Troy Studios in Ireland; The Wharf London, Wardpark Studios, Cardington Studios, and Pyramids Studios in the UK. They also have several studios in development, such as Eastbrook Studios London in the UK, Greystones Media Campus in Ireland, and Basin Media Studios in Toronto.
