Reviving the Young Frankenstein Mural at Fox Studios Lot

Reviving the Young Frankenstein Mural at Fox Studios Lot

cASE STUDY

Watch this iconic Young Frankenstein mural come back to life at the Fox Studio Lot in Los Angeles, CA. First painted by Mike Denering and located on Stage 5, where the classic 1974 film was originally filmed, this mural had faded significantly over the years. Exposure to sunlight and weather turned the once vibrant paint strokes into an array of dull grays.

Client:
Fox Studios Lot, Century City

Location
Century City, California

Products

The mural is being treated with two coats of MuralShield to breathe fresh life into it and protect it for many more years to come. This restoration not only revives the mural’s original vibrancy but also ensures its preservation against future environmental damage.


After the success of this first mural restoration, the Fox Studio team has begun working on 7 more studio murals totaling over 80k square feet!

Mural Restoration and Protection at Fox Studios Lot

The Fox Studios Lot in Century City, historically known as Movietone City, stands as a testament to the film industry. Opening in October 1928, this pioneering facility was the first purpose-built studio for motion picture production. Spanning over 50 acres, it encompasses an impressive array of production support and headquarters facilities, including stages, theaters, dressing rooms, and editing bays, totaling more than 2 million square feet.

The Fox Studios Lot's iconic murals celebrate the studio’s cinematic legacy. Among these are:

  • The Ox Bow Incident Mural on Stage 9, painted by John McCormick
  • The Seven Year Itch Mural on Stage 10, painted by Richard Amsel
  • Die Hard on Stage 20, painted by Michael Deas
  • The Sound of Music Mural on Stage 12, painted by David Schorr
  • Empire Strikes Back Mural on Stage 14, painted by Drew Struzan
  • Young Frankenstein Mural on Stage 5, painted by Mike Denering
  • The Simpsons Mural on Stage 21, painted by Matt Groening
  • Family Guy Mural on Stage 22, painted by Mike Denering

Challenge

Over the decades, these murals at Fox Studios have faced exposure to environmental elements, leading to significant wear and tear. As the murals began to deteriorate, preserving their historical and artistic significance became increasingly urgent. The challenge was to safeguard these iconic artworks and ensure they continue to tell their stories.


Solution

To address the preservation needs, MuralShield was selected for its superior protective and preservation capabilities, providing a robust shield against UV rays, consolidates aging and new paint, and weatherproofs against the elements. 


The application of MuralShield has significantly enhanced the longevity and appearance of the murals. 

“MuralShield brings out the color and luster.You can really see the difference in the finished product.”

- Julio Loera, Building Maintenance Director of Fox Studios

Products Used