A Santa Monica-based prop shop, Jadis, is marking its 50th anniversary this weekend, celebrating a milestone after nearly closing its doors more than a decade ago. Founded in 1976 by Susan Lieberman and her late husband, the company gained recognition for providing props to high-profile productions such as “Austin Powers,” “The Prestige,” and “The X-Files.”

In 2010, following the loss of her husband and business partner, Lieberman put Jadis up for sale, signaling the possible end of the long-running enterprise. The local community’s reaction was one of genuine concern, with many feeling a sense of personal loss over the potential closure. Shortly after, the prop shop received a call from Oscar-nominated set director Robert Gould seeking items for the film “The Artist,” which eventually won five Academy Awards. This opportunity played a key role in sustaining the business.

In recent years, Jadis has continued to contribute to various film projects including Maggie Gyllenhaal’s “The Bride,” Amazon’s “Spider Noir” starring Nicolas Cage, and the forthcoming “Street Fighter” adaptation. Lieberman credits the company’s survival to maintaining a small, adaptable staff and offering flexible pricing to clients. She recalled providing Universal Pictures with a discounted deal on a selection of chemical glassware for Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer,” noting that the transaction took just 15 minutes to complete—“I think I really underbid myself,” she said.

Despite the challenges faced over its five decades of operation, Jadis remains a respected resource within the entertainment industry, known for its extensive inventory and willingness to accommodate the evolving needs of film and television productions.