Hollywood Movie Studio Tours
Behind the Scenes in L.A: Universal, Warner Bros, Paramount and Sony
Oct 4, 2008
For an exclusive look into the inner workings of a major film studio and perhaps a celebrity sighting, each of these tours provides a unique opportunity.
Paramount Studio Tour
Final resting place of the first Academy Award for Best Motion Picture (1926’s Wings) and Forrest Gump’s infamous park bench, this walking tour is steeped in Hollywood history. Paramount Pictures opened its photo friendly gates in 1926 at this location and has been a landmark ever since. The two-hour tour wanders through the old Desilu Studios, (now located in the western portion of Paramount Studios), the Blue Sky Set where Moses parted the Red Sea in The Ten Commandments, and the New York Street back lot. Open Monday–Friday, cost is $35 a person plus parking.
Sony Pictures Studios Tour
Originally MGM, this studio once had an extensive back lot that covered much of modern day Culver City. Today, Sony Pictures Studio occupies a sliver of land that houses all its stages and post production facilities. Rumors are that one the sound stages still has the yellow brick road, from The Wizard of Oz, underneath it’s concrete flooring. And one of it’s remaining relics is the old schoolhouse where a young Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney had classes. The tour lends itself towards celebrating Sony’s current hits, Spiderman and Men In Black, rather than stepping back into the glory days of MGM. Open Monday–Friday, cost is $28 a person with free parking.
Warner Brothers V.I.P. Studio Tour
Warner Brothers still has an impressive back lot. The small golf cart tram and intimate group make this a very interactive and educational studio tour. Multiple stops at filming locations for old classics like Casablanca and The Music Man, along with an exclusive fifteen minute film history of Warner Brothers and a small museum, make the visitor feel like the V.I.P. mentioned in the studio tour title. Although every tour is different, guests may also visit the prop house, the Mill, the Foley stages or the costume department. Open Monday-Friday, cost is $45 a person plus parking.
Universal Studios Tour
The most commercial of all the tours, it feels more like a ride than an exclusive look at the inner workings of a movie studio. However, there is still something fascinating about seeing the set of The War of The Worlds and Jurassic Park. Universal likes to dazzle its visitors with special effects so expect a show. Be prepared for anything, the shark from Jaws may jump out at any moment or a flash flood may rock the tram. Open 7 days a week, this tour is part of the Universal Studios Theme Park. Prices and parking vary.
All tours, except for Universal, require advance reservations. Please check with each studio for tour times and age restrictions.
