Studio Tours
There's NO Business like SHOW Business
Southern California has always been the heart of the
entertainment industry. Pioneering filmmakers and
self-made producers were initially attracted by the
region's year-round temperate climate and geographic
diversity - mountains, deserts and ocean within a
25-mile radius. Since the days of the silent screen,
studios have steadily continued to expand. Today, the
Greater L.A. Area is home to some of the major studios.
There is no better way to experience the excitement of
show biz than by joining a live studio audience or
taking a studio tour.
Paramount Studios
Two-hour, guided tours of the 55-acre Paramount Studios complex
provide a backstage glimpse of the world of film and TV. Tours
visit soundstages, wardrobes, production departments, sets and
scenes from current productions. They also feature historical
high-lights, including the dressing rooms of stars such as
Lucille Ball and Bing Crosby, the dance hall where Ginger Rogers
and Fred Astaire perfected their steps and Alfred Hitchcock's
office. Paramount tours, which are rarely larger than 12 people,
are casual and personalized. Producers often take out time from
their work to talk to tour groups, and visitors are occasionally
tapped as extras.
Reservations
Reservations are not required. Tours are offered Monday to Friday,
at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Children under 10 are not allowed.
Call for more information: 956-1777
Universal Studios
The Universal Studios Tour offers an entertaining look at the
magic of the movies. A 1-hour, guided tram tour through the
studios' 420 acres includes encounters with a 30-foot mobile
King Kong and the terrifying great white shark from Jaws.
Miracuously, the tram passes through the Red Sea, a feat
previously performed only by Moses (and Charlton Heston in
The Ten Commandments). Afterward, a fascinating film
and live demonstration on special effects help explain how
some of the illusions are created. Other attractions include
the 50-stunt "Miami Vice Action Spectacular," "Earthquake"
and the "Star Trek Adventure," where visitors can "beam"
aboard the Enterprise.
Reservations
Reservations are not required. Universal Studios is open daily,
from 8:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Year-long passes are available.
Call for more information: 818/508-9600
Warner Bros. Studios
Dubbed the VIP Tour, Warner Bros.' behind-the-scenes tour
was once limited to industry insiders. Today, visitors have
the opportunity to see how films are made, from pre-production
through actual filming. You'll visit departments such as the
wardrobe room, the sound studio, or the mill where sets are made.
Groups also tour backlot sets ranging from a New York street
scene to a Midwestern town. When the schedule permits, guests
may view actual filming. The tour last about two hours and
requires a lot of walking.
Reservations
Reservations are required. Book your tour at least one week in
advance. Tours are offered Monday through Friday, at
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Children under 10 are not allowed on the
tour, which is geared primarily to adults.
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