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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