Movie Studios

Paramount Studios is the longest continually operating studio in Hollywood. In fact, it’s the only major motion picture studio left in Hollywood. Paramount Pictures has produced over 3,000 pictures since its beginning on July 12, 1912. Among those pictures are 17 Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis comedies, many of Elvis Presley’s movies, "Citizen Kane," "Saturday Night Fever," "Forrest Gump," "Star Trek," and the Indiana Jones adventures. The landmark Bronson Gate can be seen at the north end of Bronson Avenue. Three different types of tours are offered; advance reservations are required (purchase online or call 323-956-1777). 5555 Melrose Ave., Hollywood, CA 90038. Phone: 323-956-5000. 

Sony Pictures Studios is the old, grand MGM studio that was purchased by Sony Entertainment of Japan. Along with the purchase, Sony acquired MGM’s library of films. This is the biggest library of color films in the world. Pictures produced at MGM include the James Bond films, "The Pink Panther," and "Rocky." Newer releases include "Spiderman" and "Breaking Bad." Two-hour walking tours are available Monday–Friday for $40/person (must be at least 12)—reserve at 323- 244-8687 or online. Get tickets to watch a taping of a show through Audiences Unlimited. Sony Pictures Studios is located at 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232. Phone: 310-244-4000.

Warner Brothers Studios is one of Hollywood’s most famous studios. The first “talkie” with Al Jolson was produced at Warner Bros in 1927. Some of their other films include "Casablanca," the Batman series, "Rebel Without a Cause," the Harry Potter series, and "Lord of the Rings." Studio Tours are offered via a tour cart—get options, prices, and hours online. Information about attending a free taping is available through Audiences Unlimited. The studio tour is located at 3400 Warner Blvd, Burbank, CA 91505. Phone: 877-492-8687.

Universal Studios is the largest film and television studio in the world. Films produced by Universal include "E.T.," "Jurassic Park," "Schindler’s List," "Frankenstein," "The Birds," and "Back to the Future." Many of the rides and attractions at Universal Studios theme park (see page 143) are themed after these and other films. At Universal Studios park you can take a studio tram tour, enjoy rides, shop, dine, or be entertained at CityWalk. Universal Studios is located at 100 Universal City Plaza at Lankershim, Universal City, CA 91608. Phone: 818-622-3801. 

The Walt Disney Studios and its subsidiaries, including Marvel and Touchstone, have released some of the most popular films in recent years, including “No Country For Old Men,” “Pearl Harbor,” and “The Avengers." The Walt Disney Studios began in 1923 in a tiny studio in L.A. In 1937, with the profits from "Snow White," Walt bought 51 acres in Burbank and built a state-of-the-art animation building. The large glass-and-brick company headquarters sports seven 19-foot-tall dwarfs. Tours are not available, but you can get tickets for a taping at Audiences Unlimited. The studio is located at 500 S. Buena Vista St., Burbank, CA 91521. Phone: 818-560-1000.