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A Guide to the Movie Studios

Have you ever wanted to see where your favorite movie or TV show is filmed? Do you want to get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to put a major production together? If you live in California or are visiting, the movie studios are a great place to feel like you're part of the action.

Warner Brothers Studio

Warner Brothers has created most of my favorite TV shows over the years and the studio is easily my favorite to visit. "Gilmore girls," "One Tree Hill," (although it filmed on location in Wilmington, North Carolina) "Full House," "Ellen," "Friends" and "Pretty Little Liars" are just some of the many . I've lost track of how many times I've taken the tour at this point, as there is always something new to see, whether it's a new show filming on the lot, a new exhibit in the Stage 48: Script to Screen finale or a special event to be held. They're always looking for new and innovative ways to get people in the gates. They also seem to personalize the tour the most to your likes and interests of their shows and movies.

Over the years, I've had a chance to see many of the facades, town squares and walk on the sets of some of my favorite shows. Although I haven't seen many actors while taking the tour, I have visited during days of filming and have seen equipment and stages set for the next scene. Like, remember when Kirk crashes through Luke's window on "Gilmore girls"? I was there that day. The window was indeed missing when we stopped by the diner. And though I was too young to appreciate it, I remember walking through Richard and Emily's house and onto their back patio during season two. I've also visited Ezra's classroom from "Pretty Little Liars" and walked through Emily's house.

It's a two-and-a-half hour guided tour through the backlot of Warner Brothers Studio in Burbank, Calif. The more you speak up about your favorites, the more personalized the tour will be. No two tours have been exactly alike and that's what keeps it fun. You visit soundstages, learn trivia and history about the backlot, its actors, producers and others involved in the world of television and film. It also gives you a chance to sit in the audience at "Ellen" or a sitcom, like "Fuller House" and "The Big Bang Theory," where they tell you how you can sign up for the coveted tickets or walk around Stars Hollow. Okay, there's much more that has been filmed in the "Midwest" section, but those are my favorites.

There's a lot to see on the lot, including New York Street, Midwest section, the jungle, a residential neighborhood with a replica of the "Full House" house or a garage filled with some of the mobiles from "Batman," a warehouse with props and memorabilia from DC films and the "Harry Potter" franchise and much more. You never know where you might end up on a studio backlot.

Many Clint Eastwood movies have been filmed on the lot, as well as the "Oceans" franchise, "The Hangover," "Casablanca" -- the list could go on and on.

The tour concludes at Stage 48, one of my favorite aspects of the tour - A self-guided tour experience that walks you from the very beginning stages of writing a script to what the audience/production crew sees while filming. There are also props and costumes from some of the most recent films, which changes, depending on what's out and "hot" at the time. Stop by the Central Perk cafe and order coffee or a treat, sit on the famous couch where the gang has actually sat, see props, costumes and awards from your favorite Warner Brothers productions or participate in one of the interactive exhibits to find out more about engineering, lighting and more. And don't forget to stop at the souvenir shop on the way out.

Other tours offered, include: The Classics and Horror Made Here (during the Halloween season, of course).

Price: Adults - $65 and children (3-12) - $55. If you live in southern California, they often run specials in the summer and near the end of the year, so keep an eye out for that! VIP packages are also offered for $200 + and around 6 hours on the lot. I'd still love to do that one someday!

**Also, stay tuned for my recap of a visit to Stars Hollow next Saturday for the new "Lunch at Lorelai's House" event they are promoting until January 6.**

Paramount Studios

Paramount was one of the first major motion picture studios in Hollywood and is in the heart of Hollywood. While standing down the main alley of soundstages, visitors can have the perfect view of the palm trees and the Hollywood sign. It really is the epitome of Hollywood and one of the most historic studios.

My parents and I visited for the first time in 2011, as I was a big "Glee" fan, which shot on the lot. I was hoping to see one of my favorites, like Cory Monteith or Lea Michele, but unfortunately, I believe they were on hiatus that week. They did say that Cory was usually the one to stop by and say "hi" to visitors on the tour and the others...Well, you could figure out who was nice and who wasn't based on their characters, they said.

Other shows on the lot that have filmed there, include "Cheers," "Sister, Sister," "Community" and "The Brady Bunch," and many motion pictures, including "Forrest Gump," which gives you the opportunity to sit on of the benches used in the movie. You can also get your pictures in front of the famous Paramount Pictures gate and touch it on your way out, because it's said to bring good luck. There's also a new prop warehouse with some standout items, including cars and neon signs from some of their most famous films, which is always interesting to see.

My mom and I took another tour last summer, in hopes of seeing "This is Us" sets or cast members walking around, since they film there. However, since it is not technically their show, they don't push it as much. We walked the set of "Grace & Frankie," one of the most popular shows on Netflix, as well as other soundstages, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnez's "home away from home" on the lot, the patch of grass used as a football field for shots on "Glee" and more.

I've found that you really get to know more of the history of their films, as well as those who were revolutionary to their studio, like Lucille Ball. This tour really makes you fall in love with the old Hollywood that everyone hears about - the glitz, glamour and charm of it all.

Price: $58 per person.

Universal Studios

Universal Studios has quickly become another one of my favorites, as one of my best friends and I have season passes to the theme park and visit frequently.

The tram tour is probably the most restricting and the quickest, as it's essentially a "ride," but still just as informative and interesting. Currently, Jimmy Fallon is one of the tour guides via video screen and occasionally pops up on the screen to share information about a certain location or fact about the filmmaking process.

NBC Universal is known for their comedies and always has been, and the sitcom is making a comeback with the reboot of "Will & Grace" filming on the lot. "The Mindy Project" also used to shoot at Universal, and I was always so bummed that I never saw her around.

Universal is also known for their iconic and revolutionary classic horror films, such as "Frankenstein," or "The Mummy." Be careful - You might just run into Norman Bates at the Bates Motel or the "Psycho" house. Maybe "The Grinch" will help you out in Whoville, as he's just around the corner.

Throughout the "45 minute to an hour" tour covers a lot of area: soundstages, including the largest where "The Voice" films, production offices, the town hall area from "Back to the Future", as well as where they filmed the "Hairspray: LIVE!" with Ariana Grande a couple years ago. You'll also see some of the facades, buildings and landscapes from more of the action-packed films. See where Steven Spielberg shot the shark scenes from "Jaws," the "War of the Worlds" crash set and where they filmed the plane scenes on the Hudson River from the recent film, "Sully." Experience an earthquake and see how Peter Jackson brought "Kong: Skull Island" to life, as well as the streets of Genovia from "Princess Diaries 2" and "The Good Place." Hallmark's "Home & Family" also shoots on the lot, so you just might hear or see one of their special guests walking around when you round the backyard landscape. Stay on high alert of others invading the tour/lot with the gang from "Fast and the Furious" and go on a virtual high speed chase through the city of Los Angeles.

For a more interesting perspective of the lot, visit during Halloween Horror Nights in October, where you can ride the Terror Tram experience. No one does it like Universal. I've never done this, but would like to at some point while I still have my pass, just to say I survived it.

Price: $109-$124 (There are many variations of pricing and packages, depending on how long you're staying at the theme park, as well as if you are a California resident. You can also purchase a VIP package for the studio tour as well, though it is an additional fee to your amusement park ticket).

Walt Disney Animation Studios

Although, not typically open to the public, occasionally you just might be able to get in for special events, such as screenings with the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood. My parents and I went to a screening of "The Princess and the Frog" through the movie theatre and were able to take a tour of the lot, which was rarely done at the time.

We watched the movie in the theater located on the lot, then took a tour of the studio, walking through the animation building, past Walt Disney's old office and walking through spaces that brought the Disney magic to life. There was also an "after party" in the studio next door that had props and costumes from some of the most recent and popular Disney films, including "Hannah Montana: The Movie," "The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement," "High School Musical 3" and "Enchanted." There were even artifacts from Walt Disney himself from his early animation days.

Starting next year, if you are a D23 member, you can have the opportunity to visit the backlot and get an exclusive two-and-a-half hour tour, getting to see Disney's suite office and some of the archives.

Price: No price available.

Tips for Visiting a Studio:

  • Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. While you are in a tram or cart most of the time, there are spots where you're allowed to get out and walk around the sets and streets. Make sure you wear something that is practical and comfortable to climb in and out of a tram, as well as if there is more walking involved.

  • Do get there early. Most tours suggest getting to the premises about 30 minutes prior to your tour, as it gives you a chance to go through security, check in with the front desk, use the restroom and check out the waiting area. Most check-in areas have the history of the studio and their productions on the wall or other artifacts, props and photos that you don't want to miss. Plus, it keeps you occupied if you get there a tad too early like I often tend to.

  • Do your research. Check which of your favorite movies are produced under that studio and write down things you might be curious to know more about or if you have a particular question about how an episode was shot or the process of TV/film.

  • Don't be afraid to ask questions. Your tour guides are there to help you and give you the best experience possible, and it helps the more interactive you are with them. Let them know your favorite shows and films and carry on conversation. It really does help the tone of the tour and helps put the guide at ease, too.

  • Have Fun with It/Take advantage of photo opportunities. I say this from experience...This is your chance to feel like a movie star and pretend that you're your favorite character from a sitcom or drama. Strike a pose in front of the house or the school or that car used for that film, or imitate their style for the day from one of your favorite episodes. I've done it with "La La Land" and will try it this Saturday with a little Lorelai flare from "Gilmore girls."

  • Be considerate. While the studios do give plenty of opportunities for exploring and getting hands-on experiences, if they say 'no photo' or no trying to get the attention of that celebrity you might see, don't do it. Have respect for the establishment and the rules they set.

  • Download the apps. These days, everyone has an app with showtimes, information, maps, exclusive exhibits, what's new and history of the studios. Here are a few you can download:

  • Warner Brothers Studio Tour

  • Paramount Studios Tour and The Studios

  • Universal Studios Hollywood

  • Disney (Doesn't technically have a "studio" app, but they do for their theme parks, of course).

Each studio has its own quirks and charms about it and that's why no tour is ever the same. There are also plenty of other studios you can "visit" for TV show and special segment tapings, such as CBS Radford Studios, Culver City Studios, and so on, though they don't offer tours and aren't necessarily open to the public. One studio I have yet to tour is Sony Pictures...Maybe I will add that to the list for 2019.

Stay tuned for all things Hollywood!

Thank you,

Shelby

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