Hollywood has been captivating audiences for over a century, with movie studios in Los Angeles dedicated to creating stories for screens big and small. Studio lot tours hosted by Universal, Warner Bros., Sony, and Paramount offer a behind-the-scenes look at how movies are made, from set design to sound recording. These tours not only generate revenue for the studios but also serve as training programs for new employees and marketing for upcoming projects. The film industry brings in over $100 billion in tourism, with attractions like studio tours, the Hollywood sign, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame drawing visitors from around the world.
Sony Pictures Studio, located in Culver City, offers a two-hour walking tour showcasing iconic sets like “Seinfeld” and props from popular films like “Spider-Man” and “Ghostbusters.” Guests can explore the sound stages where classic movies like “The Wizard of Oz” were filmed and step onto sets for popular TV shows like “Jeopardy” and “Wheel of Fortune.” The tour also includes a visit to Sony’s Foley studio to see how sound effects are created for movies and television. Costing $55 per person, the Sony tour provides a comprehensive look at the movie-making process.
Warner Bros. offers studio lot tours ranging from one to three hours, featuring guided tours of filming locations for shows like “Friends,” “The Big Bang Theory,” and “Gilmore Girls.” The company’s interactive sound stage, Stage 48, allows guests to experience how movies and television shows are created and provides photo opportunities on recreated sets from popular films and TV shows like “Friends” and “Harry Potter.” Prices for the Warner Bros. tour range from $73 for a one-hour guided tour to $330 for a deluxe three-hour guided tour including fine dining.
Paramount’s studio lot tour takes visitors behind the scenes of movie and TV production, with an emphasis on meeting crew members responsible for keeping productions running smoothly. The tour features a combination of walking and carting around the lot, giving guests an immersive look at various aspects of the filmmaking process. With three tiers of tours available, guests can choose from a two-hour regular tour for $65 per person, a three-hour premier tour for $150 per person, or a four-hour VIP tour for $215 per person, which includes private access to archives and tradesmen on the lot.
Universal Studios Hollywood offers visitors a unique experience, starting 60 years ago as a studio tour that later expanded into a theme park with special effects attractions. The studio lot tour includes rides like King Kong fighting dinosaurs and a high-speed street chase inspired by the Fast and Furious films. Classic sets such as the Bates Motel from “Psycho” and the courthouse from “Back to the Future” are also featured on the tour. General admission to the theme park starts at $109 per person, with VIP tour packages available for those seeking a more in-depth look at the studio lot.
Overall, studio lot tours in Los Angeles provide a valuable opportunity for visitors to explore the entertainment industry, learn about the filmmaking process, and experience the magic of Hollywood up close. With tours offered by major studios like Universal, Warner Bros., Sony, and Paramount, guests can immerse themselves in the world of movies and TV shows while gaining a deeper understanding of the city’s unique culture and creative legacy. The popularity and success of these tours demonstrate the enduring fascination with Hollywood and the desire for fans to connect with the stories and locations that have captured their imagination for generations.
