About a century ago, several Hollywood studios trekked over the Cahuenga Pass to the San Fernando Valley. Why not? There was lots of land and it was cheap.
Many years ago, I heard that Warner Bros. Studio had a tour. I pictured it as low-key and casual. I never tried it out. In light of the recent (possible) sale of the studio, we decided it was time to get some tickets and see it before it might be gone.
My history with studio tours goes back to junior high school when my friend, Marga, and I tried out the new Universal Studios Tour. Back in the 60s, it was pretty primitive. There were no rides or attractions. We got loaded on a bus and they drove us around. I think we did get out to see something inside a sound stage. There was a break for restrooms halfway through. We didn’t come close to seeing any celebrity.
Carl and I, waiting for our tour.
There was a nod to famous Warner Bros. cartoon characters.
I was surprised by the Warner tour from the moment I walked into the building. There was a lovely place to eat and a huge gift shop, but we were ready for the tour. We ended up on a small tram with a tour guide who drove us all around the lot. We actually got out and could walk around and take pictures of the historic buildings used for sets in untold numbers of movie and TV shows.
Hennessey Street is pictured, used for city scenes. That little van is like ours.
French Street, scene for Gilmore Girls, La La Land, the Matrix Ressurections.
We got to go inside a sound stage, decorated for a TV pilot. At the end of the tram ride, an entire sound stage has been taken over as a museum. There were sets from popular TV shows, costumes from movies and television productions, all kinds of interesting things to see and do. We left feeling the experience was well worth the ticket price. The tour was well-organized. We didn’t feel pushed through the experience like a bunch of cattle. We actually took as long as we liked everywhere we went.
Sookie St. James’ house from Gilmore Girls.
Although most buildings are mere fronts, some are real, used for indoor filming.
This little chapel appears in Pretty Little Liars and The Lost Boys.
We did our tour in about three hours. We only stood in line to get on a tram. Everyone was helpful and knowledgeable. There were interesting food options, although we didn’t try them out. I imagine a person could spend the day there. We went on a weekend with no hope of seeing a famous person. There might be a somewhat higher chance of encountering a movie star during the week. But that was not my goal. My interest in actors and actresses waned long ago. I find it more interesting to try to figure out if couples are on a date!
Wedding gown from Crazy Rich Asians.
The Harry Potter movies were Warner Bros. productions. It was fun to see some of the tricks of perspective.
Of course, we ended up in the impressive gift shop we noticed when we arrived. I couldn’t resist a book about the history of the studio.
While chatting with an employee, I asked about the studio’s future. Because they do so much filming—even other studios shoot at Warner Bros.’ huge facility—he assured the studio would endure, sale or no.
Above and below: original costumes from My Fair Lady.
It’s fun to occasional play the tourist. It’s nice not to be rushed. Everything at Warner’s was immaculately clean. The food smelled tempting. I highly recommend Warner Bros., whether you’re a local, trying to entertain out-of-town guests or an actual tourist. It’s a real studio tour, a much more authentic experience than Universal. You can buy tickets in advance online or just show up the day you plan on attending. I guarantee you’ll have a fun and memorable day!