EnglishLA-Event - The Paramount Pictures Studios VIP Tour Experience : A Cinematic Journey Through Time
By Mulder, Los Angeles, Paramount Pictures, 30 july 2024
Paramount Pictures Studios stands as a living testament to the golden age of Hollywood, a place where the magic of cinema comes to life. The studio, founded in 1912, has been at the forefront of film production for over a century, crafting some of the most iconic films and television shows in history. For those passionate about the inner workings of Hollywood or simply looking to immerse themselves in the world of filmmaking, the Paramount Pictures Studios VIP tour offers an exclusive and unforgettable experience.
Stepping through the iconic Bronson Gate, visitors are instantly transported back to a time when Hollywood was in its infancy. Paramount Pictures is the last major studio still located in Hollywood, and its history is intertwined with that of the city itself. The studio's lot is a sprawling 65 acres, filled with sound stages, backlots, and production facilities that have hosted countless legendary films and television shows. The VIP tour offers a rare opportunity to explore this storied studio in a way that few others can.
During the tour, guests are treated to an in-depth look at Paramount's illustrious history. The tour guides, who are well-versed in the studio's past and present, share fascinating anecdotes and historical tidbits that bring the studio's legacy to life. As you walk through the lot, you'll pass by the stages where classic films like Sunset Boulevard, The Godfather, and Breakfast at Tiffany's were shot. These iconic sets are not just relics of the past; they are still in use today, continuing to play a vital role in the creation of modern cinema.
One of the most exciting aspects of the Paramount Pictures Studios VIP tour is the chance to go behind the scenes and see how movies are made. The tour includes exclusive access to areas of the studio that are usually off-limits to the public. This includes the Sign Shop, where all of the signs and props for Paramount productions are created, and the Prop Warehouse, which houses thousands of props from past and present films.
Visitors also get a chance to step onto the sound stages where current productions are filmed. These massive, cavernous spaces are the heart of the studio, where the magic of filmmaking happens. Walking onto a live set, you can almost feel the energy and excitement that comes with bringing a script to life. It's an experience that gives you a deep appreciation for the hard work and creativity that goes into making a film.
The tour also offers a glimpse into the future of filmmaking. As part of the VIP experience, guests can visit the Paramount Archives, a treasure trove of Hollywood memorabilia. Here, you'll find costumes, props, and set pieces from some of the most famous films in history. The archive is also home to Paramount's film restoration department, where old films are meticulously preserved and digitized. This process is crucial for maintaining the legacy of classic films, ensuring that they can be enjoyed by future generations.
The Paramount Pictures Studios VIP tour is designed to be a luxurious and personalized experience. One of the highlights of the tour is a gourmet catered lunch, served in an exclusive location within the studio lot. This isn't just a meal—it's an opportunity to dine like a Hollywood insider, surrounded by the history and magic of the studio. The lunch is typically served in a unique setting, such as a private garden or a production area, adding to the overall ambiance of the tour.
Throughout the tour, guests are treated to personalized attention from their guide, who ensures that the experience is tailored to their interests. Whether you're a film buff looking to learn more about the technical aspects of filmmaking or a casual fan wanting to soak in the atmosphere of Hollywood, the VIP tour can be customized to suit your needs.
Additionally, each guest receives a personalized souvenir photo, a memento of their visit to the studio. The tour also includes a 15% discount at the Studio Store, where visitors can purchase exclusive Paramount merchandise.
The backlot of Paramount Pictures Studios is a world unto itself, filled with meticulously crafted sets that can be transformed into almost any location imaginable. During the VIP tour, guests have the chance to explore these sets, which have been used in countless films and TV shows over the years. From New York City streets to a small-town square, the backlot is a versatile space that has played a role in some of Hollywood's most memorable scenes.
One of the most fascinating parts of the backlot is the water tank, a large section of the parking lot that can be filled with water to create ocean scenes. This unique set piece has been used in films such as Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home and The Ten Commandments. The tour offers a detailed explanation of how these scenes were filmed, giving visitors a new appreciation for the ingenuity and creativity of filmmakers.
The backlot is also home to several miniature sets, where smaller-scale versions of buildings and cityscapes are used to create the illusion of a larger space. These sets are often used for establishing shots or scenes that require a specific look or feel. Seeing these miniatures up close is a reminder of the incredible attention to detail that goes into every aspect of filmmaking.
The Paramount VIP tour doesn't just focus on the glamorous side of Hollywood—it also highlights the craftsmanship and hard work that goes into making movies. The tour includes a visit to the studio's various workshops, where set designers, prop makers, and costume designers work their magic. These artisans are the unsung heroes of Hollywood, creating the intricate details that bring a film to life.
In the costume department, visitors can see firsthand how costumes are designed, fitted, and maintained. The department is filled with racks of clothing from past and present productions, each piece meticulously labeled and organized. The tour guide explains the process of costume design, from the initial sketches to the final fitting, and how costumes play a crucial role in defining a character's identity on screen.
The tour also takes guests into the studio's vast warehouses, where equipment and set pieces are stored. These warehouses are filled with everything from lighting rigs to camera cranes, showcasing the immense scale of a film production. For those interested in the technical side of filmmaking, this part of the tour offers a fascinating look at the tools and technology used to create movie magic.
For many visitors, the most memorable part of the VIP tour is the chance to connect with the stars of Hollywood's past and present. While it's not uncommon to spot a celebrity on the lot, the real stars of the tour are the stories and memories that the studio holds. Whether it's standing on the set of a beloved film or seeing a prop from a favorite TV show, the tour evokes a deep sense of nostalgia and emotion.
One particularly poignant moment on the tour is the visit to the Star Trek Turbo lift, a prop that has been used in several iterations of the beloved franchise. For fans of Star Trek, standing in this iconic set piece can be an emotional experience, as it brings back memories of watching the show and dreaming of exploring the stars. The tour guide is sensitive to these moments, allowing guests to take their time and fully absorb the significance of what they're seeing.
The Paramount Pictures Studios VIP tour is more than just a tour—it's a journey into the heart of Hollywood. For film lovers, it's an opportunity to explore the places where their favorite movies and TV shows were made, and to gain a deeper understanding of the creative process behind them. For casual fans, it's a chance to experience the magic of Hollywood up close and to walk in the footsteps of some of the greatest filmmakers and actors of all time.
As you leave the studio, you'll carry with you not just memories of a fun day out, but a deeper appreciation for the artistry and craftsmanship that go into making movies. The Paramount VIP tour is an experience that will stay with you long after you've left the studio lot—a true cinematic journey through time. Whether you're a lifelong film buff or simply curious about the world of Hollywood, this tour offers something for everyone, making it a must-do for anyone visiting Los Angeles.
In the end, the Paramount Pictures Studios VIP tour is not just a tour—it's an invitation to step into the world of cinema and to see, feel, and experience the magic of Hollywood like never before. It's a journey that takes you behind the scenes, into the archives, and onto the sets where some of the greatest films in history were made. And it's an experience that will leave you with a lasting connection to the world of movies, and to the history of Hollywood itself​.
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Photos and video : Boris Colletier / Mulderville