Behind the scenes: what it's like to visit the studios of Hollywood

When we think of Los Angeles, the glamour of Hollywood and its film productions immediately comes to mind. But being in the city is understanding that this imagery comes to life — and in scenery — in the guided tours of the iconic studios that support the industry. In an immersion worthy of film lovers, we visited three of the most famous studios in Hollywood: Warner Bros., Paramount, and Universal. Each with its personality, history, and tour proposal. An itinerary that goes beyond entertainment and reveals how the audiovisual narrative of the films that won our hearts is built.

Once upon a time: Hollywood

Long before becoming the world center of the entertainment industry, Hollywood was just an agricultural community in California. Film production in the United States started on the East Coast, particularly in Fort Lee, New Jersey, where Thomas Edison founded the Black Maria, one of the first studios in the country. The region thrived for a while, but the strict patent control by the Motion Picture Patents Company, also led by Edison, caused many producers to migrate to the other side of the country. [caption id="attachment_193253" align="aligncenter" width="720"] In California, they found legal freedom, sun year-round, and diverse geography — the ideal setting for filming. In 1910, Hollywood was annexed to Los Angeles to improve its infrastructure, and the following year, it received its first studio: the Nestor Motion Picture Company. Even with the exhibition of films still prohibited in the area, the place quickly attracted great names in the industry. Filmmakers like D.W. Griffith were already shooting films there, and soon giants like Paramount, Warner Bros., and Columbia anchored roots in the neighborhood. [caption id="attachment_193033" align="alignnone" width="2500"] In 1923, the HOLLYWOODLAND sign appeared in the hills, part of a real estate campaign that would eventually become a symbol of the film industry. In 1949, the name was shortened to HOLLYWOOD, as we know it today. By the 1930s, the city was already releasing hundreds of films per year, solidifying its status as the capital of cinema. The first Oscar ceremony in 1929 and the opening of the Walk of Fame in 1960 reinforced the city’s status as the “dream factory.”

Warner Bros. Studio

Founded in 1923 by four brothers — Harry, Albert, Sam, and Jack Warner — Warner Bros. grew rapidly and distinguished itself through technical innovations, such as the release of The Jazz Singer (1927), the first talking feature film in cinema history. [caption id="attachment_193237" align="aligncenter" width="3024"] Currently located in Burbank (a city in Los Angeles County), the Warner studio headquarters is one of the most active in the industry. The Warner Bros. Studio Tour provides an immersion behind the scenes of some of the most iconic series and films in pop culture. [caption id="attachment_193251" align="aligncenter" width="3024"] The tour, guided by specialized guides, includes a visit to film sets still in use, exhibitions of costumes and props, as well as interactive areas, like the replica of Central Perk from Friends. The tour combines technical information with entertainment and offers a realistic view of the daily operation of a large studio. [caption id="attachment_193238" align="aligncenter" width="3024"]

Productions like Friends, The Big Bang Theory, Gilmore Girls, Pretty Little Liars and Two and a Half Men had their sets built there, while blockbusters like Batman: The Dark Knight, Harry Potter, Interstellar and The Matrix were developed with the support of the studios.

Paramount Pictures

With over 110 years of existence, Paramount Pictures is the oldest movie studio still in operation in Hollywood. Founded in 1912 as Famous Players Film Company, it was one of the first studios to establish itself in Los Angeles and played a central role in the development of the golden age of cinema. [caption id="attachment_193239" align="aligncenter" width="3024"] It was there that classics such as The Godfather, Titanic, The Ten Commandments, Grease - The Musical, Forrest Gump, and Mission: Impossible were born. On television, Paramount was responsible for landmarks such as I Love Lucy, Frasier and NCIS. [caption id="attachment_193232" align="aligncenter" width="3024"] The studio maintains its original structures and offers a tour with a more intimate and historical character. During the visit, it is possible to walk through scenic streets, preserved warehouses, and offices that still host productions today.

Universal Studios Hollywood

Founded in 1915 by Carl Laemmle, Universal started opening its doors to the public in its early years, with silent tours in carriages for visitors to observe the filming. Decades later, this tradition evolved into a true theme park, mixing entertainment attractions with ongoing productions. [caption id="attachment_193234" align="aligncenter" width="3024"] The Universal Studios Hollywood is one of the most popular attractions in Los Angeles, and its Studio Tour, which is included in the park ticket, offers a unique experience. Visitors experience technological simulations, such as an earthquake in a subway station, and explore iconic movie sets like Bates Motel, Jaws, and Avengers. Additionally, there are immersive 4D experiences with King Kong and Jurassic World. [caption id="attachment_193235" align="aligncenter" width="3024"] The studio is also the birthplace of hits like Back to the Future, E.T., The Grinch, Jupiter Ascending, as well as TV programs like The Voice. Even with the tourist appeal, the studio remains active, being a stage for film and television productions. Themed areas like Harry Potter, The Simpsons, and Transformers make the tour attractive for all ages. [caption id="attachment_193231" align="aligncenter" width="3024"] A curiosity: in the 1960s, before fame, Steven Spielberg attended the Universal Studio Tour and was so fascinated that he separated from the group to explore the place on his own. Years later, he would return as the director of classics filmed right there, like Jaws and E.T..