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Hollywood Studio Tours

Which are the best.

This post covers the most enjoyable movie studio tours in and around Hollywood.

With so many historic studios in the area, it might be difficult to pick just one to visit.

Taking a studio tour is one of the top things to do in LA .

• Studio Tours
• Celebrity Homes Tours
• Ways to Save on Tours
• LA TV Show Tickets
• Things To Do in Hollywood
• Tips from Locals and Travelers

Disclosure:  While our recommendations are always unbiased, we may receive a small share of sales through some of the links below at no cost to you. See the  full text .

STUDIO TOURS

Interestingly enough, there are quite a few differences between the tours offered at each studio, and that should make it easier to figure out which tour best fits your expectations.

Ticket prices vary from $62 per person to literally thousands of dollars.

However, 3 of the tours, Warner Bros., Sony Pictures, and Universal Studios are included for free or at a lower cost in several tourist attraction passes. 

It's also worth noting that the length of these tours can run from roughly an hour to almost a week.

With all of that said, let's start talking about what each movie studio offers with their tours.

• Warner Bros.
• Sony Pictures
• Universal Studios
• Paramount Pictures
• Adventures by Disney: Disney Backstage

At the bottom of this post , we share some thoughts and opinions from members of our Los Angeles Travel Tips group on Facebook.

Our group comprises roughly 9,000 locals (like our tour guides), tourists, returning visitors, and newbies to LA.

You don't need to be a member to read the posts, comments, and recommendations.

WARNER BROS. STUDIO TOUR

Below is a summary of our post on Warner Brothers Studio tours , where we also provide tips on planning your trip.

If you're in the market for a somewhat normal tour on the backlot, this might be one of your best bets.

In addition to seeing movie sets and sound stages from some of the most notable movies in film history, you'll also have the opportunity to enjoy a few specific activities.

  While on this movie studio tour, you'll be able to re-create a famous scene from the hit television show Friends , climb aboard Harry Potter 's broomstick, and even create your own Batmobile.

Warner Bros. even offers an interactive sound stage that explores the entire process of making a film from start to finish.

At three hours in length, this tour is probably the longest duration of all of the options in Hollywood.

• $70/adult | $60/child
• Availability: Thursday - Monday
• Hours: Every half hour from 9 am - 3:30 pm
• Duration: 3 hours
• Available in both English and Spanish
• Click here for more information .

TIP: This tour is included for free with the purchase of the Go City Los Angeles Explorer Tourist Pass .

You can also combine this tour with the Universal Studios tour using the combo deal below!

With an overall score of 4.5 out of 5 stars , it's fair to say that this Hollywood studio tour is very well rated ( read reviews here ).

Some guests have gone so far as to suggest that this trip is worth every single penny.

Visitors were typically very happy with their tour guides, referring to them as both friendly and informative. 

SONY PICTURES STUDIO TOUR

This might be the most affordable movie studio tour in Hollywood, and it's also one of the most historic. Do note, that is is a walking tour.

While on this tour, you'll see the sound stages where they recorded classics such as The Wizard of Oz and superhero flicks like Spider-man .

Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to see where Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune are recorded.

Although they don't make any promises, there's always a chance that you'll run into someone famous on this active studio back lot!

They also offer a premium tour which includes transportation via golf cart, access to the Sony Museum, a free souvenir photo, a complimentary beverage, and lower prices at the Sony Studio Store.

Tickets 

• $55 per person | $150 for the Premium tour
• Availability: Monday – Friday at 10:30 am, 1:30 pm and 2:30 pm
• Duration: 2 hours

Tip: Admission is usually included for free with the purchase of at least one Los Angeles tourist pass .

With an overall score of 4 out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor, it's clear that this is a pretty popular Hollywood studio tour.

Customers really appreciated the opportunity to see several historic filming locations and learn a lot about the process of making a movie.

Although some reviewers were unhappy that this is a walking tour, others simply appreciated the opportunity to see where film history was made.

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS TOUR

This is where things get interesting, as Universal Studios has essentially made their tour one of the services offered at their amusement park.

In other words, you need to buy a ticket for Universal Studios Hollywood in order to experience this studio tour.

Clocking in at only one hour in length, this is definitely the shortest studio tour available. Check out this video of Stephen Spielberg giving a tour of the site.

In addition to seeing the back lot, you'll also experience attractions such as the Jaws ride, King Kong 360 in 3D, Bates Motel and Fast & The Furious : Supercharged.

Although it will cost more to take this tour, it's worth noting that your ticket lasts all day and guarantees access to all of the rides. 

• $119-$139/adult | $109-$129/child
• Availability: Daily from 8 am - 6 pm
• Duration: 1 hour
• Click here for ticket information .

TIP:   Universal Studios Hollywood is included for free with the purchase of a tourist pass. Read about all the opportunities for deals in our full post .

Despite the higher price tag, this movie studio tour has still received quite excellent ratings ( read reviews here ). The overall Universal Studios Hollywood experience has a score of 4.7 out of 5 stars .

A few visitors have even suggested that this trip around the studio is worth the price of admission.

Although most customers feel that the ticket price is a bit high, even the critics can't deny that they had a blast. 

PARAMOUNT PICTURES STUDIO TOUR

Unlike the other movie studios, Paramount Pictures offers three different studio tours.

The main tour is 2 hours long and covers quite a lot of ground on the backlot.

However, if you want to experience more, their VIP tour lasts for 4 ½ hours and includes access to several additional areas.

The VIP tour also provides a gourmet lunch at a unique location in the studio.

Alternatively, you can also choose a 2 ½ hour night tour that reveals a lot of historic locations such as notable theaters and original film vaults.

No matter which option you choose, you'll learn a lot about the history of Paramount.

• $65 for the studio tour | $215 for the VIP tour
• Availability of Studio tour: Mon-Fri, every half hour from 9 AM - 3:30 PM
• Availability of VIP tour: Mon, Wed, Fri at 9:30 AM
• Duration of Studio tour: 2 hours
• Duration of VIP tour: 4 ½ hours
• Click here for additional information .

Reviews for the Paramount Pictures Studio tours are very positive, averaging a rating of 4 ½ out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor. 

Some visitors referred to the excursion as a movie buff's dream, while others were just impressed with how much they learned and discovered.

Some reviewers indicated that Paramount alters the tour slightly depending on the season, ensuring a nice variety of topics and locations to cover no matter when you decide to buy a ticket.

ADVENTURES BY DISNEY: DISNEY BACKSTAGE

You had to figure that Disney was going to be a little more expensive, but the actual cost of this week-long experience might shock you.

To be fair, the package includes meals and accommodation at both the Loews Hollywood Hotel and Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.

This Disney backstage adventure includes a tour of the Walt Disney Studios & Archives, an Imagineering tour, a Hollywood walking tour, and a tour of the Jim Henson Company.

Most of these tours are only available via this week-long package. The entire itinerary takes six days to complete, and it will keep you busy with plenty of fun activities from start to finish. 

• $4,999 for Adults | $4,749 for Children
• Availability: 2-4 times per month
• Duration: 6 days
• Hotel accommodation included
• 11 Meals included
• VIP Disneyland ticket included

As you can probably imagine, the testimonials for this experience are quite positive ( read reviews here ).

Some guests even noted that they made friends with their tour guides and continue to stay in touch with them to this very day.

Additionally, customers also appreciated the opportunity to see some behind-the-scenes areas that bring the history of Walt Disney to life.

One visitor even suggested that this trip allowed them to become kids again as they explored secret and wonderful locations at the happiest place on earth.

COMBO DEALS

If you're looking for a better price on these tours and other activities in Hollywood, you might want to consider one of the following combo packages.

Studios like Warner Bros. and Universal often work with tour companies to provide their services at lower prices.

There are several options to mull over, and almost all of them provide additional tours and services.

If you plan on spending more than one day in Hollywood, these combo deals are definitely worth a look.

GO CITY LOS ANGELES ALL-INCLUSIVE PASS

There's a reason that this is one of the premier attraction passes in Los Angeles.

In addition to offering access to a variety of notable locations, they also provide admission to some studio tours.

In particular, you can enjoy the Universal Studios tour, the Warner Bros. Studio tour and (sometimes) the Sony Pictures Studio tour with one version of this pass or another.

The Warner Bros. Studio tour is currently only offered with their Explorer Pass, and you'll need to purchase at least a 3-Day All-Inclusive pass to get admission to the Universal Studios tour .

Given that this tourist pass also supplies tickets to Six Flags Magic Mountain and Knott's Berry Farm, it's fair to say that the Go City Los Angeles All-Inclusive Pass could be a real bargain.

• $109 for 1-day pass
• $164 for 2-day pass
• $284 for 3-day pass
• $344 for 4-day pass
• $374 for 5-day pass
• $434 for 7-day pass
• $99 for 2 choices
• $119 for 3 choices
• $144 for 4 choices
• $154 for 5 choices
• $189 for 7 choices
• This attraction pass is available every day of the week
• Includes up to 3 movie studio tours

Read our post comparing the different tourist attraction passes available in Los Angeles.

TRANSPORTATION COMBO PACKAGES

If you're looking for transportation to and from each movie studio tour, the following services are available.

The advantage of these combo deals is that you won't have to pay for parking, gas, or car rental in order to visit each location.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included with each package.

Take your time and enjoy the studio tour without having to worry about anything else!

• Not currently available as of January 2024

CELEBRITY HOMES TOUR COMBO PACKAGES

These combo deals provide both a celebrity home tour and a movie studio tour.

Each option includes transportation not only around Hollywood but also to and from the studios.

While some of these services use a mini-bus, others drive you around town in a luxury sedan or an SUV.

Each company offers both hotel pickup and drop-off.

Expect these outings to last for between 6-8 hours on average.

• Warner Bros. Studio Tour & Movie Star Homes Tour (Starline Tours) - $119/Adults | $99/Children
• Alternatively, we offer our own self-guided celebrity homes tour .

This might be a good way to save even more money if you don't mind doing a bit of driving around Hollywood and Beverly Hills.

TIPS FROM LOCALS AND TRAVELERS

While we provide the details of what each tour offers, costs, and other information, here you can see what members of our Los Angeles Travel Tips group on Facebook have to say.

There are plenty of fans of the Warner Brothers tour.

And some enjoyed Paramount as well.

If you have to choose only one, between Warners or Paramount, these members’ insight may help.

Universal Studios received mixed reviews. Some people felt it was a waste of time and money.

On the other hand, Issa had a fantastic time, so much so that she wrote a very long post detailing her time there and how to make the most of your visit.

Take a look at our Los Angeles Travel Tips group for more recommendations, opinions and advice.

You don't need to join to read comments, but if you do join you can post a question regarding the studios!

RELATED POSTS

• Top Things to Do in LA
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Studio tours in Los Angeles for behind-the-scenes moviemaking magic

Check out these studio tours in L.A. for a behind-the-scenes look at how movies and TV shows come to life

Embark on a studio tour and you’ll discover what Angelenos already know: (Almost) everything is filmed in L.A. That quiet East Coast cul-de-sac? A fake residential block at Universal Studios. That New York cityscape? The backlot at Warner Bros. Studios. An elaborate sci-fi ship? That would be a soundstage at Sony Pictures Studios. When L.A.’s  beaches , scenic hillsides and aesthetically diverse neighborhoods can’t quite cut it, productions set up shop at one of the city’s studios—and some of the biggest ones have opened their gates for tours. From  Culver City  to  Hollywood , take a peek behind the soundstage doors with these studio tours in Los Angeles.

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Go behind the scenes on these studio tours in L.A.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood

• Things to do
• Walks and tours
• price 2 of 4

Warner Bros.’ guided tram tour zips through the studio’s sizeable footprint—110 acres on the Valley-side of the Hollywood Hills—with about a dozen other passengers onboard. It’s an encyclopedic tour of all types of filming locations, with a journey through the backlot’s city stand-ins and Gilmore Girls -starring residential square, as well as a stops inside a soundstage and at a few museum-caliber displays of props. Though you’ll spend some time simply navigating the sprawling grid of soundstages, you’ll also stop and venture on foot with memorable photo ops: a seat on the couch at Friends’ Central Perk or The Big Bang Theory’s  Apartment 4A, an opportunity to mount a Harry Potter broomstick and the chance to come face to face with almost every Batmobile imaginable. 

For fans of: Ellen , Conan , The Big Bang Theory , Friends , Harry Potter , Batman ,  Aquaman ,  Wonder Woman ,  Crazy Rich Asians ,  Looney Tunes

You won’t find anywhere else: A dedicated studio museum, and by far the most to see on any studio tour.

Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour

• Theme parks
• Universal City
• price 3 of 4

While Universal Studios’ tram tour is technically an amusement park attraction—which means you’ll have to stomach the hefty price of admission—it manages to combine the look of a living, working studio with entertaining theme park polish. The tour mixes live narration and pre-recorded bits as you cart through backlot sets of New York, a mutt of European villages, the Old West and familiar movie landmarks—most impressively the 747 crash site from  War of the Worlds . The majority of live filming is securely tucked away—and if it’s not, expect portions of the backlot to be chopped off of your experience—but Universal compensates with preplanned encounters that mimic special effects: a wet and fiery earthquake simulation, a sudden flash flood and that delightfully rubbery, toothy grin on the face of Bruce—a.k.a.  Jaws . While the 3-D motion simulation that replaced the iconically campy (and burned down) King Kong section is a welcome technical upgrade, the tunnel lacks the same immersion and charm of the original—the same can sadly be said for the similarly dizzying and ill-executed Fast & Furious: Supercharged segment.

For fans of: Psycho , The Fast and the Furious , all things Steven Spielberg

You won’t find anywhere else: Rubber sharks, CGI gorillas and plenty of pyro.

Up to 1hr, $109–$139 theme park admission

Sony Pictures Studio Tour

• Culver City

As you pass through the studio gates on this walking tour, you’re immediately greeted by Tony Tasset’s arching  Rainbow  sculpture—a nod to the studio’s past as the home of  The Wizard of Oz . The lot’s footprint has been significantly downsized since then, when it was known as the iconic MGM Studios; virtually all of its colorful backlot sets are now gone with the wind. But the magnolia tree-lined sidewalks and clean, white Art Deco facades provide a pleasant ambience that the other industrial-edged studios lack. A leisurely pace allows time to peer through the elephant doors of a soundstage and look out for passing celebrities. The tour skews toward contemporary productions—the bullet-riddled RV from  Breaking Bad , a stock car from  Talladega Nights  and a stop in the studios for  Jeopardy  or  Wheel of Fortune —but there are still plenty of small moments where that old moviemaking charm endures.

For fans of:   The Wizard of Oz ,  Singin’ in the Rain ,  Ben-Hur ,  Spiderman ,  Breaking Bad ,  Talladega Nights ,  Jeopardy ,  Wheel of Fortune

You won’t find anywhere else:  The acoustic bliss during a stop in a foley studio. 2hrs, $50 

Paramount Pictures Studio Tour

Believe it or not, Paramount is the last major studio to keep its headquarters located in Hollywood—and the only one there to open its doors to the public. Inside the famous wrought iron gate, you’ll be treated to a guided tram tour through the prop house and a sizable New York backlot. Of particular note, there’s the open-air Blue Sky Tank, which holds almost one million gallons of water to film anything from surfing scenes to maritime disasters.

For fans of:   This Is Us, Grace and Frankie ,  Dr. Phil

You won’t find anywhere else:  A seasonal after-dark tour that takes a macabre walk through moviemaking history and the neighboring Hollywood Forever Cemetery .

What can’t you see?

Some of the biggest and most exciting studios are open to public tours, but you may be scratching your head at some big name omissions. CBS Television City (which has been solf for future redevlopment) technically doesn’t offer tours, but there are tons of  TV shows  that film there everyday for which you can secure tickets. NBC’s famous Burbank studio tour was discontinued in 2012 after most of its productions had migrated to Universal City—notable holdout  The Tonight Show  fled the lot for New York in 2014. Sunset Gower and Sunset Bronson (the locations of the original Warner Brothers and Columbia studios, respectively) are closed to the public, but you can get a fantastic oral history from the  Felix in Hollywood Tour . Similarly,  Siren Studios ,  L.A. Center Studios ,  the Jim Henson Company Lot  and the 20th Century Fox Studios are for serious business only, though all have been known to host the occasional public-facing event. And not to stomp all over your childhood dreams, but unless you know an employee, don’t plan on getting inside the gates at the Walt Disney Studios or Nickelodeon’s Burbank animation studio.

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20th century fox studios tours.

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Breaking News

Legendary Fox Studio Lot set for $1.5-billion expansion

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The historic Fox Studio Lot, one of Hollywood’s most celebrated movie factories, is set to get a $1.5-billion upgrade that would change the skyline of Century City and add new production facilities to meet industry demand.

The far-reaching Fox empire now controlled by the Murdoch family was birthed in the legendary studio where Shirley Temple once danced and Marilyn Monroe showed off her comedic chops in “The Seven Year Itch.” Cultural touchstone movies brought to life there include “Miracle on 34th Street” and “The Sound of Music.”

Fox Corp., which retained ownership of the lot when Walt Disney Co. bought most of 21st Century Fox’s entertainment assets in 2019, submitted an amended plan to Los Angeles building officials Wednesday calling for the addition of office towers, soundstages and other facilities used to make television shows and movies.

The investment reflects the nearly nonstop demand for stages that has emerged in the streaming television age and Fox’s desire to further profit from one of its most cherished assets. Fox’s plans include a high-rise more than 30 stories tall on Avenue of the Stars that could be rented to tenants looking for fancy digs in Century City’s thriving office market.

“Our vision is to secure the future of the lot by investing in production infrastructure and the Century City business core,” said Gary Ehrlich, president and general manager of Fox Studio Lot.

The moneymaking potential of the busy 53-acre studio lot on Pico Boulevard was clear when the Murdochs carved it out of the $71.3-billion deal with Disney that put Captain America and Wolverine on the same team four years ago and led to the creation of Fox Corp.

Lachlan Murdoch, the elder son of media mogul Rupert Murdoch , runs Fox Corp. as its chief executive and keeps an office on the Fox lot once occupied by illustrious studio boss Darryl F. Zanuck. Rupert Murdoch is chairman of the company.

“The Fox Studio Lot is one of the most iconic and treasured production locations in the history of entertainment and is a rich part of our history,” Lachlan Murdoch said in a statement. The proposed expansion project, he said, “represents a long-term commitment to our industry, to our community, and to the City of Los Angeles.”

Fox Corp. is made up of former 21st Century Fox assets that were not included in the Disney deal including the studio property, Fox News, Fox Sports, Fox Entertainment and Fox Television Stations.

Disney is the lot’s primary tenant, occupying office and production space. Among the shows it produces there are two of Fox’s most popular series: “9-1-1” and “9-1-1: Lone Star.” Sports programs such as “Fox NFL Sunday,” “MLB on Fox” and “The Herd With Colin Cowherd” are based there.

The lot also remains the home of the writers room for “The Simpsons,” which has aired on Fox for more than 30 years.

Although new office high-rises have been rare in Los Angeles in recent decades, rental activity suggests there could be demand for another big building in Century City that would rise next to a shuttered hotel south of the 2121 Avenue of the Stars office tower. That red-granite and glass building was formerly called Fox Plaza but may be better known to movie fans as fictional Nakatomi Plaza, where Bruce Willis fought terrorists in “Die Hard.”

At a time when most office centers including downtown Los Angeles are experiencing a slowdown in leasing caused in part by companies’ shifts to remote work and fears of a slowing economy, the Century City neighborhood stands out as a robust market commanding some of the highest rents in the region.

“It’s probably the strongest office market in Southern California,” said property broker Carl Muhlstein of JLL, who specializes in entertainment real estate deals.

Only 8.5% of offices in Century City are unleased — compared with 19.4% countywide — according to brokerage CBRE, and landlords there ask for rents 50% above the county average.

There are few locations left in the neighborhood to build big office buildings. Last year one of Hollywood’s leading talent agencies, Creative Artists Agency, agreed to become the anchor tenant in a 37-story tower being built on Avenue of the Stars, where construction activity is still mostly underground. Other businesses have agreed to move in when it opens in 2026.

“The CAA tower hasn’t even risen above sea level,” Muhlstein said, “and it’s already 50% leased.”

Upgrades on the Fox lot would add nine soundstages, bringing the number of stages to 24. The additional stages would be equipped with the latest technologies for modern film, television and content creation, Fox said.

Also planned is an office building more than 20 stories tall that would be designed specifically for people working for companies based on the lot. It would rise along Olympic Boulevard west of Avenue of the Stars.

The Fox lot today holds a hodgepodge of old and new buildings built for both administration and production services, including four scoring and mixing stages, two broadcast studios, theaters, editing bays and other production facilities. It has 96 buildings with a combined total of 1.8 million square feet. The planned development would add 1.6 million square feet.

Historic movie lot that gave Studio City its name to get $1-billion makeover

Historic movie lot in Studio City that was home to iconic television shows, from ‘Gunsmoke’ to ‘Seinfeld,’ is getting a $1-billion makeover.

Feb. 27, 2023

Fox’s announced expansion comes on the heels of another huge proposed makeover revealed last month by the owners of Radford Studio Center in Studio City. Hackman Capital Partners said it plans to spend $1 billion to upgrade the former CBS Studio Center with as much as 1 million square feet of new soundstages, production facilities and offices.

The rise of streaming has escalated demand for soundstages and other production facilities and prompted the development of new studios around the Los Angeles region.

Existing soundstages in Los Angeles County have been almost fully rented for years, which can make it hard for new productions to find places to work, according to FilmLA, the nonprofit that handles film permits in the region.

“There’s just this unmitigated demand for not only stages but all the production support that goes with mounting productions at a particular location,” Ehrlich said.

Studios are operating near 100% capacity with wait lists as long as five film productions deep for those spaces, financial advisor Deloitte said in a 2021 report .

“To meet the booming demand, supply would need to more than double in Los Angeles County” in the next few years, Deloitte said. Planned projects for more studio space fall far short of that.

Fox Studios traces its lineage to co-founder William Fox’s 1924 purchase of 99 acres between Santa Monica and Pico boulevards from Janss Investment Co., the developers of Westwood Village. Fox Films merged with 20th Century Pictures in 1935, forming 20th Century Fox.

The lot grew to as large as 285 acres at its height but eventually shrank to its current size as the studio was hit with a string of flops, including the Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor vehicle “Cleopatra,” whose budget had ballooned before its 1963 release. Desperate for cash, studio bosses sold nearly 180 acres in 1961 to businessman William Zeckendorf and Aluminum Co. of America for the development of Century City.

The city approval process for the latest proposed changes to the studio could be lengthy, Ehrlich said, but Fox hopes to get underway on new development in the next few years.

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Fox Studios

20th Century Studios, Inc. is an American film studio currently owned by the Walt Disney Studios, a division of Disney Entertainment, in turn a division of The Walt Disney Company. It is headquartered at the Fox Studio Lot in the Century City area of Los Angeles, leased from Fox Corporation. Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures distributes and markets the films produced by 20th Century Studios in theatrical markets.For over 80 years, 20th Century was one of the major American film studios.

Opening hours

There are no tours of the studios, you can view only the exterior and peek inside through fences and gates.

More information and contact

Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/20th_Century_Studios

Official website http://www.foxstudios.com/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/20thCFoxStudios

Phone +1 310 369 1000

Address 10201 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA

Coordinates 34°3'4.748" N -118°24'37.465" E

Tours and activities: Fox Studios

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Fox Studios: Chronology

Fox Film Corporation formed by the theater chain pioneer William G Fox, as a merger of his two companies Greater New York Film Rental and Fox Office Attractions Company . The first studios were in Fort Lee, New Jersey. De Luxe formed the film and camera department for the studio.

The novelist Rev. Thomas Dixon moved to Los Angeles to setup Dixon Studios, Laboratory and Press on the corner of Sunset Boulevard and Western Avenue, after being inspired by D.W.Griffith’s Birth of a Nation .

Fox leases the 0.75-acre, former Selig/Polyscope studio in the Edendale area, but quickly outgrows it and moves to a new purpose-built studio a year later..

Fox sent a representative to from New York to Hollywood to oversee the expansion of production facilities at the former Dixon Studios site, which was situated in East Hollywood at Sunset & Western. This was the base for Fox between 1917 and 1924. The Deluxe lab (which was based on the site from 1917 until it closed in May 2014) takes up a large proportion of the still-existing studio buildings. Also on the site is a Food4Less supermarket. More information about the Sunset & Western studio. News Article about closure of Deluxe lab

Fox bought the rights to the Movietone sound system, which became Fox Movietone.

Fox bought the private ranch of it’s silent Western star Tom Mix, including 176 acres of rolling countryside, a bungalow and a stable, between two roads which became Santa Monica and Pico. Here he started construction of a new studio he called ‘Movietone City’. (The bungalow is still preserved on the Fox lot, near the satellite facility). Many of the stages still have Fox Movietone logos above their entrance doors.

The Jazz Singer (1927) revolutionised the industry, and William Fox sped up construction of state-of-the-art soundstages.

Fox’s offer to buy Loew’s Inc. was accepted, but after the stock market crash in the fall of 1929, the merger was stopped, and Fox was left close to bankruptcy and ended up in jail. Fox Film, with more than 500 theatres, was placed in receivership.

Twentieth Century Pictures created by Joseph Schenck (former president of United Artists), Darryl F. Zanuck from Warner Brothers, William Goetz from Fox Films and Raymond Griffith.

1935 (May 31)

After a bank-mandated reorganisation, under new president Sidney Kent, the new owners merged Fox Film with Twentieth Century Pictures to form The Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation. Joe Schenck and Darryl F. Zanuck retained their roles as chief executive and head of production, respectively.

A court ruling meant the theaters Fox ran had to be split off into a new company Fox National Theaters. Fox bought the rights to a new projection system called CinemaScope in February 1953 and Zanuck announced that all Fox pictures would be made in this process. Fox agreed to pay conversion costs for each theater (of around $25,000 per screen). A new CinemaScope anamorphic lens was added to the front of the projector and wider format screens had to be installed. Fox gave access to the format to other studios to help convince theater owners. CinemaScope showed a brief increase in audience numbers, but the numbers began to slide after a few years.

Darryl F.Zanuck announced his resignation as head of production.

Plans are drawn up for the development of the Fox backlot into Century City.

Fox sold 263 acres of backlot (now the site of Century City) to Alcoa to raise funds during the production of troubled epic Cleopatra. The backlot is systematically destroyed to clear the ground.

Darryl F.Zanuck is appointed chairman, and his son Richard Zanuck takes on the role of president. The new management group rushed Cleopatra to completion, and shut down the studio, laying off the staff, to save money. The Movietone Newsreel also ceased production. A series of cheap, popular movies were made which re-established Fox as a major player.

The Century Plaza Hotel was the first major construction at Century City. Avenue of the Stars was the first street constructed.

Twentieth Century-Fox was rescued by The Sound of Music (1965) which boosted the studios fortunes and became one of the all-time greatest box office hits.

Zanuck leaves as chairman. Fox had a few bad years between 1969 and 1971 resulting in some losses.

New president Dennis Stanfill and production head Alan Ladd Jr. get Fox back on track. Profits are invested in resorts, soft-drink bottlers and Australian theaters.

Fox produces Star Wars and has an unprecendented success on it’s hands.

Control of the company passed to investors Marc Rich and Marvin Davis.

In early 1985 half of the company was sold to News Corp. after Marc Rich left the country. Six months later, the remaining half was sold, giving Rupert Murdoch’s company complete control. Barry Diller was hired from Paramount to run the studio. Murdoch became an American citizen, and Twentieth Century Fox dropped the hyphen from its name.

Fox Broadcasting Company began broadcasting.

1987 February

Fox Plaza is completed, following the site’s use as the setting for Die Hard (1988). As well as housing the offices of 20th Century Fox executives, Ronald Reagan’s post-presidential offices took over the lavish top floor (1987-1999).

The British Rank company buys Deluxe labs in Hollywood. The Rank lab in London is renamed Deluxe.

Fox became the international distributor for MGM/UA releases.

Fox became the worldwide video distributor for the MGM/UA library.

• Century City Chamber of Commerce – History
• East Hollywood History
• William Fox at FilmReference.com
• Wikipedia – Edendale
• Color By Deluxe website

Fox Presents

The next modern studio.

Nestled within Century City’s iconic high rises is a storied filming destination responsible for some of the world’s most unforgettable entertainment. Through the productions that have been brought to life on the FOX Studio Lot, families witnessed a Miracle on 34 th  Street , the world fell in love with the Sound of Music , the fourth major American television network was launched, live sports broadcasting was revolutionized, and FOX viewers gained an insatiably mischievous kid brother named Bart Simpson and so much more.

Now, nearly 100 years since filming began on the FOX Studio Lot, the new Fox Corporation, which was established in 2019, is seeking to create the studio of the future amidst the continued evolution of Century City, one of the most prestigious business districts in all of Los Angeles. Given the stunning growth in global entertainment production over the last decade and the company’s long-term strategy, FOX has thoughtfully planned and prepared for the future , ensuring that LA remains the capital of the global entertainment industry.

Community Voices

“ Fox's planned investment in new studio infrastructure could not have come at a more critical time... Giving the green light to new stage builds will tip hundreds of millions of dollars into the local economy…This is a "space race" we cannot afford to lose." Paul Audley President, FilmLA

“ Fox’s plans will encourage job growth, revenue for local businesses, and ensure that the entertainment industry remains a vital part of LA's economy.” Nancy Wood President & CEO, Century City Chamber of Commerce

“ We are excited to work with them on their Master Plan, cementing the future of the entertainment industry right here in Southern California." Stephan Davis IBEW Local 40, Business Manager/Financial Secretary

“ Having worked in the film industry for more than 30 years, I am well aware that FOX’s bold investment in production infrastructure at the historic FOX Studio Lot will help Los Angeles remain the global leader in film and television production.” Ruth Vitale CEO, CreativeFuture

“ This project will provide new career opportunities for the community and also create more jobs to keep Hollywood in Southern California." LiUNA! Local 724

“ BizFed ... is proud to work with FOX to advance projects and policies that continue attracting creative capital and world-class talent to the Greater Los Angeles region." Tracy Hernandez Founding CEO, BizFed

“ FOX’s innovative investment in studio infrastructure creates thousands of jobs, supports small businesses, and ensures that the entertainment industry remains a vital part of LA's economy.” Stuart Waldman President, VICA

“ This investment will be a great step in supporting a thriving Industry and employment of our members in Los Angeles.” Teamsters

Fox Studio Lot in Century City seeks $1.5-billion upgrade

We are committed to working with the community as we move forward and sharing our plan with you in greater detail.

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Special Events

Drinks and Sunset at New York Street on the FOX Studio Lot

Sunday, April 14, 2024

5:30–7:30 p.m.

About This Tour

Member presale February 28-March 5 General public sale begins March 6 Become a member to get access to this tour during presale.

S ee the s un s et over the Big Apple with exclusive access to the FOX Studio Lot’s New York Street . Spend an hour (or two) exploring  the newly re built outdoor New York Street and enjoy complimentary beer , wine and light refreshments . Hear about the work the Los Angeles Conservancy is doing in partnership with FOX and plans for the lot’s future as the sun goes down and the streetlights come on !  

Tickets to this event do not include a tour of th e   FOX Studio Lot. 

Registration required

No food or beverage allowed (except water)

Ticket Information

General Public

Details & Getting There

Key information.

Dress for an outdoor, day-time event. Please wear comfortable shoes. Food and beverages are included in the price of the event. Parking at the Fox Studio Lot is included in the price of the event . The event is w heelchair accessible. New York Street is entirely outside. Tickets to this event do not include a tour of th e   FOX Studio Lot.  Click here to purchase tickets to the FOX Studio Tour.

Note: If you purchased tickets for the tour 76 Years on the FOX Studio Lot for a timeslot prior to 3:30 pm, you will be required to leave the lot and return no earlier than 5:15 p.m. for this event. No one is permitted to stay on the lot if they are not part of an active tour.

Identification:  Event attendees must present identification to be allowed on to the FOX Studio lot. ID must match the information that has been provided to us. We will reach out two weeks prior to the tour if you need to make any changes to your guest list.

Meeting Location

Meeting and parking information are provided in the registration confirmation.

Important Policies

• Tour will occur rain or shine.
• The L.A. Conservancy highly recommends but does not require wearing a face mask.
• The L.A. Conservancy highly recommends but does not require being vaccinated against COVID-19.
• If a member of your party is in a wheelchair, please let us know in advance by emailing  [email protected] .

Additional Details

For additional details, see below.

All participants in the Los Angeles Conservancy-sponsored Walking Tours knowingly and freely accept and assume all risks, both known and unknown ,  including contracting and/or transmitting COVID-19 and any other communicable diseases ,  and AGREE TO RELEASE, DEFEND, INDEMNIFY, NOT SUE, AND HOLD HARMLESS the Los Angeles Conservancy, its principals, officers, employees, volunteers, sponsors, agents and other participants from any and all claims, damages (including medical expenses and attorneys’ fees), injuries and expenses arising out of, or resulting from your voluntary attendance/participation in Walking Tours, including contracting and/or transmitting COVID-19 and any other communicable diseases and any and all other injury, illness, disability, death, or loss or damage to person or property.  All participants expressly waive the benefits of California Civil Code 1542 , which provides that: “A general release does not extend to claims that the creditor or releasing party does not know or suspect to exist in his or her favor at the time of executing the release and that, if known by him or her, would have materially affected his or her settlement with the debtor or released party.

Major funding for the Los Angeles Conservancy’s educational programs is provided by the LaFetra Foundation and the Kenneth T. and Eileen L. Norris Foundation.

Help Preserve Historic Places in Los Angeles

STUDIO STORE

The Fox Studio Store is Located inside the World-Famous Fox Studio Lot in Los Angeles California. We are jam-packed with all the coolest gear featuring FOX, FOX STUDIO LOT and FOX SPORTS. You won't find this stuff anywhere else, so stop on by when you’re on the Fox Studio Lot!

Looking for the latest and greatest products? Look no further than The Fox Studio Store! Our selection of apparel, toys, and collectibles is always growing and changing, with exclusive items you won't find anywhere else. Keep an eye on our shelves for surprises and must-have finds that will make your collection shine. 

Need something customized for your team or production? Look no further than the Fox Studio Store! We offer competitive pricing and can create tailored products to meet your specific requirements. Contact us in-store and let us create something awesome for you!

Studio Store is NOT open to the public, and only accessible while working on the Lot.

Only location to find exclusive Fox, Fox Studio & Fox Spots merch!

A one-stop-shop for sundries, snacks, postage stamps and other convenience items

Discounted movie theater passes available in store

Cashless checkout, accepting all major credits cards, Apple Pay, Android Pay, Cash App are accepted

Employee discount storewide with ID (exclusions apply)

HOURS OF OPERATION :

Monday - Friday

9:00am to 4:00pm ​, have questions send us a message, 10201 west pico blvd.  |  bldg 57 |  los angeles, ca, (310) 369-3087  |   [email protected].

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