Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Paramount Studios in Hollywood, Los Angeles

Paramount Studios is Hollywood's only remaining major studio, and as such, many Los Angeles visitors make it a point to book a tour of the grounds. The Paramount Studios tours are so popular that anyone hoping to enjoy one will have to reserve their ticket in advance. Thankfully, there are four daily tours Monday through Friday, so getting a ticket for a specific day is relatively easy. The storied history of Paramount Studios is covered on the tours, and visitors also get to visit modern day TV and movie sets. Celebrities are often spotted on the Paramount Studios tours, and those who choose to get something to eat at the studio's commissary never know who they might see sitting down for a meal. There's a lot of excitement swirling around this historic attraction, and fans of the entertainment industry won't want to miss it while in Hollywood.

The Paramount Studios tours give a more in-depth look at the company's history, and visitors will even get to check out some historic stages, such as the ones used for such movies as Sunset Blvd. and Breakfast at Tiffany's. Visitors can also check out some old dressing rooms, many of which are now working offices, and exploring the backlot New York Street set is a worthy experience. This set depicts an array of New York locales, such as Harlem and the Financial District. Getting a taste of New York in the middle of Los Angeles is definitely possible for those who choose to visit Paramount Studios.

Taking a guided tour is the only option when it comes to things to do at Paramount Studios Los Angeles, save for getting something to eat, and the tours last about two hours. The tour fees are reasonable, though it's important to note that these tours are only offered to people who are twelve or older.

The history of Paramount Studios is a fascinating one, and it starts back in 1912. It was in this year that a man named Adolph Zukor founded Paramount Studios. Driven by his belief that the general population would appreciate feature-length films depicting famous theatrical personalities, Zukor went to work with partners Daniel Frohman and Charles Frohman. By mid-1913, the new film company, which was then called the Famous Players Film Company, had already completed a handful of films. There was nowhere to go but up. Zukor starting working with Jesse L. Lasky that same year, and bigger and better productions became the focus. Lasky himself was an aspiring producer, and his brother-in-law was none other than Samuel Goldwyn, who would go on to found other major production studios, including Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

Goldwyn plays a significant role in the history of Paramount Studios, though he didn't stick around that long. Much like Zukor, Goldwyn wanted to be in control, so the two parted ways. Before they parted, however, they worked with Cecil B. DeMille to produce a feature-length, silent western called The Squaw Man. As the Roaring Twenties approached, Zukor began signing and developing some of the earliest stars in the entertainment industry, including Mary Pickford, Rudolph Valentino, and Wallace Reid. With Zukor at the helm, Paramount Studios developed into the most influential movie studio in the 1920s and 1930s, and the success didn't stop in the 40s and 50s. In the 1960s, the company saw hard times, even selling its flagship building in New York City, though the 70s would see a return to better days. Teaming up with other various companies, such as Universal Studios, Paramount Studios re-positioned itself as a leader in the entertainment industry during the 70s, and this is where it finds itself today.

There are other great area tours that cater to families with younger children, and attractions like the Los Angeles Zoo can be ideal for family fun. The Los Angeles attractions offer something for everyone, and Paramount Studios can more than meet the needs of those who want to learn all about films and television while in town.

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