Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood
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Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
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Warner Bros. Studio, Museum, & Guided Tram Tour
Venture inside Warner Bros. Studio for a rare behind-the-scenes look at this thriving motion picture studio.
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Join us on a day trip to the famous Warner Bros. Studio in Burbank and experience a perfect blend of cinematic history, behind-the-scenes magic, and leisurely exploration. Embark on an immersive one-hour guided tram tour through Warner Bros. Studio's bustling 110-acre lot and Journey through backlots, soundstages, and iconic sets, led by an expert guide sharing captivating insights and anecdotes about the studio's rich history. Delve into the filmmaking process with behind-the-scenes glimpses, exploring set designs, special effects, and active soundstages where filming unfolds. Marvel at a curated collection of props, costumes, and memorabilia from timeless classics to contemporary favorites. Engage with the creative process through interactive exhibits, offering hands-on activities related to special effects and green screen technology, and enjoy free time to explore the studio museum, shop, and dine at leisure. On the first leg of our journey, well stop at the popular Anaheim Packing District where youll have time for lunch on your own at one of the many wonderful eateries before we continue to Warner Bros. Studio.
Warner Bros. Studio Overview
All-day Excursion
All times and routing are approximate and subject to change without notice.
Arrive Anaheim Packing District for lunch on your own
Depart Anaheim for Warner Brothers Studio in Burbank
Arrive Warner Bros. Studio. Check in, view a small exhibit and see a short video presentation
Tram tour of Waner Bros. Studio begins
Tram tours end, and you'll have time to explore on your own, visit the museum, gift shop and dine at the cafe.
Depart for San Diego with comfort stop in San Juan Capistrano
Arrive comfort stop in San Juan Capistrano
Depart for local San diego dropoffs
Tour Manager: 5/16 - Marianna Pinto* 5/17 - Christina Koohmarey*
Activity Level: Moderate
Warner Bros. Studio is completely accessible. Portions of this tour include walking outside and some stairs or inclines may be involved. Please let us know in advance if you require special assistance
What's Included in the Tour Fare
Round-trip luxury motor coach transportation from pickup locations throughout San Diego County
Professional Tour Manager providing narration throughout the trip
Complimentary bottled water and snacks on the coach
Visit to Anaheim Packing District for lunch on own
Admission into the Warner Brothers Studio
1-hour Studio Tour conducted by tram
Free time to visit the store, cafe and museum
What's Not Included in the Tour Fare
Gratuities for the Tour Manager and driver
How to Make a Reservation
Making your reservation is easy. Simply click the Book Now button above to select your date and confirm your space online, 24/7. You can also call the DayTripper Tours reservations department at (619) 334-3394 during business hours of M-F, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Smartphones
Although not necessary to fully enjoy your trip, a personal smartphone can greatly enhance your tour experience. Take high-quality photos, share your experience on social media in real time, search for nearby restaurants and topics of interest, set reminders, and more.
14-Day Cancellation Deadline
If you purchased the optional Cancellation Protection Plan (CPP) prior to the deadline, you can cancel your booking at any time for any reason and you'll receive a full refund of the tour fare.
If you declined the CPP, you may cancel your reservation fourteen (14) or more days prior to the departure date to receive a refund less a $15 per person cancellation fee. Alternatively, when you cancel your booking fourteen (14) or more days prior to the departure date, you can avoid the cancellation fee by transferring the funds to another tour or a non-refundable voucher, which can be applied to any future excursion booked within one year of the original tour date. Bookings canceled within 14 days of the departure date are nonrefundable and nontransferable for any reason. Name changes on daytrips are always permitted at no additional cost.
* Tour Manager is subject to change without notice.
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Thorough Practical Experiential Travel
The Warner Bros Studio Tour Hollywood – A Thorough Review
I love TV. I have one of those brains that has a hard time relaxing. One of the few ways I can get a break is to watch a show…or two. My favorites over the years have ranged from Cheers & Seinfeld to Breaking Bad & Survivor to current favorites like Ted Lasso & Fauda. So, when I was tripping activities in the LA area for our recent Rose Bowl trip , and came across the Warner Bros Studio Tour, it seemed like a no-brainer. A chance to see where and how TV and movies are made? Sign me up!
Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links. If you buy something after clicking one of these links, I may earn a small commission. This does not cost you anything extra and helps support this blog .
First, a Little History
The Warner Bros Hollywood Studio is located in Burbank, about 15 minutes north of downtown LA. The studio was established all the way back in 1926. Films – and then TV – have been made there for almost 100 years! The studio sits on 62 acres and is made up of outdoor movie sets, multiple sound stages, and buildings dedicated to all facets of movie & television production. Well-known films made here include Casablanca, My Fair Lady , Goonies, and several of the Batman movies. Well-known TV series include Friends and The Big Bang Theory.
The Warner Bros Studio Tour is a great way to see and understand the process that goes into making film and TV. And I will say right off the bat that the tour exceeded my expectations. In my research, I discovered that the tour is one of the highest-rated area activities on TripAdvisor. But still, I thought our access to a busy working studio might be somewhat diluted. Not the case! It was an in-depth tour with a great deal of insight and access to what seemed like a big portion of the studio. Plus, it featured a lot of really impressive interactive displays. Let me show you….
Getting Started
Warner Bros Studio offers a few different kinds of tours. We went on the most popular – The Studio Tour. This tour starts every 30 minutes between 8:30am and 3:30pm, 5-7 days weekly (depending on the time of year). The Studio recommends that you buy your tickets online ahead of time, though limited walkup tickets may be available depending on demand. The guided portion of the tour lasts about an hour. Self-guided touring through various displays can take another 1-3 hours depending on how long you want to linger. We spent 2 hours on the lot.
You can click here to purchase tickets on Viator
Our tour started in a screening room where we watched a short 5-minute movie quickly covering the Studio’s history.
We were then directed outside where we divided up into smaller groups. Each group was assigned a guide and a tour cart. Our guide’s name was Maxx.
The Backlot – You Might Recognize Some of This
First we drove through and explored the Backlot – a series of outdoor sets that have been constructed over the years, and have been used in countless movies and TV shows. Many of these sets date to the 1930s and all are still in use today. As Maxx took us down one street after the other, we jumped from small town Midwest to downtown New York, from tree-lined residential streets to seedy back alleys.
And we didn’t just stay in the cart. We got out and walked up and down these empty streets. We were even allowed enter a few of the buildings. Some are just empty shells like the photo below….
While others are called “Practicals” and are used for their interiors as well. In the photo below, Maxx explains how the decor of the room is changed constantly depending on what’s needed for the production, and how the open ceilings are used for gear.
Maxx also explained how even the exteriors can be adjusted. The bricks aren’t bricks. They are made of styrene and can easily be replaced in en masse for a different look. All the buildings also lack exterior features like door handles and lights, as you can see in the picture below. These are added at the time of filming, based on each production’s needs.
As we walked from location to location, Maxx would point out the storied filming history of individual streets, storefronts, and buildings. Memorable scenes like the alley for Spiderman’s upside-side down kiss, the cafe in Casablanca, the street outside Annie’s orphanage, the last shot of the Seinfeld series, and many many more.
Once back in the cart after each set, a short video would then show us each set’s transformation from one movie to another over the decades – very cool!
The Front Lot and Stage 16
Next up on the Warner Bros Studio Tour was the Front Lot. This is its collection of 30 sound stages where the interior production of films and TV takes place. Inside these huge soundproof buildings, elaborate sets are built, specific to each production.
We stopped at Stage 16. At 65 feet tall, it’s the largest on the lot and one of the tallest in the world. It also has a 2 million gallon water tank under its floor, extending another 30 feet below ground, allowing films like The Perfect Storm and Poseidon to be filmed inside.
At the time of our tour, the soundstage wasn’t in use. So we were able to walk inside and take in its cavernous enormity.
Each soundstage has a plaque on the outside listing its production history. Take a close look and you can see plenty of classics on Stage 16’s list including Ghostbusters, Indiana Jones, and Jurassic Park.
We also had the chance to drive directly through The Mill. This is the construction department where the interior sets are created.
We also drove past the large building that houses the property department. This is where all the furniture and fixtures required to dress a set are kept. We weren’t able to enter, but could see stacks of lamps and other fixtures through the windows. Maxx described the intricate cataloguing and ordering system that the Studio has set up as we passed.
After this, the guided portion of the tour ended, and Maxx dropped us off at a building called Stage 48.
Stage 48 – Friendstravaganza
Stage 48 is the first of two interactive experiences on the Warner Bros Studio Tour. And there was lots going on in this building. Most popular is the coffee shop set from the TV series Friends. I personally never watched much of Friends, but this seemed to be the highlight for a great percentage of tour participants. Here, fans can line up and get a photo on the couch. I had to act fast to get the shot below in between groups of giddy fans.
There is also a Friend’s-themed fully-functioning coffee shop inside the building. Plus, a large gift shop mostly dedicated to Friend’s paraphernalia. Important note to those who need to eat midday like I do – the coffee shop has what looked to be a decent food menu, too.
Stage 48 also features the living room set from The Big Bang Theory where fans can also pose for photos.
In addition to the sets from those two popular TV shows, Stage 48 also offers an immersive experience called Script to Screen. As we walked from room to room, we were learned about the many sequential steps involved in film and TV production. It was all very interesting, especially all the costume displays. And I finally know what a foley artist does (creates the every day sound effects that are added post-production).
To Couch or Not to Couch
It would be easy to spend several hours at Stage 48. But we breezed through pretty quick, spending about 30 minutes. When we were ready to leave, a tour cart was waiting outside, and we were taken to the final displays on the tour.
First though, while again passing through the Backlot, we were given the option to get off and have our picture taken on the couch and fountain from Friend’s opening sequence. Again, not big Friend’s fans, so we stayed on the cart and headed directly to The Archive, which is located in the main tour building.
The Archive – Where I Became Hufflepuff
First up – costumes from many of the DC Comics movies, all made by Warner Bros Studios, including Michael Keaton’s Batman and Christopher Reeves’s Superman,
Ben Affleck’s Batman and Henry Cavill’s Superman,
and one of a long line of Batmobiles used in the movie franchise – this is the Tim Burton version.
Next, was Harry Potter’s Wizarding World. Harry Potter was filmed at the Warner Bros Studio in England rather than this one, but it is still a big deal on the Hollywood Studio Tour.
Here, several Harry Potter sets and scenes were recreated for our photo-taking pleasure.
Plus, we had the opportunity to participate in a Sorting Ceremony. We may have not wanted to sit on the various Friend’s couches, but we couldn’t pass up the Sorting Ceremony! The hat was lowered on to our heads (kind of), and our House was chosen by a voice above and around us. Me – Hufflepuff! Mrs. TT – Slytherin!! I’ll have to watch out around her now….
Finally, we found ourselves in a room surrounded by various awards collected by the Studio over the years, including a few of their Oscars. This is the first time I’ve ever seen an actual Oscar. The one pictured here is My Fair Lady’s Best Picture Academy Award from 1964.
Final Thoughts
Our time on the Warner Bros Studio Tour was thoroughly enjoyable. We learned a lot about film and TV production, had much better studio access than I imagined, and we were impressed with the interactive displays. We don’t tend to linger at displays, so our tour only took about 2 hours. But I can certainly understand why the Warner Bros website states that it could take 3-4. If you love TV (or movies) as much as I do, then don’t hesitate to spend a few hours on the Warner Bros Studio Tour in Burbank. You can click here to purchase tickets on Viator
If you would like to read about some of other great tours from my travels, then check out this post about an Air Tour in Kauai , this one about Touring Ballard Locks in Seattle , or this one about a Cooking Class in Seville Spain .
And during this trip to LA, I decided to exclusively use ride share for our transportation needs rather than renting a car like I usually do. Did I save money? Yes! A lot actually. Click here to check out my blog post about Uber vs Car Rental in LA
23 Comments
Tom Smalltownplussize
I enjoyed reading about your tour. Mrs Small Town has been so I’ve heard a lot of fun stories. I can’t wait to see it myself.
thethoroughtripper
Thanks Tom! As I think back to many trips to LA over the years, it’s definitely a highlight. Not sure why I’ve never done it until now.
Paul (Paul Passing Through)
Really interesting article. I think it’s so fascinating that the outdoor sets don’t have doorknobs or light fixtures. It would be so neat to walk through those soundstages where some of my favorite films were made. I do think it’s funny that they have Harry Potter sets. It would be fun but odd knowing none of them were filmed there.
We really learned so many interesting facts like that about TV and film production. Never read any Harry Potter myself. Watched each movie with the kids, but they came out so far apart that I had a hard time remembering the full story line over all the subsequent years. Still though, couldn’t pass up getting Sorted
Peggy Zipperer
Looks like a fun tour! I am completely fascinated with the huge water stage – 30 ft underground?!?! Mind-blowing! The Harry Potter scenes are great!
And we walked right across it. Would have loved to see what it looked like underneath that floor.
David Chalem
It’s actually *Maxx
Thanks for letting me know. I’ll add the second x to her name 🙂
Chalk and cheese travels8
What a great tour to do and see all the famous sets. Something we would love to do. We took the driving tour around Universal Studios and that was fun but this looks so much better
Brian Archambault
That Batmobile isn’t from the dark knight series. It’s from the 2 Tim Burton Batman’s with Michael Keaton
Thanks for letting me know. I’ll change it. I’m clearly not a Batman expert 🙂
I loved your letter I found it really interesting id love to see it in person that and tmz tour bus tour. I’d love to see the friends set when I know I’m going to la I’m going to book a tour with wb thats for the information. Pat
Glad to know that you found it so helpful. Hope you get the chance to experience yourself!
Lisa at Following the Rivera
I would love to do this tour! I love all of the Hollywood films and of course the shows too. It’s so cool to see the sets like this, it makes it more real!
Elena at TravelByExample
That’s a place I would love to visit one day! I’m sure everyone from my family would enjoy it, and I would be the one of those giddy fans to rush to take a picture in Friend’s coffee shop :))
Vanessa Shields
What an awesome tour! This is one thing I keep saying I’m going to do but never drive up to LA to go on it. You’ve motivated me to go this year! I’d love to see all the different sets and learn about productions. That’s neat that you can see everything that’s been filmed in each stage before entering. I had no idea there was such a huge water tank in one. Filming in that must be pretty cool to see.
Dylan Jones
I love the idea of doing this tour, it looks great. It’s great that they have the names of productions filmed in the soundstages listed outside. Definitely adding this to my list when I finally get back to LA.
I would love to take the Warner Bros Studio Tour. So cool to see the magic behind the scenes! Great pics and overview!
Exactly – the magic behind the scenes! Well put!
Stefan (Berkeley Square Barbarian)
Cheers, Seinfeld & Breaking Bad are all series I loved too, especially the latter. It is amazing that the studios have been around for nearly 100 years, yes, and that the Backlot outdoor sets are still in use but lack door handles or lights…
The dimensions of Stage 16 are truly mindboggling wow..
Fascinating! I would definitely go out of my way to take this tour. I am a huge fan of Big Bang so the chance to sit in Sheldon’s “spot” would be hard to resist and My Fair Lady is one of my favourites. The tour looks interesting and informative as well as fun. I suppose my only worry might be that seeing the shell behind the facade might take away some of the magic? Probably not! The suspension of disbelief is alive and well 😊
It’s so interesting seeing how iconic films and TV shows were made. I really like that they’ve kept the historical aspects like Stage 16 and the costumes. Would love a go on the sorting hat too!
It’s hard to pass up a hat sorting!!
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Warner Bros Studio Tour Hollywood: Honest Review (2024)
Iconic TV and movie sets. Working Hollywood actors roaming past your tour group. New York, San Francisco, and small town America all in one place.
In this Warner Brothers studio tour review, we’re sharing exactly what it’s like stepping foot into Warner Brothers Studio in Hollywood and embarking on one of their incredible studio and backlot experiences.
Unlike other tours around the world, this is a current working film and TV studios.
The people you pass aren’t actors (well, they are actors, but they aren’t acting as if they’re real movie and TV crew when they’re not – you know what I mean!)
And while you will see sets that have been frozen in time on the WB Studio Tour (Friends set, we’re looking at you!), you’ll also experience the constantly changing backlot.
It’s a dream come true for movie and TV fans to get to explore one of the oldest studios in the entire world, and after reading this Warner Bros tour review, you’ll know exactly what to expect and how to make the most of your time here.
Please note this is about the Warner Brothers Hollywood Studio Tour in Los Angeles, not the Warner Brothers Studio Tour in London, England.
💰 Top tip: want the cheapest Warner Brothers Studio tour tickets ?
We always book them on this site for the best deals!
What to Expect at the Warner Brothers Studio Tour in Los Angeles
From the iconic Friends fountain and orange couch to facades of the exterior of houses that you’ll recognize from everything from Growing Pains (1980s) to Fuller House (2020s), there’s something memorable literally around every corner on the Warner Bros tour.
We couldn’t possibly cover everything you’ll see, and we wouldn’t want to because part of the fun is the element of surprise.
Instead, we’ll touch on some highlights to get you excited and give you some of the best tips for making the most of your day.
Practical Tips for Visiting the Warner Bros Tour
Buying tickets to the wb studio tour.
Buying tickets to the studio tour needs to be done before your visit, but it’s very easy to buy them online here.
Prices are $69 per adult and $59 per child, and you’ll just keep your confirmation e-mail with you as you go through the experience and arrival process.
Discounts and Cheap Tickets for Warner Bros Studio Tour
Sometimes, you can find discounted tickets for the tour using a couple of different methods.
Firstly, if you’re a SoCal resident, you get discounted tickets anyway as long as you have proof of residency.
If you’re not from the area, sign up for the mailing list through the official website for the chance to keep an eye on any promo codes (they aren’t frequent, but there is a space on the booking site for promo codes so it is possible).
Alternatively, check out the Warner Brother Studios Tour on Undercover Tourist here , as they often have discounted tickets available for about $5-10 off the regular price.
Opening Days and Times
Currently, the Warner Bros Studio Tour is open five days a week, excluding Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
On days they are open, the first tour usually begins at 9am and the last tour begins at 3:30pm (again, you have unguided time to walk through afterwards).
How Long is the Warner Bros Studio Tour?
The guided portion of the tour is about 1 hour, and you should leave about 2 to 3 hours total as the rest will be unguided at your own pace.
Parking at Warner Bros Studio LA
Los Angeles is a driving city, which means your main options to get to the tour are either driving yourself or taking an Uber or Lyft.
If driving yourself, parking is $15 and is located in a dedicated, security-guarded parking lot adjacent to the Warner Bros main visitor building ( 3400 Warner Blvd., Burbank, CA 91505 ).
If you get an Uber, they are allowed to drop you off and pick you up right outside the visitor building in a dedicated rideshare landing zone.
The Warner Bros Tour website also makes mentions of buses and trains that can “get you” to the tour, but these are convoluted and long processes and they’re only going to drop you off a quarter mile away from the tour.
Stick to the Uber or driving yourself.
Arrival and Movie
When you first get to the visitor center, you’ll show your tour confirmation and go through an airport-style security section.
Then, before you know it, you’re in!
You can check out the café and shop, or you can save that until afterwards and head straight to the first part of the tour, the Storytelling Showcase.
This is a look-in-your-own-time room with plenty of artifacts from movie studio history, including letters to and from famous studio execs, address books that include Walt Disney’s information, and a year-by-year rundown of how the Warner Brothers started the studio in the first place.
When you’re ready, you make your way to the start of the official guided tour, the backlot tour, where you’ll get in a line similar to a theme park ride line and wait until it’s time for the next tour to depart.
Note: Despite the tour entry time on your confirmation page, tours do run continually and they will get you on the next one. Aim to arrive at the Studios so that you are entering the main visitor center 10-15 minutes before the time on your confirmation if you want to make sure you’re on that tour, or arrive at the visitor center at the time it says on your confirmation and then just know you’ll get on the next tour when you’ve made your way back to the starting area – they really do run frequently.
Warner Brother Studios Backlot Tour
The Backlot tour, for many people, is the best part of the Warner Brother Studios tour.
This is the main, guided, section, where you hop on the iconic little trams with your tour guide and driver and wind your way around the real, working Warner Brothers backlot.
Not only will you pass by the buildings that house the interior sets, but you’ll get to see many of the exterior sets that have been used for so many of your favorite movies and TV shows (and you may be surprised how easily they are to recycle and use again and again!)
One of the most fascinating sets is Warner Village, which is actually a collection of offices within houses that replicates a typical American street.
These are exterior sets only, in case you need a front yard or standard American street to film in.
Then you’ve got the Midwest Residential Street, which is where you’ll find the famous Gilmore Girls sets like the chapel, “Luke’s Diner” and that gazebo in the middle of the park.
You’ll also see the brownstones, a classic New York style area, as well as the exterior of a school, a bank, and more industrial areas.
Along the way, your guide will point out many of the most important productions that have been filmed using these locations and, better yet, they’ll ask you ahead of time what your favorite Warner Brothers productions are so they can be sure to point out filming locations that you might be interested in.
You’ll pass by actor’s trailers, often see real productions taking place (and in that case, you may be rerouted as they need all to be quiet on set!), and you will get down a couple of times from the vehicle and get to explore with your guide on foot.
We saw production designers working on a set for a new scene for an upcoming Warner Brothers movie, as well as plenty of movie and TV crew who were milling around, eating their lunches and going from set to set.
The energy here is electric.
Even when there isn’t filming taking place, you can feel that this is truly a place where magic is created and history is made.
One of the most famous outdoor sets includes the fountain from the Friends intro.
This is the real fountain – it was filmed here, on the studio, not on location in New York.
When you pass by the soundstages, where interior sets are built, you can take pictures unless the doors are up.
If the doors are up, there may be sets inside that you can see on the tour, but cannot be shared via photo with anyone else as it may be a spoiler for an upcoming episode or movie.
Oh, and did I mention celebrities?
Yes, those working actors show up to the Warner Brother Studios for work, and they have to walk around like the rest of the crew!
If you see someone you recognize, the etiquette is simply to keep your mouth shut and enjoy a spotting.
Don’t yell at them, run towards them, or do anything besides a kind wave if they happen to make eye contact.
It’s not because the actors themselves are stuck up or don’t want to meet fans, but with tours running continuously, it’s easy to make them feel like they’re an animal in a zoo and at the end of the day, they’re a professional who is at work, not roaming the streets of Beverly Hills, so let them get on with their day.
Self-Guided Warner Brothers Studio Tour
After your backlot tour is over, you’ll be taken by your driver to the self-guided portion of the tour, which takes you through more movie and TV history as well as some of the world’s most famous soundstages.
Some of the first exhibits you pass by include information on the actual movie-making process, from the writing to the casting to the costume design.
Friends Set and Café at Warner Brother Studios
Friends fans, listen up.
This is it.
The moment you’ve been waiting for.
Friends is one of the most-watched shows in the world, particularly in syndication and has been beloved by fans since it was on air from 1994 to 2004.
While it was set in New York City, it was mostly filmed in Los Angeles at the studios, and the interior Central Perk set is now available for fans to see in-person.
Yes, the original Friends cafe set, almost as it was during filming, is there in Studio 48 in all of its glory, waiting for you to discover it.
You won’t be allowed to roam around the real set too much because they don’t want it to be damaged, but you can get your picture taken on the famous couch!
If you want to spend more time in the Friends world, the Friends café at the end of the self-guided part of the tour is the perfect place to do that.
Grab a coffee, sit on the replica orange couch, and enjoy the replica sets including Monica’s apartment, Monica’s kitchen, and Chandler and Joey’s place!
Big Bang Theory
Big Bang Theory is another popular show that has retained its sets for fans to view, and if you want, you can also get some of your pictures taken here pretending that you live in the same world as these characters.
Other Exhibits at the Warner Brothers Studio Tour
From the real Batmobile to a Harry Potter exhibit featuring some props to iconic superhero costumes, there really is something for everyone on this tour no matter your movie tastes.
Again, so much has been filmed here, from superhero movies to La La Land to Pretty Little Liars to Gilmore Girls to Fuller House to Growing Pains to some older movies that used the original exterior soundstages.
Warner Brothers Studio Tour Gift Shop and Exit
When you exit into the main visitor area, you’ll get to experience the incredible gift shop, which is one of the best gift shops I’ve ever been in.
There’s a big emphasis on merch that you can only buy here (there is also Friends store connected to the Friends café for exclusive items).
I purchased some Gilmore Girls memorabilia, as well as some Warner Brothers studio merch including a T-shirt and coaster.
It’s hard to get out of there without buying something, so budget some money to make sure you can get a souvenir from one of your favorite movies or shows.
Is the Warner Brothers Studio Tour Hollywood Worth it?
The Warner Brothers Studio tour isn’t a cheap investment.
It can run a family of four into the hundreds of dollars, and the experience is about 2-3 hours long (though you can spend as much as you want after you exit the backlot tour and go to the self-guided interior section).
There are a lot of options of things to do with that money in LA, but this is the one studio tour that is an absolute must-do.
It’s the most iconic one, even better than Universal or Paramount, and the fact that it’s a working studio and you’re constantly looking for actors or being rerouted so you don’t get in the way of active filming brings an energy and excitement to the experience that makes it well worth the money involved.
Where to Eat Near Warner Bros Studio Tour: Dine with the Stars
If you’re finished at the tour and looking for somewhere to eat, head across the road to the Smoke House Restaurant .
With plush red booths and an old-timey Americana feel, this restaurant has been a favorite with celebrities over the years, including George Clooney who named his production company “Smokehouse Pictures” after the restaurant!
Prices are decent for LA and the pulled pork sandwich is one for the ages.
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Warner Bros Studio Tour Hollywood Review: Is It Worth The Money?
by Mark and Kristen Morgan
Published: September 9, 2020
Touring a TV and movie studio simply has to be on your travel itinerary when visiting Los Angeles for the first time. But which of the four major studios should you choose? Well, this first hand review will give you a rundown of what you can expect if you plump for the Warner Bros studio tour.
By the end of this unbiased review, you will know if Warner Bros is the perfect studio tour for you. On the other hand, you could end up certain you need to choose one of Sony, Paramount or Universal instead.
Hollywood movie studio tours are not cheap and take up a considerable portion of the day. Unless you’re a HUGE film fan, we’d recommend picking only one tour before spending the rest of your time and money on the other awesome things to do and see in Los Angeles .
As avid movie fans ourselves (but not quite in the HUGE bracket) we chose Warner Bros because our research led us to believe it was the “purest” movie studio.
Each studio tour has its pros and cons which we’ll get into later, before giving you our opinion on whether Warner Bros is worth the money.
Let’s find out if Warner Bros is your golden ticket!
Warner Bros Studio Factfile
City : Los Angeles (Burbank) State : California
Also Known As : Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. / WB
Founded : 1923 Founders : Harry, Jack, Albert and Sam Warner
Subsidiaries : DC Films, New Line Cinema, Warner Bros Pictures, Castle Rock, Cartoon Network Mascot : Bugs Bunny
How To Get To Warner Bros Studio Tour In Hollywood
Warner Bros Studio tour is located in Burbank, Los Angeles. The easiest way to find it on a map is by looking to the North West corner of Griffith Park.
LA is huge and traffic is renowned for being congested. If you have your own vehicle and don’t mind driving across the city, there is an underground parking garage right beneath the WB building.
No matter if your hotel is in Santa Monica, Beverly Hills or Hollywood, your most efficient route is to drive up Cahuenga Boulevard. Take the right turn at Barham Boulevard which transitions into W. Olive Ave. Turn right onto West Riverside Drive and right onto Warner Boulevard. Follow signs for tour parking.
Note : Driving in LA is not a lot of fun so consider arriving by other means if you’re not the most confident driver!
If you don’t have your own vehicle or you’d prefer to leave it parked at the hotel, you’ll need to use the metro and/or Uber or Lyft.
- Cheapest option – Metro B Line (Red) stops at Universal City/Studios. This is the closest you can get by Metro and your options are either walk 2.4 miles or take a Lyft/Uber.
- Most convenient option – Simply have a Lyft/Uber pick you up wherever you are in LA. But this will cost more!
Getting Around The Studio Complex
The tour is well organized, they’ve been doing it a long time and have cracked the ‘guest arrival efficiency’ code. You will wait in a lounge type area for your designated time slot before beginning the tour.
A brief welcome movie in an intimate cinema setting introduces you to the day ahead, then it’s straight on with meeting your guide and hitting the road.
You will be transported around the Warner Bros studio tour by 9-10 seater electric powered carts. However, there are plenty of walking parts where you can stretch your legs so no need to worry about being cramped up for a few hours.
You are not allowed to wander off on a rogue mission to find famous people and the guides will keep a close eye on your group.
It is important to remember this is a working studio, which means there could be several tv shows and movies being filmed at the time of your tour. Correct etiquette is non-negotiable!
Driving from San Francisco to San Diego? Don’t miss these 23 unforgettable Pacific Coast Highway road trip stops along the way.
Warner Bros Studio Tour FAQ’s
How Long is the Warner Bros Studio Tour?
Expect the tour to take approximately 3 hours. That includes 2 hours guided tour and 1 hour self guided at Studio 48 at the end of your tour.
Can You Take Pictures on the Warner Bros Tour?
You can take photos but only at certain allocated times. Your guide will inform you at every stop and in between whether or not photography is permitted but video is not permitted at any point of the tour.
Which Movies Are Associated With Warner Bros?
We can’t list every film from such a historic and comprehensive catalogue but some more recent movies include The Matrix Trilogy, The Hobbit (and LOTR under New Line Cinema), Batman (including Dark Knight Trilogy), Harry Potter, Inception, Sherlock Holmes, The Hangover, 300, Twister, The Departed, Mad Max, Oceans 8, 11, 12 & 13 … and the distinguished list goes on!
What Is Included In The Warner Bros Studio Tour?
So now you know how to get there, let’s dive into exactly what you can expect from this world famous studio tour.
One of the most important things to remember from this review is no two tours are the same. Each time slot throughout the day will plot a different route through the studio grounds.
That means what we saw on our tour will not be identical to what you will see on yours!
Backlots & Soundstages
Warner Bros is home to 10 backlots and 30 sound stages. But what are backlots and soundstages exactly?
Backlots are permanent exterior buildings used for outdoor scenes in movies and tv shows. Think the old west or New York buildings.
One example is the alleyway where Tobey Maguire hangs upside down as Spiderman to kiss Mary-Jane. That same alley and brick building surrounding has also been used in other major blockbuster movies.
Once widely used in cinema, the use of backlots quickly diminished as movies began shooting with actors physically on location and as CGI technology advanced.
Sound stages (or just Stages) are huge sound-proof warehouse like buildings where many of the major movies film scenes that are not on location. Entire sets are constructed inside these buildings and can stay in place for as long as necessary.
The entire series of Friends was filmed inside studio 24 and Saito’s castle scenes from Inception were filmed inside Stage 16. We won’t give any more away!
On the outside of every Stage building is a plaque showing each of the movies and TV shows filmed inside that particular Stage.
You will be able to go inside and walk around one Stage to view the set of a currently running TV show.
On our visit we went inside the full sized apartment of ‘Lucifer’. We were also told that Denzel Washington was on the premises shooting scenes for a movie.
Old Movie Props
Old movie props might not sound exciting but when you get there you will see why it is one of the best stops on the Warner Bros studio tour.
Remember the 2 faded red leather chairs from the Matrix? The neon Comedy Club sign from Joker? How about the armor worn by Tom Cruise and Ken Watanabe in the Last Samurai?
All of these and (so much!) more can be found inside the prop storage building. We were even lucky enough to see the building next door with its shutter open.
What was inside?
Only Phoebe’s taxi from Friends and Austin Powers’ Shaguar!
You are guaranteed to see props from some of your favorite movies when you walk around this building.
Many will be a surprise because who really knows which movie studio produced their favorite movies?!
DC Universe Exhibit
Any superhero fans out there? At Warner Bros it’s best if you’re team DC and not team Marvel!
One of your first stops will be to walk around DC’s Aquaman and Wonderwoman exhibits. The majority of displays are costume design and accessories, such as Diana Prince’s Lasso and Arthur Curry’s armored suit.
Although not overly exciting, this part of the tour does allow you to appreciate other elements of what makes movies so engaging.
Who ever looks to see who the costume designer was in the end credits?
But when you stop to think about it – costumes, weapons, design etc are vital to every movie!
Hmm, Mark has some work to do in the gym to emulate Jason Momoa holding the trident.
The Wizarding World
Another stop on the Warner Bros studio tour is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts. You will walk a one way route around all things Hogwarts, Dumbledores Army, Newt Scamander and Grindelwald.
Now, we implore you not to get too excited, this is not like the Harry Potter tour in London where you can see full sets. We wouldn’t recommend choosing Warner Bros based solely on your love for the Harry Potter franchise!
What you do get to see is authentic props like Dobby the House Elf and the sorting hat, plus real costumes worn by most of the main characters.
All of your favorite wizards outfits are on display and it is kind of fun to imagine the actors being there in person … o r putting on one of the costumes yourself, picking up a wand and shouting ‘Expelliarmus’.
However, the most interesting part for us personally was being able to see some of the original storyboards. It’s fascinating to see how the drawings compare to the end product on screen.
Maybe you were wondering why we didn’t mention Batman in the earlier DC Universe section? Well, that’s because there’s an entire Batcave dedicated to the caped crusader!
Personally, we loved the Christopher Nolan / Christian Bale Dark Knight trilogy, so getting to see the tumbler and Batpod was pretty cool!
The room is very dark and looks more like a strange car showroom with purple lights but information plaques do have individual lights for reading.
Also inside the Batcave are replicas of the Neutron Bomb from DKR, and older Batmobiles like the Bathammer from Clooney, Keaton and Kilmer eras.
Even the Batsuit Christian Bale wore is on display!
Stage is 48 is called Script to Screen, which means you get an insight into what happens at pre-production, production and post-production stages of making a movie.
This is another aspect of filmmaking that often gets overlooked by the average movie watcher.
But consider editing, sound, casting, green screens for CGI etc – a movie cannot be made without these elements.
This section of the Warner Bros studio tour is self guided and interactive. The best thing you can do is ask questions and explore every part of production.
You could rush through in 10 minutes or easily spend an hour looking at storyboards and creating costumes for a movie. It is the first time you are able to slow down and read everything.
You can also ride Harry Potters Firebolt broom or Batmans Batpod with a green screen behind. A guide will instruct you to ‘turn left’ or ‘cast a spell’ as you watch yourself on a monitor.
This is of course being filmed and you can buy a video souvenir but they are not cheap and we personally did not buy one.
It’s hard to get into character when you don’t have the full Batsuit on shouting WHERE’S THE TRIGGER at Bane in your deepest and harshest voice (with a peg on your nose)!
For us, the best (and only real unmissable) part of Studio 48 is the sound engineer insight called ‘art of sound’. A guide will explain to you how sound was composed in space for the movie Gravity, it’s a truly fascinating and intriguing part of the tour.
Oh, and you can hold a shiny Oscar, like Mark winning his Best Actor award from the 1950’s.
Central Perk
Fans of TV show Friends will enjoy the entire authentic set of Central Perk cafe.
You can take a seat on the famous sofa, order coffee from imaginary Gunther and maybe even pretend that you are also being paid US$ 1 million per episode!
With a total of 236 episodes, Friends has to be regarded as one of the most iconic sitcoms of all time, right?! Classic feel good background noise at worst, engaging emotional rollercoaster at best!
It is one of the only American sitcoms that used to get replayed over and over again growing up in the UK but is still widely adored.
Netflix even paid over US$ 100 million for rights to stream re-runs between 2014 and 2019. Not bad for a show that finished all the way back in 2004. #timeless
Big Bang Theory
Moving swiftly onto another show where you can imagine earning a cool million per episode is one of America’s favorites: Big Bang Theory.
Big Bang is the longest running multi camera sitcom in history with almost 280 episodes across 12 seasons.
Imagine how much time each of the main actors playing Sheldon, Leonard, Raj, Penny and Howard spent filming in front of live audiences at Warner Bros!
Much like the Central Perk set, Big Bang sets Caltech Cafe, the Elevator and Apartment 4a can all be explored as part of the tour in Studio 48.
Tour Guides At Warner Bros
We’ll take a wild guess you consider yourself a bit of a TV and movie buff? We thought so too, but we were wrong.
Our tour guide set the benchmark for being considered a bona fide movie buff. Shout out to Erik, this guy lived for it!
These giant world beating movie studios want to give the best possible experience for those who travel from around the world to get behind the scenes of their favorite TV shows and movies.
The guides have to be fantastic, it is as simple as that.
Our advice to you is speak up whenever you have a question about anything. Ask away and your guide will enjoy responding!
Warner Bros Studio Tour Price
Warner Bros offers what is widely regarded as the best pure movie lovers tour out of all the studios in LA. We didn’t tour the other studio so can’t give a definitive agree or disagree on that claim.
If you truly love TV and movies, the price here won’t matter too much because you’re going to pay it anyway!
An adult ticket for the Warner Bros studio tour will set you back a fairly hefty sum of US$ 69 .
Which is the Best Studio Tour in LA?
Now you know what to expect and the price of Warner Bros, it’s important you know the most pertinent information about each of the competition.
There are 4 major movie studios to choose between in Los Angeles.
What are the most important aspects for you to consider when choosing which studio you want to visit?
Is it price, which movies they made, location (ease of access), what you will see or something else entirely?
We created this Warner Bros, Sony, Paramount and Universal comparison table to look at pros, cons and differences of each tour and to help you determine if Warner Bros studio tour is the one for you.
Warner Bros vs Sony vs Paramount vs Universal Studio Tours
Is warner bros studio tour worth your time and money.
Warner Bros is worth your money as long as you have some interest in Harry Potter, Batman, DC universe characters, friends or Big Bang Theory. Consider choosing one of the other studios if none of that sounds exciting!
Let’s take a quick look at what we liked, didn’t like and how much we would pay for this tour.
What Was Hot
- The sheer scale and magnitude of the Warner Bros studio grounds.
- We thought it would be more about sets and backlots but thoroughly enjoyed the costumes, props and production aspects.
- Our guide was extremely knowledgable about the industry and always had informative answers to questions.
- The tour is longer than any other studio offers (for the basic package).
- Parking the car was not a problem thanks to the multi-story underground parking lot.
What Was Not
- Tours leave every 30 minutes from 8.30am – 3pm so it can at times feel a little like you’re on a conveyor belt of tourists. You will run into a number of other tour groups throughout.
- The tour slightly lacked a personal touch overall and would benefit from a few freebies or take homes.
- Paying for parking adds a further US$ 15 to the overall ticket price and we think that is a bit harsh as tickets are already expensive enough.
- In certain exhibits (such as DC Universe and Wizarding World) the tour group moves too quickly which makes it difficult to read all information boards.
It is definitely worth mentioning the GO Los Angeles card for those of you who intend to do more tourist attractions on your visit to Los Angeles.
You can seriously save money with this card but only if you get busy!
You have two options:
- Explorer Pass – 2, 3, 4, 5 or 7 ATTRACTIONS (value & savings increase the more attractions you do). Click to see options .
- All Inclusive Pass – 1, 2, 3, 5 or 7 DAY pass (value & savings increase the more days you do). Click to see options .
Warner Bros studio tour is included in all pass options. You could potentially save a substantial amount of money by including this tour with others in Los Angeles.
What Is A Fair Price?
We personally thought the Warner Bros studio tour was worth US$ 69 each. We probably would have paid up to around 80-90 dollars but any more and we would have written it off.
It’s not every day you get to go behind the scenes of a movie studio, especially when you’re a big fan of movies.
You have to set a reference point, like paying 10 bucks for a beer at a Dodgers ball game or US$ 100+ on a meal out in Beverly Hills and entrance to Warner Bros won’t seem so high!
If you love movies and have a morning or afternoon spare on your Los Angeles itinerary, we think the Warner Bros studio tour could be the one for you.
It certainly didn’t disappoint us.
Buy Tickets For Warner Bros Studio Tour
Are you sold on Warner Bros?
You can book your tickets right now with two options offering the same price:
- Get Your Guide
If you choose to take a tour of Warner Bros Studio in Hollywood, we hope you have a fantastic time!
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We hope this review helped you decide if the Warner Bros Studio Tour is for you!
Did you go to Universal, Sony or Paramount and how was it?
Please let us know if you have any questions or need any help planning your visit to LA in the comments below.
That’s All, Folks !
Mark and Kristen
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Mark and Kristen Morgan are travel, hiking and photography experts. Over the last 6 years traveling full time, they have explored more than 40 countries and 30 US states.
Where Are Those Morgans has been featured in USA Today, Gestalten, Get Your Guide, CityPASS and Condé Nast Traveler along with various other publications. Read more about us .
2 thoughts on “Warner Bros Studio Tour Hollywood Review: Is It Worth The Money?”
They tell you to get there a half hour early, our tour time was 1100, we waited until after 1140 for the video to begin
Thanks for sharing your experience, Terry. The FAQ’s page on the Warner Bros Hollywood Tour site does state “plan to arrive 30 minutes prior to your tour” so you can find a parking spot, check in and pass through the security checks before your time slot. Hope you enjoyed the tour!
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Is the entire tour indoors or will we need to...
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Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter Questions & Answers
Is the entire tour indoors or will we need to prepare for outside weather as well?
There is a small part outside which has privet drive, the bus ,the bridge etc but 95% is indoors
Just a brief stint outdoors. Take a jacket.
There is a small section outdoors once you complete the first indoor section it goes outdoors with a few attractions there ( I won't say as don't want to spoil it for you) however they give you rain ponchos if the weather turns and even then there is bits where you can stand and not get wet. The second part was again all indoors. I believe where the train and the forbidden forest is also indoors. Hope this helps
most of tour is inside just privet close hose /nightbus /bridge outside so only need a lightweight coat if raining
99% of tour is inside. If you want to go into HP house on Privit Dr then you may have to wait outside if there's a line of people waiting to do the same.
I would recommend that you take a coat or wear something warm as some of the tour is outside. After the cafe, to get to the next lot, there is a section that is outside. It includes the houses on Privet Drive and the bus aswell as a few other bits like the flying car. So its worth going outside to have a look so dress for the weather !
Hi, you would be wise to keep a coat/jacket with you as 1/2 way round you are outside for about 30 minutes, 100% worth it though. Enjoy the experience. Jerry
The majority of it is inside. Only prvite drive and the bus are outside
There is a tiny bit outdoors between the lots where the bus and houses are but other than that it's indoors
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Film buffs rejoice: warner bros. reopens expanded studio lot tour.
Like so many theme park-related businesses, the famed experience had been shuttered for more than a year due to the pandemic.
By Ryan Parker
Ryan Parker
Former Senior Reporter
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I beelined it straight for Christopher Reeve’s Superman costume. Other guests at the media preview for the reopening of the expanded Warner Bros. studio lot tour were taken aback by the (impressive) Tumbler from the Christopher Nolan Batman series, but this old nerd soul wanted to pay respects to the legendary Superman actor whose films I watched endlessly on VHS (yes, even Superman IV: The Quest for Peace . I was a kid. I didn’t know any better).
Technically, the suit on display was from Superman III, but it was still glorious. Beside Reeve’s Superman costume was Michael Keaton ‘s suit from 1989’s Batman and on the other side, Lynda Carter ‘s Wonder Woman costume from the classic ’70s TV show. Pure nerd heaven.
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Yes, there were truly some awesome sights to be held as Warner Bros. is once again welcoming guests back to the iconic Hollywood studio lot in Burbank, which like so many theme park-related businesses, had been shuttered for more than a year due to the pandemic.
However, guests can once again visit starting Saturday . The condensed media preview on Thursday was highlighted by the new Storytelling Showcase, which celebrates Warners Bros.’ 100 years of movie-making history (seeing Jack Warner’s phone and phone book with Walt Disney’s number listed was remarkable).
There was also the new Friends exhibit at Stage 48, an expansion of the Central Perk Cafe where actress Maggie Wheeler, who played the iconic Janice, stopped by for its christening. “The show has changed my life in so many different ways,” she said. “To be a part of something that means so much to so many people, … it’s an incredible blessing.” And yes, she broke out a bit of Janice to the great delight of the crowd.
Last — but my favorite — was the hall celebrating DC superheroes and the Harry Potter franchise. There, several props and costumes were on display, including Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Mr. Freeze costume from Batman & Robin , which actually did look extraordinarily uncomfortable (but then I remembered he made $25 million for the bomb, so I didn’t feel too bad).
From Harry Potter’s screen-used glasses and wand, along with the Sorting Hat (which actually tells visitors which Hogwarts house they will be assigned) to all the costumes from the Zack Snyder superhero films, among so much more, it’s all enough to make fans’ knees weak — mine were, but I managed to gather my strength to stroll through the massive Warners gift shop at the conclusion of the tour.
Trying not to nerd out too hardcore at the media preview for Warner Bros. lot tour reopening — but my knees are pretty weak. pic.twitter.com/X37sifbDvt — Ryan Parker (@TheRyanParker) June 24, 2021
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Fast forward to 2023 and the Warner Brothers Studio Tour is still great – but has been streamlined with even more unique experiences for visitors.
Buying Tickets And Starting The Studio Tour
The ticket buying process is simple – you can purchase them online and see right away which tours are still available. The studio has a paid parking garage which is immediately next to the entrance where you’ll start your tour.
You’ll begin the experience with a video presentation that lasts about ten minutes and gives a nice overview of the studio’s history, location, and what you can expect as the tour begins.
As you exit the theater, one of the tour guides will drive you around the backlot on a small tram that holds about 15 people. It’s not a crowded experience – each tour is quite intimate and you shouldn’t have any trouble at all hearing the trivia tidbits or seeing things they’ll point out along the way.
The Warner Brothers Studio Tour finally begins!
You’re likely to see some notable locations as you cruise around the lot. For fans of the show Friends , you’ll see where they filmed the introduction of the popular sitcom and splashed around in the “Friends fountain.” You also may spot the Tanner’s San Francisco home from Fuller House or the cafe featured in Shameless . Be on the lookout for the courthouse – it’s used in many films but notably was where Batman & Robin went to visit Commissioner Gordon in the 60s TV series Batman .
While you’re on the backlot tour you’ll likely stop to see one of the actual production sets for a current television show. Back in 2007 – I remember getting to visit the sets of The West Wing; ER; and Gilmore Girls. Since I don’t watch much television these days, I wasn’t really familiar with the sets we were able to see this time. The good news is – even if you don’t know the show, it’s still really interesting being on a sound stage and seeing how they produce television programs.
You’ll also likely visit some of the empty facades which line the streets of the backlot. It’s interesting to hear which classic films or shows previously used the same buildings – with different paint jobs or decorations. Warner Brothers is known for making good use of everything they already have built! It’s cool how many of these buildings you get to see during the Warner Brothers Studio Tour!
Dress Appropriately For The Tour!
The first part of the tour is almost completely outside (the tram has no doors or windows) and you’ll be subject to whatever the weather happens to be doing. Bring a light jacket in the winter months or prepare to be hot in the summer months.
Explore Warner Brothers Studio Tour Visitors Center
The second part of the tour takes place in a visitors center where you’re able to take as much time as you want to explore. You can even grab a bite to eat! It’s here where you are able to have some really interesting hands-on experiences and learn about the production process that takes place at Warner Brothers.
You’ll have a chance to try your hand at voiceovers and see how sound effects are produced for films. You’ll learn about the process for creating a musical soundtrack and how to creatively use camera angles. There are quite a few wardrobe pieces on display from notable films and even a section of drawing cartoons – like Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck.
See The Set of Friends and Big Bang Theory Set
The most popular attraction for guests at the visitors center is getting to see the Friends set. The iconic sitcom is still popular and people love getting the chance to sit on the Friends couch.
Personally, my favorite part of the Warner Brothers Studio Tour was having the chance to sit in Sheldon’s spot on the set of The Big Bang Theory. For no additional charge, you can have your photo taken while you visit the set Friends or see the Big Bang Theory set. (They also offer a paid version if you’d prefer a higher quality image. I just used my Iphone!)
Now on to the third and final part of the Warner Brothers Studio Tour – a tram whisks you away to another building that’s connected to where you started your tour. This building has memorabilia and artifacts from various Warner Brothers productions like Batman Returns, Superman, and Harry Potter. (I’ve honestly never seen Harry Potter – but if you read the books or watched the movies – this is something you’d probably really enjoy.)
Again – you’re allowed to take your time browsing and once you’re finished, you’ll exit back into the main lobby where you can go through the Warner Brothers Studio Tour gift shop or head back to your car in the garage.
Is Warner Brothers Studio Tour Worth It?
Overall, the Warner Brothers Studio Tour is a great bargain if you’re looking for the best backlot tour in Los Angeles. If you can find a southern California resident to tag along – the tickets are about $10 cheaper!
You can find tickets and tour times on their website . They also offer a “deluxe” tour experience for a much higher price – but for the average person – the general tour is going to be more than enough.
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Harry potter tour revenue surges past $1 billion.
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The Harry Potter tour in Leavesden is a big money spinner for Warner Bros.
Britain's Harry Potter movie tour has generated more than $1 billion of revenue since it opened 12 years ago according to its latest financial statements which show that sales doubled to a record $184.4 million (£149.1 million) in 2022 as the end of pandemic restrictions cast a powerful spell on the attraction.
The tour is set inside two cream-coloured cavernous soundstages at Leavesden Studios on the outskirts of London. Owned by media giant Warner Bros. Discovery WBD , Leavesden was originally an aircraft factory before it was converted into a movie studio in 1994 so that James Bond flick GoldenEye could film there.
Warner bought Leavesden in 2010 making it the first studio to have a permanent European base since Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in the 1940s. Leavesden re-opened in 2012 after Warner invested more than $123.7 million (£100 million) in the site. Since then it has been home to well over 50 productions including all eight Potter films, the three Fantastic Beasts spin-offs and last year's highest-grossing movie, Barbie .
The studio generates 39.7% of Leavesden's total revenue which rose by $87.5 million (£70.7 million) to a record $305.8 million (£247.2 million) in the year to 31 December 2022 as we revealed in Britain's Sunday Times newspaper. The increase was entirely driven by the tour as studio revenue dipped 2.9% to $121.3 million (£98.1 million).
Revenue is increasing at Warner Bros' Leavesden studios
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Over the past few years soaring inflation and the cost of living crisis has caused consumers to cut streaming subscriptions leading to studios scaling back the number of shows in production.
It didn't stop there as Leavesden faced the challenge of strikes in Hollywood when actors and writers downed their tools for more than six months last year in a bid to boost the royalties they receive. Warner is still counting the cost of this and on February 23 announced that revenue for the fourth quarter of 2023 was down 7% to $10.2 billion partly driven by strike-induced production delays. On the day of the announcement its shares closed 10% down at $8.61, almost the lowest price since the group was created by the merger of AT&T’s T WarnerMedia and Discovery Inc in April 2022.
The impact is being felt far beyond the studios as special effects firm Framestore, which created the spellbinding visuals in the Potter movies, said it expects margins "to be impacted" by the strikes in 2023.
In contrast, the tour behind the scenes of the Potter movies has been a dream ticket for Warner. Leavesden's net profit more than doubled last year to $87.8 million (£71 million) which was largely driven by the tour given that the studio's revenue reversed. Since 2012 Leavesden has generated total net profits of $589.6 million (£476.7 million) and paid $289.4 million (£234 million) of dividends to Warner.
Guests can wander through recreations of classic Harry Potter locations (photo by Andrew Aitchison / ... [+] In pictures via Getty Images)
Since it opened 12 years ago more than 18 million people have streamed through the tour's turnstiles generating a total of $1.2 billion (£935.8 million) of revenue – 67.5% more than the studio has made.
The tour is filled with props and sets from the movies with the latest addition being Professor Sprout's Greenhouse which opened in summer 2022. From the outside, the giant greenhouse appears to be in the grip of a giant vine which covers the walls inside. Its tendrils spread into flower boxes where plants seem to sprout from them. Visitors can uproot them to reveal a squealing shrub as Harry and his chums did in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets .
As we recently revealed , the tour has been so successful that Warner has invested more than $115 million in its first overseas outpost which opened in Tokyo last year and is 50% bigger than its British counterpart.
Leavesden operates the Japanese facility as well as the wildly popular chain of Potter shops and the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child stage show which premiered in London in 2016 to critical acclaim. Since then it has expanded to five other countries and is still growing as the financial statements reveal that "in 2022 the company invested in another production of the stage play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child ."
The company also produces the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child stage show (Photo by Sam ... [+] Tabone/WireImage)
Despite the logjam in Hollywood, Leavesden too is expanding. Last year it announced plans to build 11 new sound stages which will increase production capacity by more than 50% and will create 4,000 direct and indirect jobs. It is expanding to stay in the game in the face of increasing competition.
Britain has become a popular location for filming thanks to its generous fiscal benefits which give studios a reimbursement of up to 25.5% of the amount they spend in the country. It explains why Shepperton Studios, just outside London, is planning a 1.2 million square feet expansion which will make it the world's second-biggest studio.
Likewise, nearby Pinewood plans to spend $1.6 billion (£1.3 billion) on new facilities including a studio tour which will put it in even more direct competition with Leavesden. Over the past 80 years Pinewood has been home to everything from the Pink Panther and Paddington to Superman and Star Wars so it may take more than the wave of a magic wand to beat.
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30 Funniest Fish-Out-Of-Water Movies
Posted: April 30, 2024 | Last updated: April 30, 2024
Ever felt like you didn't belong somewhere?
To be a “fish out of water” is to be a person who finds themselves in an unfamiliar and, thus, uncomfortable situation — much like how an aquatic animal on land likely feels. This age-old idiom has served as the basis for many great stories, especially comedies since uproarious hijinks tend to come about when a protagonist has trouble navigating their surroundings. See for yourself by revisiting, or discovering, some of our favorite funny fish-out-of-water movies.
Borat (2006)
Sacha Baron Cohen's Oscar-nominated mockumentary — the full title of which is Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan — places the comedian’s iconic Kazakh journalist in the United States, where his vastly differing cultural perspective causes quite a stir, to say the least. To see just how alienating and appalling Borat proves to be, you will just have to watch the movie yourself because there is no way we can describe it here.
Barbie (2023)
When Barbie (Margot Robbie) begins to suffer a strange existential crisis, she and Ken (Ryan Gosling) venture beyond Barbieland and into the Real World. Hilarious hijinks certainly ensue, but so does a moving meditation on modern womanhood in co-writer and director Greta Gerwig's subversive adaptation of the popular toy line.
Mean Girls (2004)
In Mean Girls — which was later adapted into a Broadway musical that inspired another cinematic reimagining in 2023 — Lindsay Lohan plays a teen who, after being homeschooled in Africa for much of her life, experiences the social constructs of American public school for the first time. Director Mark Waters and writer Tina Fey’s coming-of-age comedy depicts the topic of high school cliques so authentically, that it practically transcends comedy and makes for one of the best high school movies of all time.
Beverly Hills Cop (1984)
The movie may be called Beverly Hills Cop , but Eddie Murphy's Axel Foley hails from Detroit. Yet, when a murder investigation takes him to California, he finds that his crimefighting methods greatly differ from how they do things around there — a situation that would repeat itself in three sequels.
Back To The Future (1985)
Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) is an '80s teen who — courtesy of a special DeLorean constructed by his friend, Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd) — finds himself stranded in the 1950s in Back to the Future . Director Robert Zemeckis and his co-writer, Bob Gale, were inspired to make this time travel movie classic after imagining what it would be like to meet their parents in their youth, much like Marty does.
Pretty Woman (1990)
A professional escort (played by Julia Roberts) gets a taste of the high life after she is hired by a businessman (played by Richard Gere) to pose as his girlfriend for a week, only to find himself falling for her. Director Garry Marshall’s Pretty Woman is one of the best romantic comedies of its time for the way it depicts a culture clash with heartwarming results.
My Fair Lady (1964)
Based on Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe’s stage musical (which was inspired by George Bernard Shaw’s play, Pygmalion ), My Fair Lady stars Audrey Hepburn as a poor, cockney-accented woman who is thrust into the world of high society by a phonetics instructor (played by Rex Harrison) as part of a wager. The conceit of the story would prove to be highly influential, later inspiring the 1999 teen comedy She’s All That , which was later reimagined as He’s All That .
Idiocracy (2006)
In one of writer and director Mike Judge’s best movies, Luke Wilson plays an astronaut who participates in an experimental hibernation program and, 500 years later, wakes up to discover he is the smartest man alive. Idiocracy is a ridiculous satire that imagines one of the scariest dystopian scenarios imaginable in which you are the only hope left for society to thrive.
Hot Fuzz (2007)
In Hot Fuzz , Nicholas Angel (co-writer Simon Pegg) is a high-skilled London cop transferred to a village where crime is virtually obsolete... or so it seems. Until the action in this action-comedy from director Edgar Wright kicks in and Angel’s skills are needed, the character spends much of his time feeling lost and without a purpose.
The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
In The Devil Wears Prada , a journalism graduate, played by Academy Award winner Anne Hathaway, is hired at a fashion magazine as the assistant to its relentlessly demanding head editor, played by Academy Award winner Meryl Streep. Her survival strategy is to adopt a more fashionable persona that greatly differs from her true self in this Oscar-nominated dramedy based on Lauren Weisberger’s novel.
Splash (1984)
There may be no better movie to ever fit the description of a "fish-out-of-water comedy" than Splash . Director Ron Howard's rom-com stars Tom Hanks as a man who falls in love with a woman (played by Daryl Hannah) who turns out to be a mermaid.
My Cousin Vinny (1992)
Oscar-winner Joe Pesci plays the title character of My Cousin Vinny, a lawyer defending his cousin (Ralph Macchio) and his best friend (Mitchell Whitfield) in a murder trial. When the native New Yorker's wise guy attitude clashes with the Southern community in and out of the courtroom, it results in one of the funniest legal movies of all time.
Lost In Translation (2003)
In Lost in Translation , an aging actor, played by Bill Murray in an Oscar-nominated role, and a married college graduate, played by Scarlett Johansson in her breakthrough role, both struggle with loneliness and disillusionment while staying in Tokyo. These characters end up finding the sense of belonging they need in each other in the 2000s-era masterpiece that earned Sophia Coppola her Best Original Screenplay Oscar.
Crocodile Dundee (1986)
In Crocodile Dundee , an American journalist, played by Linda Kozlowski, meets the eponymous hunter (Paul Hogan) in the Australian Outback, which he calls home. She then invites him to pay a visit to a whole new kind of jungle: New York City.
Trading Places (1983)
If we rework the "fish-out-of-water" analogy into something more like "happy-aquarium-bound-fish-and-struggling-sea-dwelling-fish-experience-each-other’s-habitats,” that would be a good way to describe the plot of Trading Places . It stars Dan Aykroyd as a wealthy investor and Eddie Murphy as a poor hustler who each get a taste of each other's drastically different lives as part of a wager by two billionaire brothers.
Sister Act (1992)
One of Whoopi Goldberg's most iconic roles is a lounge singer hiding from the mob by posing as a nun. She ends up making a profound impact on the convent, especially by giving the choir of taste of the Motown style, in Sister Act.
Luca (2021)
A comedy with a somewhat more literal approach to the "fish-out-of-water" mantra is Pixar's Luca , in which a young sea monster (voiced by Jacob Tremblay) dreams of exploring the world beyond his home below the surface. He meets a fellow sea monster, voiced by Jack Dylan Grazer, who teaches him how to pose as a human and takes him on a tour of the Italian Riviera.
Academy Award nominee Melissa McCarthy's character in Spy , Susan Cooper, works in espionage... from behind a desk as an analyst and as an aid to field operative, Bradley Fine (Jude Law). However, things change for her when she volunteers for an undercover operation that throws her for a loop in writer and director Paul Feig’s acclaimed action-comedy.
Madagascar (2005)
Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, Jada Pinkett-Smith, and David Schwimmer voice a lion, a zebra, a hippo, and a giraffe, respectively, who have spent most of their lives in a zoo. However, when a mistake leaves them stranded on the island of Madagascar, they must figure out how to be real wild animals for the first time in their lives.
The Terminal (2004)
In director Steven Spielberg's The Terminal, Tom Hanks plays an immigrant who is legally unable to enter the U.S., but also unable to return to his war-torn country either. He is then forced to live in John F. Kennedy Airport until further notice, which ends up providing him with a relatively enlightening portrait of American culture.
The Addams Family (1991)
Director Barry Sonnenfeld's cinematic adaptation of the creepy and kooky family does a wonderfully weird job showing how greatly their values differ from the rest of the world. Curiously, however, Joan Cusack’s performance in the sequel, Addams Family Values , makes them look far more personable by comparison.
Enchanted (2007)
Disney pokes fun at the same fairytale cliches it helped popularize in Enchanted , which stars Amy Adams as a princess in an animated storybook world. That is, until she is accidentally transported into our real, live-action world and begins to question everything she thought she knew about life.
Coming To America (1988)
In, arguably, his best movie, Eddie Murphy stars in Coming to America as an African prince whose search for true love brings him to Queens in New York City. In addition to his romantic quest, he experiences a crash course in American working-class living while never losing his optimistic glow, although the same cannot be said about his servant and friend, Semi (Arsenio Hall).
Some Like It Hot (1959)
In Billy Wilder’s comedy classic, Some Like It Hot , two musicians, played by Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon, seek a way to hide themselves after witnessing a mob hit. Their solution: pose as women and join an all-female band (including a singer played by Marilyn Monroe), which gives them a unique perspective on the opposite gender.
Blast From The Past (1999)
In the romantic, underrated '90s movie, Blast from the Past , Brendan Fraser plays a man who has lived his entire life trapped in an underground bunker with his family. When he finally receives the chance to experience the outside world, which differs greatly from what his 60s-era parents taught him, his otherwise charming naïveté tends to get him in trouble.
The Jerk (1979)
The Jerk , the comedian plays Navin, who grew up in Mississippi as the adopted son of a Black family. When he decides to make a life for himself in St. Louis, and later Californie, his hopeless obliviousness constantly stirs trouble for himself and others.
After one of Santa's helpers discovers that he is a human who was accidentally brought to the North Pole as a baby, he journeys to New York City to meet his father (James Caan). Will Ferrell's charmingly oblivious performance as Buddy is key to Elf 's enduring reputation as one of the funniest Christmas movies ever made.
Miss Congeniality (2000)
In Miss Congeniality, Gracie Hart (Sandra Bullock) is a tough-as-nails FBI agent with a quick temper and not a single shred of fashion sense. However, she is forced to make a few drastic changes — both inside and out — when an undercover operation forces her to pose as a beauty pageant contestant.
Army Of Darkness (1992)
Picking up where Evil Dead II leaves off, Sam Raimi's cartoonish adventure comedy, Army of Darkness , sees Ash Williams (Bruce Campbell) trapped in the Middle Ages. Luckily, his intimidating chainsaw hand earns the villagers’ respect and his previous experience with demonic entities comes in handy when he must protect them from the evil forces he accidentally awakens.
Pleasantville (1998)
Two teen siblings from the '90s (Reese Witherspoon and Tobey Maguire) are magically transported into a 1950s-era sitcom in Pleasantville . Their modern sensibilities do not just clash with this black-and-white, saccharine world, but influence it in unique and magical ways.
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Evolution of man: how Ryan Gosling changed stardom, cinema and society
The actor’s feminist credentials, a wholehearted embrace of comedy and being one of the most memed actors on social media has seen Gosling’s auto-satirising alpha male become white-hot box office in 2024
I n Hollywood, there are no accidents. Ryan Gosling’s role in stuntman pic The Fall Guy , hard on the heels of his show-stopping Oscars rendition of I’m Just Ken, is perfectly timed to confirm his ascension to the very top tier of stardom. Not only is it a four-quadrant entertainment turbo boost – covering all audience bases with action, romance, a legacy franchise for the oldies, John Wick-slick for the kids – it is shrink-wrapped to his public persona. His role as stunt veteran Colt Seavers, saving the skin of the idiot megastar he doubles for, caps off the stance Gosling has upheld on talkshows and memes over the last decade: stardom and celebrity as a delectable facade, an in-joke between star and audience to be played with the lightest of ironic touches.
But of course Gosling is a bona fide star, one of Hollywood’s most important. His confused, toxic himbo Ken stole the Barbie limelight from Margot Robbie. Tunnelling into classic archetypes of masculinity with modern self-awareness is the on-screen niche he has made his own – giving us a new, uniquely supple male star for the post-#MeToo era. His mainstream roles – getaway drivers, daredevil motorcyclists, venal bankers – have often been ultra-macho, but the actor himself comes with rounded metrosexual edges. Men want to be him, with his debonair cool and inexhaustible supply of swanky jackets (the leather Miami Vice stunt-team number in The Fall Guy being the latest). As far back as 2017, Morwenna Ferrier noted that Gosling clones, sporting a certain “turbo cleanliness”, were now on the loose in cities everywhere.
At the same time, this role model status doesn’t alienate women; in fact, like most well-adjusted male stars in this day and age, he wears his feminist credentials on his perfectly pressed sleeve. Raised by his mother and older sister, he said in 2016: “I think women are better than men. They are stronger, more evolved.” A year later, accepting his Golden Globe for La La Land , he thanked his “lady”, Eva Mendes, for raising their daughters while he was on set. When Robbie and Barbie director Greta Gerwig were overlooked at this year’s Globes, he objected in writing: “There is no Ken without Barbie.”
And crucially his best work services both sexes, often putting him in subordinate roles that like Ken are candid about male frailties. His Officer K in Denis Villeneuve’s Blade Runner sequel looks, like any self-respecting replicant-hunter, like a Raymond Chandler gumshoe. But he is a patsy swept along on narcissistic, all too 21st-century delusions of specialness. (The internet got the hint, memeing his self-righteous “ Goddamnit ” outburst.)
The Fall Guy is more relaxed – but still self-deprecating. With his biceps and blond feather-cut, driving, fighting, falling human multitool Seavers is cut from heart-throb cloth. But he wears this burden like his battered jacket. “I never saw a fist I didn’t remember,” he says after a pummelling. The film’s screenwriter Drew Pearce confirms that Gosling’s adeptness at playing two ends of the spectrum was key to the film: “He’s both authentically masculine, yet also emotionally vulnerable. It’s the best of an old-fashioned movie star like Steve McQueen, with a modern twist of sensitivity. In the movie we play with that dichotomy – his character is a good guy, for sure, but there’s a blind spot in his emotional self-awareness that comes from a very masculine place.”
Undercutting machismo is nothing new, of course: that was the USP of the emerging male stars of 90s New Man-era Hollywood, such as Keanu Reeves, Johnny Depp and Leonardo DiCaprio. But Gosling’s ability to simultaneously affirm and question masculine mores, in films at the very top of his profession, does feel new. His Barbie press tour – lamenting his daughters’ indifference to their Ken dolls, while running with a Kenucopia of terrible puns – was a work of art. This was a man obviously drawing from a deep well of misplaced gender expectations: after being fired up by a childhood viewing of Sylvester Stallone in First Blood, he was suspended from school after lobbing steak knives at fellow pupils. Sly’s habit of wearing minks while directing apparently inspired Ken’s wardrobe.
Gosling’s emergence as auto-satirising alpha male is all the more fascinating for the long time it has taken. Not an especial singing or dancing talent, he wasn’t on the same 90s fast track as fellow Mouseketeers Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake and Christina Aguilera. It was 10 more years until his first notable box office success in 2004 weepie The Notebook , his own balsa-wood Titanic. Cast by director Nick Cassavetes for having “no natural leading man qualities”, he was an engrossing mess opposite his love rival, the more conventionally luscious James Marsden. In contrast with his current GQ spiffiness, there was something gawky about the long-chinned actor during this period. But his subversive glint saw him in good stead during the string of riveting misfits he played in the 00s: a self-hating Jewish neo-Nazi in 2001’s The Believer , a crack-addicted high-school teacher in 2006’s Half Nelson , and a somehow-endearing sex-doll enthusiast in 2007’s Lars and the Real Girl .
His long showbiz gestation – and being arguably the most memed actor of the social media age – means Gosling feels closer to being one of our own than the typical Hollywood star; a closeness exploited by The Fall Guy in making him the audience proxy, next to airhead megastar Tom Ryder, played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson. Growing up aware of how the industry propagates gender standards, he’s earned his stripes in terms of later making these norms malleable. The damaged complexity of his indie phase persisted in Gosling’s take on masculinity once he was at Hollywood’s high table: the diminished, decentralised and incompetent men of The Nice Guys, Blade Runner 2049, and Barbie .
But occasionally he has almost seemed to enjoy succumbing to mainstream industry “nihilism”, as Seavers skewers the oeuvre of Tom Ryder. Gosling’s monosyllabic getaway man in Nicolas Winding Refn’s head-stomping fairytale Drive was, in the actor’s words: “a guy that’s seen too many movies”. He returned to the same caricatural taciturn action mode – sporting a toothpick once again – in the recent Netflix movie The Gray Man .
It seems trite to point out the quality now obvious to everyone, but embracing comedy is what really put Gosling in the mainstream. Playing a Neil Strauss-type pickup artist with an unfeasible abdomen in 2011’s Crazy, Stupid, Love was his first wholehearted stab at the genre, though his facility with larkiness was there in his uxorious wiseguy in Blue Valentine the year before. According to the leaked Sony emails, he was still actively canvassing in that direction in a 2014 meeting with studio head Amy Pascal. Crazy, Stupid, Love also cemented him in the zeitgeist as the arch-smoothie of the Hey Girl meme doing the rounds during that period; something he seemed happy to endorse (ironically).
The high camp of his recent Oscars performance – the Gentlemen Prefer Blondes aesthetics, tittering as he chin-bumped Mark Ronson – was the fuchsia icing on the cake of his insouciant approach to fame. “I have a theory about leading men,” says Pearce. “They really transcend and become an all-timer the moment they realise that the goofier they are – the more they throw away what other people hold on to, the ‘trying to be cool’ part – then they become something more cool. What Ryan has is a lack of insecurity about teasing himself – about his stardom, his masculinity.”
Paul Newman, and his “ironic sensibility” in the likes of 1966 detective pic Harper , is the classic-era equivalent Pearce had in mind while writing The Fall Guy. But Gosling is even more stylised in his comedy outings: he is a straight man by trade, and often even a stooge. In Barbie, the joke – even in his equine-based embrace of the patriarchy – is always on Ken. Gosling’s old-lady-swindling PI in 2016’s The Nice Guys spends as much time dropping cigarettes down his pants, injuring himself when breaking and entering and irresponsibly parenting as turning up viable leads. A certain underlying tetchiness, allied with his dusty voice, make the actor a natural for this deadpan work. He kills his scenes as credit default swap king Jared Vennett in The Big Short, reeling off predatory financial advice with an unrepentant straight face . His timing and tone are invariably superb. Only Gosling, in an SNL skit, could make a crusade against a bad font play like All the President’s Men.
It’s curious to see something as old-school as a straight man become white-hot box office in 2024. And it’s undoubtedly a boon for cinema in its current turbulent and panicked state; it can still spawn blockbusters with enough heat to ignite new stars. It’s not clear if the likes of Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya and Sydney Sweeney are capable of that feat of old: launching a film on their names alone. But Robbie and the veteran Gosling feel closer to possessing that kind of firepower – probably not enough to “save” cinema, but at least to give us hope that it is not in terminal decline.
Gosling’s drawn-out, teasing shimmy to the top and tight rapport with audiences gives him added credibility as a headliner. His appeal is sophisticated: his style connects him back to retro masculine archetypes, but with a modern veneer. That throwback musical La La Land – with him holding out for jazz (“It’s dying – but not on my watch”) and old-timey romance – located the sweet spot between the two. Of course, he later sent it up on SNL.
But how far can that perfectly calibrated irony take him? If the shtick congeals, he might be a new Roger Moore in waiting. And is his enlightened brand of masculinity, hinting at a course correction for Hollywood gender relations, really meaningful – or just new packaging? But among the many abilities he has shown, Gosling knows how to evolve. To deepen his appeal and artistry, not to mention ticking awards-season boxes, he may have to seek out penetrating roles in straight drama – something, outside reteaming with La La Land director Damien Chazelle in Neil Armstrong biopic First Man , he’s hardly been seen in over the last decade. But for now, the Ryanaissance can wait; he’s the Gosling that’s laying the golden eggs.
- Ryan Gosling
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Over 23,000 Registered Runners Take On The 2024 St. Jude Rock ‘N’ Roll Running Series Nashville For a Running Tour of Music City
Mitchell Small (Atlanta, GA) and Kate van Buskirk (Brampton, ON CA) winners in the St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Nashville Marathon.
Chris Frias (Ventura, CA) and Katrina Ivancic (Bozeman, MT) were the overall male and female winners of the St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville Half Marathon.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 27, 2024) – The St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Nashville event provided an unforgettable running tour of Music City for over 23,000 registered runners. With a distance for everyone, Saturday’s distances included a 5K, 10K, half marathon, and marathon. The event continues Sunday with a 1-mile, KiDSROCK and Doggie Dash events.
Saturday’s St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Nashville marathon also saw elite runners take to the course. It was Mitchell Small (Atlanta, GA) with a time of 2:27:33 and winning in a time of Kate van Buskirk (Brampton, ON CA) 2:27:40 coming home victorious in the men’s and women’s races, respectively.
Mitchell Small states, “I competed at Vanderbilt a lot so I know Nashville pretty well, and I wanted to come here. It’s only a four-hour drive and I thought it was by a fun Saturday afternoon. I looked up last year and saw I’d probably have to run around 2:25:00 to win. I felt like I could beat anybody if I put it together.”
Small added “This was my first marathon. I didn’t do a half first just because I didn’t want to think about it. I was going to go and out what I could, and luckily that was first.”
Kate van Buskirk stated “I ran my first half at the Ashland City Half-Marathon about eight weeks ago. I was actually co-race director for that one so I was going on about four hours of sleep setting out cones the night before and morning of. I’m Canadian, but I split my time between Toronto and Nashville. This is the most fun I’ve ever had at a race. It was awesome.”
Chris Frias (Ventura, CA) with a time of 1:07:24, and Katrina Ivancic (Bozeman, MT ) finishing in 1:20:39 were the male and female overall winners of the St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon.
The Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series is a best-in-class road running series Bringing Fun to the Run® through music, entertainment, and community immersion, all combining in Nashville to provide an unforgettable experience. The Rock 'n' Roll Running Series Nashville brings participants through the city's most iconic neighborhoods with rich history around every corner, passing many iconic landmarks including Broadway's honky-tonks, Dolly Parton's recording studio, Country Music Hall of Fame, and many more all before ending the event at the finish line at Nissan Stadium, home of the Tennessee Titans.
For nine events including St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital® is the official benefiting charity partner of the St. Jude Rock ‘n‘ Roll Running Series. Thanks to the over 1,500 St. Jude Heros and the generous support of the Nashville community, people across the region and country are aware that St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital continues to lead the way the world understands, treats, and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. To learn more and to become a St. Jude Hero, visit www.stjude.org .
“The passion and dedication shown by our St. Jude Heroes at Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville exemplifies the power of purpose-driven unity. With every stride taken and every dollar raised, their unwavering support helps fuel the pursuit of advancements in pediatric cancer research and treatment by St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital," said Richard C. Shadyac Jr., President and CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. "With the dedication of every Hero supporting us, we draw closer to a future where every child has the opportunity to live a healthy and fulfilling life, no matter where they live."
Several local bands, including the Nightingale, Belmont Church Band, Second Sunset, Mad Mojo, Black Hole Sons, and many more, performed live on band stages along the route all before Restless Road and The Tom Yankton Band took the stage at the Finish Line Stage outside Nissan Stadium as the Encore Entertainment.
The St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Nashville weekend continues Sunday with the KiDSROCK, 1-mile, and Doggie Dash event all taking place at Nissan Stadium.
Presale registration for all distances of the 2025 edition of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Nashville. will be open online until May 5 at 11:59 p.m. PDT. Lock in presale pricing by visiting www.runrocknroll.com/nashville . Special presale pricing will be at the lowest price of the year, at $89 for the marathon, $79 for the Half Marathon, $69 for the 10K, $49 for the 5K, and $19 for the 1-mile and KiDSROCK events. To register for 2025 or learn more about St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Nashville., please visit www.runrocknroll.com/nashville .
Next Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Events Coming Up:
The Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series continues as the series makes its way to the Birthplace of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series, San Diego, California. As the original event of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series, Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series San Diego will take place June 1-2, 2024, and has long been a favorite stop on the best-in-class running series tour, welcoming visitors from all over to experience the ultimate tour on foot of America’s Finest City. Participants will explore everything San Diego has to offer with a picturesque course, jam-packed with spectator support. The half marathon and marathon courses lead runners on a scenic tour through some of San Diego’s most iconic neighborhoods, including Balboa Park, Hillcrest, North Park, Normal Heights, and more, before finishing in Downtown San Diego. Registration for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series San Diego is open by visiting, www.runrocknroll.com/san-diego .
To see the full schedule of Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series events, visit www.runrocknroll.com/all-events .
For more information on the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series, please visit www.runrocknroll.com . Media inquiries may be directed to [email protected] .
About Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series
Established in 1998, the Rock ‘n’ Roll® Running Series’ simple idea of making running fun has transformed both the U.S. and global running landscape by infusing the course with live bands, cheer teams, and entertaining water stations, creating a block-party atmosphere for participants and spectators alike. Focused on running, music, and community, race weekends kick off with a free Health & Fitness Expo showcasing the latest in running gear, sports apparel, health and nutritional information, and much more. Events culminate with an Encore Entertainment experience featuring eclectic musical artists from a variety of genres. With a goal of helping participants find the Beat in Their Feet™, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series has also featured some of the biggest names in music, with past performances including the likes of Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, O.A.R., Aloe Blacc, Pitbull, Flo Rida, The Band Perry, Fitz and the Tantrums, the Goo Goo Dolls, Bret Michaels, Kesha, The Revivalists, Hunter Hayes, Capital Cities, and Matt Nathanson. Further information about the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series can be found online at www.RunRocknRoll.com and follow @RunRocknRoll on all social platforms.
About The IRONMAN Group
The IRONMAN Group operates a global portfolio of events that includes the IRONMAN® Triathlon Series, the IRONMAN® 70.3® Triathlon Series, 5150™ Triathlon Series, the Rock ‘n’ Roll® Running Series, IRONKIDS®, World Triathlon Championship Series, premier running events including the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon™ and City2Surf®, UTMB® World Series trail-running events including the Canyons Endurance Runs™ by UTMB®, Tarawera Ultra™ by UTMB® and Ultra-Trail Australia™ by UTMB®, Epic Series™ mountain bike races including the Absa Cape Epic®, road cycling events, and other multisport races. The IRONMAN Group is the largest operator of mass participation sports in the world, providing participants the benefits of endurance sports through the company’s vast offerings. Catering to the full athlete experience, the company portfolio also includes FulGaz® virtual cycling, the most realistic indoor riding experience connected to fitness application aimed at preparing athletes for real-world events. Since the inception of the iconic IRONMAN® brand and its first event in 1978, athletes have proven that ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE® by crossing finish lines around the world. Beginning as a single race, The IRONMAN Group has grown to become a global sensation with hundreds of events across 55+ countries. The IRONMAN Group is owned by Advance, a private, family-owned business, and Orkila Capital, a growth equity firm focused on building great brands. For more information, visit www.ironman.com/about-ironman-group .
About Advance
Advance is a private, family-held business that owns and invests in companies across media, entertainment, technology, communications, education, and other promising growth sectors. Our mission is to build the value of our companies over the long term by fostering growth and innovation. Advance’s portfolio includes Condé Nast, Advance Local, Stage Entertainment, The IRONMAN Group, American City Business Journals, Leaders Group, Turnitin, and Pop. Together these operating companies employ more than 14,000 people in 29 countries. Advance is also among the largest shareholders in Charter Communications, Warner Bros. Discovery, and Reddit. For more information visit www.advance.com .
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Best studio tour in Los Angeles. Go behind the scenes at a Hollywood studio. See how movies & TV shows are made at Warner Bros Studio Tour.
2-3 hours. HOLLYWOOD MADE HERE Go behind the lens and discover the secrets of movie-making magic. Our Studio Tour brings you closer…. Free cancellation. from. $70. per adult. Reserve. LIKELY TO SELL OUT*.
Tour Manager: 5/16 - Marianna Pinto* 5/17 - Christina Koohmarey* Activity Level: Moderate. Warner Bros. Studio is completely accessible. Portions of this tour include walking outside and some stairs or inclines may be involved. Please let us know in advance if you require special assistance . What's Included in the Tour Fare
Answer: Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood is located at 3400 Warner Blvd, Burbank, CA 91505. For maps and transportation options, please visit our Directions page. Where can I park my car? Answer: Our parking facility is located at 3400 Warner Blvd. Burbank, CA 91505, Covered parking is available at the Tour Center for $15 per vehicle. RV's ...
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood is located at 3400 Warner Blvd, Burbank, CA 91505. It is located 4 miles from the Hollywood Walk of Fame if you wanted to visit both on the same day, as the tour is about a half-day activity. Warner Bros. is located about 3 miles from Universal Studios Hollywood, which has its own one-hour Studio Tour as well ...
For a behind-the-scenes look at Hollywood movie-making, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour is one of the best options around Los Angeles. This tour offers a 2-3 hour experience inside a working Hollywood studio, with the chance to explore outdoor sets and soundstages used to create La La Land, Gilmore Girls, The Big Bang Theory, and numerous […]
From Friends and The Big Bang Theory to Harry Potter and the DC Universe, fans can explore the nearly 100-year-old studio as they visit the real sets and backlots spanning Warner Bros.' 110 acres, celebrating where the greatest entertainment in history was made. Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood is located at 3400 Warner Blvd., Burbank, CA ...
The Warner Bros Studio Tour is a great way to see and understand the process that goes into making film and TV. And I will say right off the bat that the tour exceeded my expectations. ... We were then directed outside where we divided up into smaller groups. Each group was assigned a guide and a tour cart. Our guide's name was Maxx.
Currently, the Warner Bros Studio Tour is open five days a week, excluding Tuesdays and Wednesdays. On days they are open, the first tour usually begins at 9am and the last tour begins at 3:30pm (again, you have unguided time to walk through afterwards). ... If you get an Uber, they are allowed to drop you off and pick you up right outside the ...
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood, Burbank, California. 251,434 likes · 1,138 talking about this. Get closer to the entertainment you love.
Warner Bros Studio tour is located in Burbank, Los Angeles. The easiest way to find it on a map is by looking to the North West corner of Griffith Park. ... On the outside of every Stage building is a plaque showing each of the movies and TV shows filmed inside that particular Stage.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter, Leavesden: "Is the entire tour indoors or will we need to..." | Check out 9 answers, plus see 46,588 reviews, articles, and 51,803 photos of Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter on Tripadvisor.
June 25, 2021 8:27am. Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood media preview at Warner Bros. Tour Center on June 24, 2021, in Burbank, California. Amy Sussman/Getty Images. I beelined it straight for ...
The Warner Bros. Studio Store is open to the public and full of your soon-to-be favorite memorabilia. With themed departments like animation, DC, and the Hollywood classics, there's something for everyone to take home. ... Get a glimpse outside Stage 24, ... only at Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood. Friends 25th Anniversary Tee. Friends ...
Parking is provided free of charge in our car park directly outside the Studio Tour. ... Warner Bros. Studio Tour London has a drop off and pick-up point which you can navigate to using our postcode WD25 7LR or the What3Words app with the keywords ///grabs.intent.movies. For the safety of all our visitors we recommend only using pre-booked ...
The Warner Brothers Studio Tour has been known to be one of the best backlot studio tours in all of Los Angeles for more than a decade. ... The first part of the tour is almost completely outside (the tram has no doors or windows) and you'll be subject to whatever the weather happens to be doing. Bring a light jacket in the winter months or ...
Discover the magic of Warner Bros. Studio Tour London! Explore authentic sets, props, and costumes from the Harry Potter films. Book now for an unforgettable experience.
The Harry Potter tour in Leavesden is a big money spinner for Warner Bros. Money Sport Media. Britain's Harry Potter movie tour has generated more than $1 billion of revenue since it opened 12 ...
Warner Bros. My Fair Lady (1964) ... Walt Disney Studios Enchanted (2007) ... When he finally receives the chance to experience the outside world, which differs greatly from what his 60s-era ...
With 10 backlots sprawled across 110 acres, Warner Bros. has made some of the most iconic performances in Hollywood history come to life. Backlot availability is subject to change daily due to production on the lot. No two tours are alike; a Studio Tour experience is unique every day of the week.
While we don't have a dress code, we encourage guests to dress comfortably. Portions of the 110-acre backlot tour include walking. We recommend appropriate shoes and clothing, along with hats for outdoor portions of the tour. Warner Bros. Studio Tour: Show valid ID, guests 5+ welcome, no mask/vaccine needed. Tours 8:30 AM-3:30 PM daily.
The actor's feminist credentials, a wholehearted embrace of comedy and being one of the most memed actors on social media has seen Gosling's auto-satirising alpha male become white-hot box ...
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 27, 2024) - The St. Jude Rock 'n' Roll Running Series Nashville event provided an unforgettable running tour of Music City for over 23,000 registered runners. With a distance for everyone, Saturday's distances included a 5K, 10K, half marathon, and marathon. The event continues Sunday with a 1-mile, KiDSROCK and Doggie Dash events.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood. Buy Tickets. Close Menu. Cancel. Generic selectors. Exact matches only Search in title Search in content Post Type Selectors. Home ; ... Studio Tour hours. 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM WB Studio Store hours 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM. 3400 Warner Blvd. Burbank, CA 91505 +1 (818) 977-8687 [email protected]
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