1915. A sprawling four-city-block lot owned by Metro Pictures. This, my friends, is the humble beginning of RED Studios Hollywood. RED Studios Hollywood has worn many hats, or rather, many names, throughout its storied existence. It began as Metro Pictures Back Lot #3. Later, it transformed into Equity Pictures, then Motion Picture Center Studios. Eventually, it became the renowned Desilu-Cahuenga Studios, then Ren-Mar Studios, and finally, in 2010, RED Studios Hollywood.
RED Studios Hollywood isn’t just a place where movies and TV shows are made. It’s a piece of Hollywood history. Here, on this very ground, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz filmed iconic episodes of “I Love Lucy” after outgrowing their previous studio. Imagine Lucy stomping grapes, or Ricky Ricardo belting out a tune, right here at RED Studios Hollywood. This studio wasn’t just a workspace; it was instrumental in shaping the landscape of television comedy.
This studio has hosted an impressive array of productions. Think “The Dick Van Dyke Show”, “The Andy Griffith Show”, “The Golden Girls,” “Seinfeld”, and even the more recent “Lizzie McGuire”. RED Studios Hollywood has been a silent partner in creating the shows that have entertained generations. Even MTV has graced these stages, filming music videos for Madonna, Michael Jackson, Britney Spears, and many more. Remember Richard Simmons’ “Sweatin’ to the Oldies 3”? That energetic spectacle was filmed right here.
Beyond its television legacy, RED Studios Hollywood has also played a role in film. It stood in for the “Maroon Cartoon Studio” in “Who Framed Roger Rabbit”. This versatile studio has also masqueraded as other studios in countless films and TV shows. It’s a chameleon of the entertainment world. So, as you stand before RED Studios Hollywood, remember that you’re not just looking at a building. You’re looking at a century of entertainment history. A place where dreams were made, laughter echoed, and icons were born. RED Studios Hollywood is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling.