Hidden behind these famous gates lies a Hollywood legend. Paramount Pictures Studio. A sprawling 65-acre lot. Did you know it’s the last of the major studios still standing in Hollywood proper? Paramount Pictures has been a cornerstone of the entertainment industry for over a century. It continues to produce blockbuster movies and hit TV shows.
Paramount Pictures’ story began in 1912. Adolph Zukor’s Famous Players Film Co., Jesse L. Lasky’s Feature Play Co., and William Wadsworth Hodkinson’s distribution company merged to form Paramount Pictures. This merger laid the foundation for what would become a Hollywood empire. In 1926, Paramount built its Hollywood studio. Today it boasts 30 stages and elaborate backlots.
Paramount quickly made its mark with innovative filmmaking. Its 1914 silent western “The Squaw Man” was one of the first feature-length films shot in Hollywood. Then in 1927, Paramount released “Wings”, one of the first movies with a synchronized musical score and sound effects. The studio even won the first-ever Academy Award for Best Picture with “Wings.” Paramount has been a pioneer throughout its history, embracing new technologies like Technicolor and widescreen formats.
The studio has been home to some of Hollywood’s biggest stars. From the silent era with Rudolph Valentino to the Golden Age with Marlene Dietrich and Gary Cooper. Paramount has launched and nurtured countless careers. Many of these iconic actors and actresses have walked through the very gates we stand before. Did you know that actor Charles Bronson actually took his stage name from the studio’s famous Bronson Gate? The original wrought iron gate, built in 1926, was adorned with extra filigree after fans of Rudolph Valentino climbed over it to get closer to their idol.
Paramount has a rich history of blockbuster hits. Classics like “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” “Chinatown,” and “Forrest Gump” were all made right here. The studio also has an impressive list of successful franchises. “Mission: Impossible,” “Transformers,” and “Star Trek” continue to entertain audiences worldwide. Paramount even co-produced the epic “Titanic,” which held the record for highest-grossing film for over a decade.
Today, Paramount offers tours of its historic lot. Visitors can walk in the footsteps of Hollywood legends. They can explore sound stages and backlots where countless movies and TV shows have been filmed. Imagine standing on the New York Street backlot, used in numerous productions. Or seeing the original bench from “Forrest Gump” located near the Paramount Theater. These tours offer a glimpse into the magic of moviemaking. Paramount Pictures Studio remains a vital part of Hollywood’s legacy, continuing to tell stories that capture the imagination of audiences worldwide.