Once upon a time, Sunset Gower Studios emerged. It all started back in 1912. This studio stands as Hollywood’s largest independent studio today. It is located at the corner of Sunset Boulevard and North Gower Street. This 14-acre lot has a rich history. It remains an active hub for television and film.
In the early days, the area around Sunset and Gower was known as Poverty Row. Independent filmmakers gathered there. They bought short ends of film to create their great American dreams.
Harry Cohn of CBC Film Sales Corporation rented space on Sunset Boulevard in 1922. After finding success, CBC became Columbia Pictures. In 1926, Columbia acquired property on Gower Street. They bought the last piece of the old Gower Ranch in 1928.
Sunset Gower Studios became the home of Columbia classics. Films like Frank Capra’s It Happened One Night and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington were filmed here. The Three Stooges shorts and The Caine Mutiny also graced these stages.
Many television programs have been filmed at Sunset Gower Studios. These include series like Scandal and How to Get Away with Murder. Other notable shows include Heroes, Dexter, and Saved by the Bell. Classics like I Dream of Jeannie and Bewitched were also filmed here.
Harry Cohn passed away in 1958. His memorial service was held on stages 12 and 14. There is no stage 13 at Sunset Gower Studios.
Without the Cohn Brothers, Columbia Pictures struggled. Between 1970 and 1972, Columbia moved to Burbank. They joined forces with Warner Bros. The studio later moved to Culver City.
Despite the changes, Sunset Gower Studios continued to thrive. In 1976, the Pick Vanoff Company purchased the property. The name changed to Sunset Gower Studios. It became a rental facility for independent film companies.
The studio also became a music rehearsal facility. Famous musicians such as Elton John and Led Zeppelin used the space. For a time, stages 12 and 14 were even converted into indoor tennis courts.
In 2004, GI Partners bought Sunset Gower Studios. They began renovations and construction. In 2007, Hudson Capital acquired the studio. Since then, Sunset Gower Studios has undergone many improvements.
In 2017, plans were submitted for a major expansion. Today, Sunset Gower Studios continues to be a vital part of Hollywood. It stands alongside its sister companies, Sunset Bronson Studios and Sunset Las Palmas Studios.
Sunset Gower Studios remains a landmark. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of filmmaking in Hollywood. This studio has seen countless stories come to life. It continues to inspire creativity and innovation in the entertainment industry.