Residing in Los Angeles for over ten years, I still find myself awestruck by the iconic Hollywood sites. Just last week, as part of the Ghostbusters promotional circuit, I visited the Sony Pictures Studio. In an intimate group setting, we made our way to Ghost Corps, Ivan Reitman’s professional home and a storehouse of treasured Ghostbusters paraphernalia. Our time there included an enlightening conversation with Reitman, followed by a comprehensive walking tour of the studio.
Reitman, who helmed the original Ghostbusters film, expressed his delight at passing the directorial baton to Paul Feig for the latest Ghostbusters installment. The film boasts a comedic powerhouse lineup with Melissa McCarthy, Kristin Wiig, Kate McKinnon, and Leslie Jones. Reitman had been brainstorming for Ghostbusters 3, but with the unfortunate passing of Harold Ramis (co-writer of the inaugural film with Bill Murray), he resolved to entrust the Ghostbusters franchise to Sony and step away from directing the new release. Expressing satisfaction with the result, he eagerly awaits its reception. Look out for my detailed movie review this coming Friday.
He gave us a glimpse of the cherished Ghostbusters relics, proudly showcased in the lobby’s glass display cases, which included the original film script.
Following our tour of Ghost Corps, we embarked on an exclusive tour of the studio, previously known as MGM. My first studio tour turned out to be quite the experience, thanks in large part to our highly knowledgeable guide.
Our journey commenced at the Barbara Streisand Scoring Stage. The awe of standing in the very studio where Judy Garland delivered the timeless “Over the Rainbow”, and Barbara Streisand recorded numerous tracks, resulting in the stage bearing her name, was indescribable.
The highlight of the tour, in my opinion, was a walkthrough of Stage 15, the filming location for the Marx Brothers’ “A Day at the Races”, and the creation of Munchkin land for “The Wizard of Oz”. Renowned as the largest soundstage in the western hemisphere, there’s also an intriguing rumor of it being haunted, with sightings of a spectral man traversing a catwalk in a secluded corner of one of the stages.
Brimming with captivating tales of old-Hollywood, we concluded our tour at the Wheel of Fortune stage. While I lack a point of comparison, the Sony tour was incredibly fascinating. Sony Pictures Studio Tours run Monday through Friday at 9:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 1:30 PM, and 2:30 PM. Entry tickets cost $40 and are available exclusively for individuals aged 12 and above.
The pinnacle of the excursion for me was our journey through Stage 15, which was the set for the Marx Brothers’ film, “A Day at the Races.” This iconic location was also where the Munchkin land was brought to life for the film “The Wizard of Oz.” Stage 15, renowned as the most expansive soundstage in the western hemisphere, is also shrouded in mystery due to claims of it being haunted. Eyewitnesses have reported sightings of a spectral man traversing the catwalk located in the remote corner of one of the stages.
Following an enthralling session filled with savory anecdotes from the golden era of Hollywood, our tour concluded at the Wheel of Fortune stage. Although I don’t have the privilege of comparing it to another studio tour, I found the Sony tour to be quite engaging. Sony Pictures Studio Tours operate from Monday to Friday at 9:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 1:30 PM, and 2:30 PM. Entry passes cost $40 and are exclusively accessible to individuals aged 12 years and above.
Hello, and welcome to my travel website! My name is Jennifer E. Sheahan, and I’m a passionate travel enthusiast who loves to explore new places and experience different cultures. I believe that travel is not just a way to escape from the daily grind, but also a way to learn and grow as a person.