Bucket list experience:
Hollywood Film & TV studio tours
Los Angeles, California, United States of America (USA)
As the world centre of the film and TV industry, no trip to Los Angeles would be complete without a deeper look into this high profile and often fantastical world.
The big three film studios in town – Warner Bros, Paramount and Sony – all offer behind-the-scenes guided tours of the studios, where you’ll get a fascinating insight into how the films are made.
Another option is to join the audience for a taping of a popular sitcom or chat show. You can often turn up and queue on the day to get in.
Getting there & doing it
At time of writing, Warner Bros offer a 2.5-hour VIP Studio Tour that takes guests through back-lot streets, sound stages, sets and craft shops.
Sony’s guided walking tour takes you on a fascinating stroll of its studios.
Paramount offer a 2-hour and a 4.5-hour VIP Studio Tour around the last remaining major film studios in Hollywood.
Universal Studios, contrary to a popular perception that it’s now just a theme park, is still a working film studio and offers a guided tour of the sets.
Tickets to be in the audience of some top TV shows can be bought through Audiences Unlimited.
When to do it
Tours run regularly all year round, seven days a week, but start times vary. Weekend tours often have limited availability, so book ahead.