Lights, Camera...Action!

Yesterday afternoon, I went to Warner Brothers Studios with two of my very good friends. I've done the tour before (an embarrassing amount of times), but each one is different than the last. Being the TV/movie studio nerd that I am, I was ready to make another visit. So I asked two of my other close pals if they want to go as well.

We left early, just to make sure we had plenty of time to get down there/beat LA traffic, because you just never know. We made it down there a little earlier, so we had ate at one of my favorite diners in the area, Paty's. It didn't take long and we were able to make our way down the street to the studio to park and check in. You watch a short film about the history of WB, and it gives me goosebumps every time.

 

Once the film is over, they dismiss your groups to a few different tour guides. Unfortunately for our tour, it was so packed, so Marisel and I sat in front with the tour guide, while Nathan found a seat in the back with some other tourists, ha!

We drove around the usual spots, like Brownstone street, Hennesy Street (the New York areas) on the lot, some of the production offices, Warner Village and The Jungle. Our first official stop was at the archives, which holds most of the costumes from recent DC films, including "Wonder Woman," "Superman," "Batman" and more. The second level is all "Harry Potter" and "Fantastic Beasts," where we found out what our official house is, thanks to the hat. I am apparently a hufflepuff, so that's good information to have.

 

 

After our group met up again, we were off to our next stops. We were able to see The Big Bang Theory sound stage. First, we sat in the audience to hear more about the TV world and how it works, then got a little closer to the sets as our tour guide explained some of the set designs and fun facts about the show. I lost myself in a daydream, hoping and praying that one day, I'll be on the set of my own show some Sunday afternoon and my friends will just be stopping by to say "hi." That's the goal anyway. 

My favorite stop of the tour is usually Midwest Street, as that's the area used for "Pretty Little Liars" and my favorite "Gilmore girls," but they skipped over that portion this time. However, every tour concludes at Stage 48, which is an interactive exhibit to show the process from script to stage, and how all of the details come together. 

This time, we were able to see the Met Gala gowns from "Ocean's 8" and they were STUNNING in person! They also had a new exhibit dedicated to the classic films that are Warner Brothers films, including "Casablanca," "Rebel Without A Cause" and more. Throughout the exhibit, there were other interactive screens to find out more about the technology and sound used for films, including "The Hobbit," "Gravity" and others. You even have the opportunity to hold an Oscar and see a case of the awards Warner Brothers has won throughout the years, which is very inspiring.

My favorite of all favorites is still the "Friends" couch. It's even better when you get to sit on it with your actual friends. We had fun with that one and got these cool pictures out of it.

After we finished at the exhibit, we sat in the real Central Perk coffee shop for a few minutes to cool down and grab a coffee. It was tasty and delicious. And of course, we couldn't leave without a stop at the souvenir store. I added a Luke's Diner cup keychain to my collection, along with a Warner Brothers notebook and "Writer" pen. I was so excited about that purchase. The dreams and plans for the future feel a little more official.

                                    

                                             

Once we were done, we hopped on the tram back to the parking lot. I was also happy we drove by Lorelai's house and of course, Stars Hollow (and Rosewood). It made my little heart so happy. We had the cart to ourselves, too, which was nice! If only the tour had been that way. Just kidding! Marisel and I also pointed out other locations, like Patsy's Pies from "Shameless" and the café from "La La Land."

 

The day was over before we knew it, so we left Warner Brothers (while almost getting trapped in the parking garage), gassed up and headed home. We listened to the likes of Taylor Swift and Beyoncé and talked about other studios, trips, dreams, the usual. It didn't feel like it took long at all to get home. I can't wait until my next visit to Warner Brothers Studios. It will forever hold a special place in my heart, for the art they've created and the memories I've made there already.

Once we got back to my house, I met up with my parents and family friends for dinner (and donuts afterwards). It was a gorgeous summer evening. The kind that makes you just want to stop and look around a little longer and make you wish you weren't an adult, because then you could enjoy it a little more. But, alas, it was still sweet. I drove around with my parents, as the sun continued to set and mentally started preparing for the week ahead. 

Next stop...Seattle!

That's all for now, 

Shelby