Any tour of Hollywood worth its salt is going to point out some famous film locations while you’re sightseeing around the city. Without questions, Hollywood, California is known for its rich history in the film industry, and there are several famous film locations in and around the area. Here are some notable ones:
- Hollywood Walk of Fame: This iconic stretch of sidewalk along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street features more than 2,600 brass stars embedded in the pavement, honoring various celebrities from the entertainment industry.
- TCL Chinese Theatre: Formerly known as Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, it is a historic movie palace on Hollywood Boulevard. It has been a popular venue for film premieres and is known for its forecourt featuring celebrity handprints and footprints in cement.
- Hollywood Sign: Located in the Hollywood Hills, the Hollywood Sign is an iconic symbol of the film industry. It offers a stunning backdrop for photographs and has appeared in numerous movies.
- Universal Studios Hollywood: This famous film studio and theme park offers visitors a chance to explore behind-the-scenes sets and experience various rides and attractions based on popular films and TV shows.
- Griffith Observatory: Situated in Griffith Park, the Griffith Observatory has been featured in several movies and offers panoramic views of the Los Angeles skyline. It is a popular spot for stargazing and has a rich history in the film industry.
- The Sunset Strip: This stretch of Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood has been a famous location for music and film. It is lined with legendary music venues, nightclubs, and restaurants that have been featured in various movies and TV shows.
- The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel: Located on Hollywood Boulevard, this historic hotel has hosted numerous celebrities and has been a filming location for many films. It is known for its elegant architecture and glamorous atmosphere.
- Paramount Pictures Studio: One of the oldest and most famous film studios in Hollywood, Paramount Pictures has a rich history in the industry. The studio offers guided tours that provide a glimpse into the world of filmmaking.
These are just a few examples of famous film locations around Hollywood, CA. The area is filled with countless other landmarks, studios, and venues that have played a significant role in the history of the film industry.
Griffith Observatory: A Star In Its Own Right
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The Griffith Observatory has been a popular filming location for many movies and TV shows over the years. Here are some notable examples:
Movies:
- Rebel Without a Cause (1955) – This classic film starring James Dean features several scenes filmed at the Griffith Observatory, including the famous scene on the observatory steps.
- The Terminator (1984) – The observatory appears in a scene where the Terminator, played by Arnold Schwarzenegger, arrives from the future.
- Transformers (2007) – The observatory is featured in a climactic battle scene between the Autobots and Decepticons.
- Yes Man (2008) – The romantic comedy starring Jim Carrey includes a scene at the Griffith Observatory where Carrey’s character attends a jogging group.
- La La Land (2016) – The observatory is prominently featured in several scenes, including the romantic dance sequence between Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone’s characters.
TV Shows:
- The Simpsons – The animated series has featured the observatory in several episodes, including “Bart on the Road” (season 7) and “Bart Gets an F” (season 2).
- Criminal Minds – In season 6, episode 14 (“Sense Memory”), the Griffith Observatory is the site of a murder investigation.
- NCIS: Los Angeles – The observatory appears in season 1, episode 19 (“Hand-to-Hand”) when the characters investigate a murder case.
- Parks and Recreation – In season 2, episode 20 (“Summer Catalog”), the observatory is briefly mentioned as one of the stops on a fictional trip to California.
- The Big Bang Theory – The observatory is featured in multiple episodes, including season 1, episode 15 (“The Pork Chop Indeterminacy”), where the characters visit the observatory.
These are just a few examples of movies and TV shows that have been filmed at the Griffith Observatory. Its stunning architecture and scenic location have made it a popular choice for filmmakers over the years.