Paramount Pictures

Just walking around the neighborhood and thinking, the movie business has been evasive for far too long, and now it’s time to spread those wings, get in and develop that master plan. But you  need to know where this thing came from, in order to know where you want to go within it. There’s still six major studios within the Hollywood studio system, or commonly called the (Big Five) film studios. Sony Pictures, Universal Pictures , Warner Brothers Pictures, 20th Century Fox Studios, which is owned by Walt Disney Studios and of course Paramount Pictures. The mini-majors, such as Lionsgate, Raleigh Studios, The Culver Studios, Sunset Gower Studios and Los Angeles Center Studios, as well as The Burbank Studios are still going strong. However, nowadays during the streaming phenomenon,  live streaming and streaming video companies such as Amazon Video, Netflix, Hulu and even YouTube Red are now on the rise utilizing new 21st Century technologies online.

As you make your way around the Paramount Studio lot, the Paramount archives pops out and grabs your attention,. This is great department to start on the studio lot, where independent film producers can obtain imaging services as well as high resolution scans, and classic movie stills and photos. Filmmakers will love the diverse array of films from the Paramount vault. There are also many other ways for Independent Filmmakers to get films made within the traditional Hollywood studio system, but the silver screen still has been the most lucrative, yet challenging form of media, so digging through the archives can be an exhaustive, but very rewarding research indeed.

Now we wouldn’t recommend going on the lot without an appointment, the Paramount Security staff is top flight. Access to the lot is for authorized personnel only. Not just any Filmmaker can walk on to the lot without access granted. However, they do offer the Paramount Studio Tours for various prices ranging from$ 55-$178 per person, depending on which package you choose. With the VIP Tour being the most expensive, it gives a more up-close and personal look at the studio.

Another way to see the beautiful Paramount studio backlot is to attend the Cine Gear Expo held annually in the month of June. Cine Gear is the premier entertainment and digital expo designed for skilled technicians such as below the line film production. Network with filmmakers and entertainment enthusiasts from around the world, and its free to attend if you sign up prior the exhibit on their website. All those who wait to the last-minute will be charged an admission fee of $35.00 at the door. They also have movie screenings and film contests as well, so don’t forget the popcorn. 🙂

Many aspiring filmmakers and or producers can also see the latest cameras from various companies with state of the art film equipment such as Arri Group, who has manufactured motion picture cameras for over a Century. As well as Matthews Studio Equipment for motion picture production Grips, and Dolly Grips etc., CMC, Filmotechnic, Modern Studio Equipment and Colt LED to name a few.

Entertainment enthusiasts come from all over the world to network, exchange ideas and have the opportunity to network on the legendary Paramount Pictures back lot and sound stages.  Entertainment enthusiasts are also able to purchase items and or win raffle prizes and exchange goods. There is also a film series Call for Entries for Cine Gear Expo film contests, special VIP, seminars and more.

One particular connection is Stage 32, a very popular Social Network for the film and television industry, which Socialbilitty gives a shout out. They are named after the very same Stage 32 on the Paramount Lot. Along with many other sponsors and eats, such as Pinks Hot Dogs  in Hollywood as well as  In-N-Out Burger, this yearly entertainment expo is not one to be missed.

One unique venture Viacom set out to accomplish was  Paramount Pictures began to sell films on iTunes since 2007. Audiences young and old from around the world can enjoy Paramount Pictures extensive catalog  of classic movies, such as The Godfather Trilogy: The Coppola Restoration – Paramount Home Entertainment Inc. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off  by John Hughes, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Eddie Murphy’s Trading Places , as well as the new favorites such as Transformers Series Movie Collection – directed by Michael Bay, and Selma – directed by Ava DuVernay. Box Office Mojo has listed 100 of Paramount’s top grossing films. This convenient way to watch your favorite movies, and allows diversity utilizing technology on a number of different  Apple branded devices, such as with the iMac Desktop Computer, MacBook, Apple TV, iPhone, iPad, and the radically different Mac Pro models etc.

But how can we forget that embedded in the fabric of Paramount Pictures DNA and their rich history is there humble beginnings. Adolph Zukor and Jesse L. Lasky formerly known as Famous Players-Lasky Corporation, was later to become Paramount film studio for film and television production, and motion picture distribution.

Through the years, many other conglomerate corporations have owned Paramount Pictures. A Gulf Western Company is the most resent previous corporate owner. But with Paramount Pictures now a subsidiary of Viacom, which is one of American’s leading media conglomerates, and distinguished member of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), the formula for entertainment equals diversity seems mathematically correct. And even though there’s been a recent struggle at the box office, the math it totally correct, in regards to diversity.

In the year of 2012,  Paramount Pictures celebrated their 100 year old birthday, proving to stand the test of time while maintaining status quo, Paramount consistently reinvents with wise and very talented Directors responsible for a plethora of over successful films and distribution. It’s a wonder why so many creative visionary filmmakers and producers, from Cecil B. DeMille to Michael Bay respectively to name a few, are so attracted to Paramount’s Majestic Mountain of success, as well as other production companies.

With the untimely death of Paramount Pictures CEO Brad Grey, a new Paramount Studios is on the horizon with Jim Gianopulos taking the mantle of one of the oldest Motion Picture studios in Hollywood. And a graceful nod from Viacom‘s Vice Chair of the Board of Directors Shari Redstone and her father Sumner Redstone, we’re looking forward to what’s in store the movie giant’s next chapter.

Meanwhile, you can visit the Water Tower Cafe directly across the famous Paramount Pictures Water Tower. Just in case you want to grab a bite to eat, and or for catering to cast and crew members. And don’t forget to tell em @Socialbilitty sent ya…