About Universal
Entertainment is Universal
Universal was founded in 1912 by motion picture visionary Carl Laemmle, a German immigrant who had a dream of building a world of entertainment in Southern California. On March 15th, 1915 Mr. Laemmle’s dream was realized with the opening of Universal Studios Hollywood. On that day, Laemmle issued a press release that predicted not only the future of Universal Pictures but of the global entertainment company that would grow out of the movie studio.
“…just think what this would mean…to see the inner workings of the biggest moving picture plant in the wide, wide world. A whole city where everyone is engaged in the making of motion pictures, a fairyland where the craziest things in the world happen. A place to think about and talk about for the rest of your days!
From the very beginning, Laemmle invited the public on to the property to watch silent films being made. In 1964 the Universal Studio Tour formally opened, allowing visitors from around the world the rare opportunity to experience movie-making magic first hand. In the decades since the Studio Tour tram first drove visitors through the back lot, Universal Studios Hollywood has grown to become a world class destination.
Performers and behind the scenes personnel at Universal Studios Hollywood play a major role in bringing that magic to life for our guests; whether it’s doing a 50’ high fall on fire in Waterworld, teaching audiences the behind the scenes secrets of movie-making at Special Effects Stage or making a child’s dream of meeting their favorite animated character come true. Universal truly is the Entertainment Capital of LA!