As kids, before most of us traveled beyond our backyards, we weren’t aware of many foreign destinations. But we knew about Hollywood, a magical place where stars hung out and all our favorite movies were made. What we didn’t know is that the whole state of California would increasingly become one of the world’s main stages for the craft of filmmaking.
"Not only is California home to famous Hollywood sound stages, but its scenery has been used in movies ranging from Star Wars to Sideways," says Caroline Beteta, president and CEO of the California Travel & Tourism Commission. "California is also the best place for celebrity-spotting; from a luxurious resort in Death Valley to Rodeo Drive, they’re hard to avoid."
Making History
If for some reason the group doesn’t spot a movie star in L.A., Beteta recommends the group check out Madame Tussauds Hollywood wax museum (323.798.1670), where attendees can snap photos with likenesses of everyone from Jane Lynch of Glee to superstar Hugh Jackman, along with old time Hollywood legends.
Aside from popular options like Tussauds and the Hollywood Walk of Fame, L.A. boasts a collection of unique venues and event themes that planners won’t find in any other host city.
"When you’re a delegate at the Los Angeles Convention Center, you’re at L.A. Live (213.763.5483), the same campus where the Emmys are held at Nokia Theatre and movie premieres are held at Regal Cinemas," says Michael Krouse, senior vice president of sales and client services at LA Inc., The Los Angeles CVB. "If you’re walking the same steps that Jack Nicholson and Julia Roberts have walked at the Oscars at the Kodak Theatre, it can add a lot of cache to an event."
He adds that even the most cynical person senses the excitement of an event held on a working studio like the Desperate Housewives set at Universal Studios Hollywood, which opens its famous sets and other venues, including the Globe Theatre, for private gatherings.
Warner Bros., Sony Pictures and Jim Henson Company studios are also available for memorable events.
Lights, Camera, Action!
Feet First Eventertainment (FFE) (310.641.1844), a corporate team-building company, works with the Universal Studios Special Events department to offer "Make Your Own Movie" events on the back lot of Universal Studios Hollywood. Designed for groups ranging in size from 10 to 600 people, participants take part in the filmmaking process.
"Employees are put in teams, creating their own short films, movie previews or commercials by writing, acting, directing their coworkers, assisting with costume and operating the camera and boom microphone," says Warren Press, vice president of sales and marketing at FFE.
Once the films are created, FFE professionally edits them and groups view them together.
"Then awards are given for Best Picture, Best Ensemble Acting, Best Cinematography, Most Likely to Go Straight to Video—you name it," Press says.
Setting the Scene
There are movie tours all over California highlighting sites and scenery that have been captured on film.
Voted best new tour in the "City by the Bay," San Francisco Movie Tours (415.624.4949) leads groups to movie locations and presents over 65 clips from over 50 of the city’s most famous movies aboard the "Theater on Wheels."
"The tour is led by an enthusiastic and interactive actor-turned-tour guide who provides behind-the-scenes information and trivia about San Francisco and your favorite films," says Owner Bryan Rice, citing Vertigo, Mrs. Doubtfire, Dirty Harry, The Rock and Pursuit of Happyness.
The tour covers much of the city’s popular areas, from North Beach and Nob Hill to Pacific Heights, Golden Gate Park and Haight/Ashbury, and corporate groups often have scavenger hunt activities built around the movie locations.
"Our most popular stop is Mel’s Diner on Geary Boulevard, where a scene from Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner was filmed," he says. "It’s not upscale, but it’s fun."
Festival Fever
While Sundance epitomizes film festivals, the art of filmmaking is honored at festivals throughout the country. Orange County’s Newport Beach, Huntington Beach and historic downtown Anaheim are among the locales for lesser known, but thriving, festivals in California.
"By partaking in these type of events, attendees get a better feel for our destination, and it provides them with a unique slice of our SoCal lifestyle," says Elaine Cali, spokesperson for the Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau.
The inaugural five-day Anaheim International Film Festival (714.991.9110) will debut in October, and thousands are expected to participate in film screenings, workshops taught by industry professionals and star-studded gala events.
The Newport Beach Film Festival (949.253.2880; www.newportbeachfilmfest.com) annually hosts premieres, galas and yacht parties for a singular festival experience, and the Huntington Beach-based SoCal Film Fest previews award-winning movies and screenplays, and hosts industry speakers, professional workshops and Q&As with directors and actors.
