Film Production students learn about movie magic at Warner Bros.

Movie magic is the result of many elements. From sound to props, cinematography to lighting, the films we watch require many aspects to be made. Students from this year’s two Film Production courses were able to learn about these elements out of the classroom just a week ago.
On Sep. 26, a bus full of students went to the Warner Bros. Studios complex in Burbank for a guided tour of the studio lot. They also enjoyed some time to explore museums and learn all about the movie-production process.
“We chose Warner Bros. due to its accessibility, affordability, and fun factor,” said Film Production teacher Melanie Arrieta. “We were fortunate to get grant funding to pay for the trip, and Warner Bros. is very inviting to student groups.”
Unlike last year’s trip to Universal which was paid for by student fundraising, the trip to Warner Bros. was covered by funds for the class, making it easier for all students to go.
Students were bussed down in the morning and got a guided tour around the studio lot. They were able to see the famous water tower, the inside of a sound stage, and many practical sets in the backlot.
“I enjoyed the sets behind some of the shows I watch,” said senior Zion Ortiz. Recognizable sets included those from “Full House,” “The Big Bang Theory,” “Friends,” “Shameless,” “Young Sheldon,” and “Gilmore Girls.”
Other highlights included iconic costumes and props from such movies as the “Harry Potter” franchise, “Beetlejuice,” both “Space Jam” films, and the “Batman” franchise.
“I learned a lot from the tour,” said Ortiz. “Basically, I was fangirling wherever I went.”
After their guided tour, the students ate lunch in a “Friends”-themed cafe and allowed to go through a museum area about post-production, including sound design, motion capture, and editing. The Warner Bros. trip ended with a visit to the gift shop, where many students got souvenirs to remember the trip.
Following their visit to Warner Bros., they went to the Griffith Observatory for some photos of the Hollywood sign. Students also participated in a scavenger hunt, where they searched for the locations of several movie scenes and had to recreate each one before anyone else. Barely beating out a few other groups, the winning pair were seniors Edmond Sandoval and Anthony Brewton,
“I would love to go back and possibly be an actor for them,” said senior Robert Martinez.
Both classes are still expecting another field trip.
Planned for sometime this year is a trip to Lone Pine’s Museum of Western Film History and the Alabama Hills to see where many westerns were filmed.
Good news for next year’s Film Production students: Warner Bros. will likely be an annual trip.
“I hope we can return to Warner Bros every year,” said Arrieta. “It was educational, inspiring, and a great bonding experience for my students.”