Universal Studios Hollywood
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The infamous Stage 28, or "Phantom of the Opera" Stage
Made by kevin dooley
From www.silentsaregolden.com/featurefolder2/phantomstageartic... It has withstood fires, earthquakes, the birth of talking pictures and the ever-increasing encroachment of studio tours. But Universal Studio's Stage 28 is best remembered for one very famous star's performance in a classic film. The star was Lon Chaney, and the film was Phantom of the Opera. While many studio stages have been home to some of Hollywood's most popular motion pictures, Stage 28, or The Phantom Stage as it is better known, stands alone in Hollywood history because no other stage on any studio lot has ever been named for one particular picture. Even the other Universal stages where they filmed such classics as All Quiet on the Western Front, My Little Chickadee, Dracula, Frankenstein and The Wolf Man never received such a familiar denomination. Just when The Phantom Stage got its name is unclear. Old-timers at Universal don't have an explanation, and film historians, even the former head of the studio's research department, cannot give a definite date to the naming of this famous stage. The best guess is that it was first called The Phantom Stage during the making of that classic picture. This theory is supported by Charles Van Enger, the cameraman for Phantom of the Opera who stated in a 1973 interview that, we always referred to it as The Phantom Stage during production. As far as I know that's where the title came from. Like no other before it But the stage itself is the thing that makes a Hollywood legend. Prior to its construction in 1924, the stages used for early Hollywood productions were simply raised platforms built outside, with a muslin covering which could be pulled over the set to defuse the glare. By 1916, many of these outdoor stages were being replaced by stages built out of glass and wood, protecting the performers and the sets from rainy weather, but which were far from comfortable during the summer months. Fully enclosed stages began cropping up on studio lots by the early 1920's, several of which are still standing. When Universal announced their plans to film Phantom of the Opera, the biggest challenge to Universal's construction department was how to erect a stage that could house a complete replica of the interior of the Paris opera house. No existing stage in Hollywood could handle this enormous set, so Universal built the first steel and concrete stage in Hollywood (the stage measures 360 feet long and 145 feet wide). After the concrete foundation was poured, the Llewellyn Steel Company started construction on the steel frame. The walls and roof were covered with corrugated metal (which still serves as the outside shell of the stage today), and the whole outside was covered with wood. The largest order for lumber, a total of 175,000 feet, was placed with the Hammond Lumber Company of Los Angeles. Taking advantage of the free publicity, Universal made sure each truck dispatched from the lumber yard carried a banner proclaiming, the largest shipment of lumber for the upcoming production of Phantom of the Opera. The interior of the stage contained scenelofts, trapdoors and other mechanical equipment found in an opera house, which not only lent a touch of authenticity, but allowed the filmmakers to stage a true opera. While many historians thought only the interior of the opera house was filmed on The Phantom Stage, according to cameraman Charles Van Enger, the sets for the Grand Staircase and the giant statue of Apollo that adorns the roof of the opera house were also filmed on this stage. Eleven sculptors and scenic designers were hired to create the various statues and decorations that adorn the Grand Staircase and the opera boxes. The chandelier, which the Phantom cuts loose upon the unsuspecting audience, was an exact replica of the one in the Paris opera house. Weighing in at 16,000 pounds and measuring 40 feet in diameter, the chandelier was an impressive sight and, no doubt, probably caused a few extras in the audience to question the strength of the chain holding it in place (the set could seat up to 3,000 extras). When it came to filming the crash of the great chandelier, Universal was obviously not thrilled with the prospect of letting a very expensive set decoration be destroyed, not to mention the potential hazard to the extras seated below. Cameraman Charles Van Enger solved the problem by having the chandelier lowered to just above the extras' heads. When the cameras started cranking away, at a very slow speed, the chandelier was pulled back up to the ceiling. The shot was reversed in the developing lab so that when it was projected at the proper speed, the chandelier appeared to come crashing down upon the audience, yet the extras and the huge ornament emerged without a scratch! Both the opera house and the Grand Staircase sets were photographed in the two-strip Technicolor process. Many of the ballet scenes were photographed in this recently developed technique, but, unfortunately, these scenes were discarded during the frantic editing sessions which took place in order to meet the deadline of the New York premiere on September 6, 1925. No victim of the coming of sound Unlike the wood stages which could no longer be used after the birth of sound, The Phantom Stage got a new lease on life. The wood siding was stripped off, and the interior of the stage was padded to keep out unwanted noise while making talking pictures. It was about this time that the term sound stage became a part of Hollywood's vernacular. The stage could now serve as either a theater set or filmmakers could use the back end of the stage to build other sets. For over 40 years the theater set on The Phantom Stage has been used in such Universal pictures as The Raven, One Hundred Men and a Girl, the 1943 remake of Phantom of the Opera, Torn Curtain, The Sting and numerous television shows, including the quickly forgotten series Sixth Sense (which heavily featured the famous stage throughout one episode), and most recently it was the home of Sea Quest DSV. Interestingly, Lon Chaney's 1957 biographical film, Man of a Thousand Faces, used the stage extensively. Not only did it serve as several different theaters in the picture, but the re-creation of the famous un-masking scene was also shot on this stage. Some say it was rather prophetic that the first and last days of production of Chaney's film biography were shot on the stage where he made one of his most famous pictures. But this famous stage was destined for some changes. Changes and losses In 1965, when Alfred Hitchcock used the stage for Torn Curtain, the chandelier was taken down for good and placed in storage at the studio's prop warehouse, where it has since disappeared. Shortly after the chandelier's removal, the audience seats, curtains and backstage materials were also dismantled, and a false floor now covers the vacant area where the audience seats used to be. In the mid-1940's, a plaque was placed on the stage commemorating the making of Chaney's classic film. Chaney's son Creighton, Hunchback of Notre Dame co-star Patsy Ruth Miller and several other co-workers attended the event, but unfortunately the plaque has long since disappeared. The plaque which is shown in the opening credits of Man of a Thousand Faces was merely a prop for the picture, although James Cagney and Dorothy Malone did place a commemorative marker on the stage prior to the first day of filming; but that, too, has disappeared. In the 1980's, a painting of a rather poor version of Chaney's now-famous Phantom make-up adorned the sides of the stage, and studio tour guides used to point out the famous stage to visitors, or occasionally take some lucky tour guests on the stage, depending on production schedules. The huge eucalyptus tree which had stood just outside one of the entrance doors to the stage since 1925 has recently been cut down to expand the tour facilities, and today The Phantom Stage sits next to the tour-related effects stages without so much as a whisper from tour guides about its famous lineage. Despite the recent changes, The Phantom Stage shows no sign of disappearing. And if you're lucky enough to visit this old venerable stage, find a secluded spot and listen. It's been reported one can occasionally hear voices from the past. And why not? The Phantom knows a good place to haunt when he builds one.

Atomic Fuel
Made by hbmike2000
While at Universal Studios, we decided to check out City Walk, a really cool shopping center at the entrance of the studio. On our way over to Ben and Jerry's for some really yummie Chunky Monkey ice cream I heard a loud whinning sound coming from the sky. I looked up. I saw a bird, a plane and this UFO coming in way to fast! As it sped past the parking, people started yelling and screaming! No cuts in line they yelled. It flew right at me and crashed in this building. With Atomic fuel drippin on my ice cream, I snapped this shot. Then I through my Chunky Monkey at them for wrecking it with their stupid leaking fuel. They are soooo buying me a new one. Happy Sliding Sunday! View on Black, I have Atomic Gas here you know. Wait, that sounds bad. PS. Is it still considered unidentified if it crashes in front of you?

Series: Notable Narisa
Made by Asian.Impressions
Narisa's family is OK. But many other families are not. There are many ways YOU can offer assistance. If you are a viewer of my stream, the people have Japan have brightened your world. Now it is YOUR chance to give back. Please consider one of the options below, or choose your own way of donating, but please, do something to assist the Japanese people. A.I. recommends the following organizations: Red Cross www.redcross.org You can also text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation to help those affected by the earthquake in Japan and tsunami throughout the Pacific. Mercy Corps (Partnering with Peace Winds Japan) www.mercycorps.org/donate/japan

Erin Zariah Sanders
Made by Music4mix
During The Screening For The Movie Monsters Vs Aliens At Gibson Amphitheatre In Los Angeles, March 22 2009. Mini Biography Erin Sanders first started acting at the age of 9, after being discovered by an agent while selling Girl Scout cookies! Since then, she has starred in several short films and guest-starred in several TV shows. She has worked on set with James Garner, David Spade, Joe Pesci, Clancy Brown, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Tyne Daly, Amy Brenneman, and Michael Gross. She is best known for her role as Quinn in the Nickelodeon show, Zoey 101 (2005), starring Jamie Lynn Spears. Most recently, she introduced the role of Eden in the CBS daytime soap, The Young and the Restless (1973). In addition to acting, Erin continues to be involved in Girl Scouts.

The Worlds' a Blur When I'm With You.
Made by VillanuevaPhotography
I decided to take my girlfriend to Citywalk in Hollywood just to walk around and enjoy some time outside the confines of her home. Walking around a store, I noticed this mirror on the wall. It had a very slight fisheye effect on the edges(Mirror was not sharp neither, so photo lost very slight sharpness). I wanted to take a photo with her and I loved how we both looked and had a very good amount of bokeh! I had bought her that rose as well, she is extremely fond of them! xD I had about 6 different post processed versions of this, and I decided to call this one best. Not the best picture, but wanted to share with you all! =) #1 in Canon EOS Rebel 550D Canon 50L (@f/1.2) Available Light

ledgends.
Made by ANOXLOU
john toll asc: two time academy award winning cinematographer for Braveheart , Legends of the Fall his right hand man randy (woodie) woodside has lit movies like : World Trade Center, The Last Samurai, Vanilla Sky, The Thin Red Line and Simpatico just to name a few And chris napolitano, his claim to fame is: No Country for Old Men, Jarhead and Elizabethtown together a film making powerhouse and between the three of them, years and years, worth of invaluable knowledge these masters are my mick jagger's and my jimmy page's i've been watching their movies since i was young and now i'm thrilled to be in their company learning from he best.

Distorted Reflections..
Made by VillanuevaPhotography
My girlfriend and I decided to take a trip to CityWalk down in Hollywood today and forget our problems and have a good time. We walked into a souvenir store and upon inspection, I spotted a security camera bubble on the ceiling with a mirror-type coating on it. Right away I knew I wanted to take a photo! I had told my girlfriend that I would catch up so she went on looking for souvenirs :) I really like this photo, but the people around bug me, I really wish it would have just been myself but heck, thought I'd share either way =) Hope you all like it! #3 in Canon EOS 60D Canon 50L (Wide Open) Available Light

Sparkles in Paradise
Made by Ar'alani
I love California. You can visit in December and see tropical flowers growing beneath trees wrapped with Christmas lights, and go from 38 degree mornings to 75 in the afternoon. I just got back this morning from sunny, smoggy Los Angeles and what has to be one of the momentous occasions of my entire life. I'm exhausted and so giddily happy. What an insane experience. The Rose Parade was a lot of fun, though I wouldn't go back and march it again tomorrow. That was a long six miles to be walking in plastic and a black flight suit. This shot is outside the Sheraton Universal hotel in Universal City.

The Red Skull, Universal City, CA
Made by Grufnik
The Red Skull, one of Captain America's archnemeses and one of the greatest villains in the comic universe, despite the lack of any superhuman abilities. The Red Skull has been a part of the Marvel Comics universe since 1941. This was a model that I found on display at Things From Another World, a comic book and merchandise store at Universal Studio Hollywood's Citywalk retail promenade. To learn more about The Red Skull, click here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Skull Processed in Adobe Photoshop CS2. DSC_4370 m 2

Neon Trees
Made by Emmanuel_D.Photography
Become a Fan on my Facebook Page... This was at Universal CityWalk. The Neon Trees was playing.. Happy Bokeh Wednesday! Neon Trees - Animal Exif data: CameraCanon EOS 5D Mark II Exposure0.001 sec (1/1000) Aperturef/2.0 Focal Length135 mm ISO Speed3200

Checker Cab
Made by Zeetz Jones
This is an authentic New York Checker Cab. in 1928, about 8,000 of these cabs were out in the streets of New York City and the Checker Cab remains the most famous taxi cab vehicle in the United States. It is comparable to the London Taxi in its nationally renowned styling and iconic status. In August 1999, the last of the Checker Cab was retired. You only see them now in movies, TV shows and exhibits while they can also be rented for private functions and events.

Award Winner
Made by Extra Medium
This woman won the award for Hottest Girl in Rap Video. So with categories like that, you know we're dealing with a top-notch award show. I found out that she's actually pretty popular. I sent her a photo of mine, and she was so excited she actually is using it as her default Myspace profile photo. Not bad since she already had plenty of photos from that night.

Happily ever after
Made by Ar'alani
This does seem like a lovely place to get married, though I wouldn't pick Los Angeles as my destination of choice. I found this little courtyard at the Hilton in Universal City. There are a lot of wedding decorations up there, and everything is decked out for Christmas. There's something magical about this gazebo. It looks like a starburst, raining twinkles down on your head as you stand under it.

Reflexion......
Made by Mike Chen aka Full Time Taekwondo Dad
View On Black Featured on breathtakinggroup.blogspot.com's site on 2/24/10. For those who live in Los Angeles region (or others): Anyone care to guess where this is in Southern Canlifornia?

Lego Mattel Hoverboard
Made by Brucewaynelego-Toyshansolo
I try to built an Mosaic Moc of the Back to the Future 2 Hoverboard. I built it with Lego magnets ,because i want that it float. The Technic axles - bars are only that the magnets didnt search for the wrong magnet pole..... Video : www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jh-U3phYdI

Stage 28
Made by kevin dooley
Stage 28 at Universal Studios is the famous Phantom of the Opera stage. I had posted a treated version of this pic in the fall, but I like the raw version too. Despite its awesome history, this pic captures a more mundane portion of the building, the entrance to the women's bathroom. Yep, that was as much as I saw of Studio 28...

disposable jesus.
Made by ANOXLOU
i never been a big fan of jesus and I will probably looses a bunch of friends for showing such a blasphemous imagine but for some strange reason I found this to be rather humorous scene only in a hollywood studio will one find oddities of life like this from stage 12 Universal Studios California

Something to Chew On
Made by Non Paratus
Gumballs in a giant gumball machine at It's Sugar, a candy store along Universal City Walk It's interesting the way that they almost naturally stack into hexagonal rosettes. I tried to clean up some of the more obvious glare with a photo editor. A polarizing filter would have been handy here.

Camilla and Rebecca Rosso
Made by Music4mix
At The Monsters Vs Aliens Screening Blue Carpet, Gibson Amphitheatre, Los Angeles March 22 2009. Check Their Biography at Wikipedia : en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camilla_Rosso , I gave them my permission to use this picture.

Good Morning Los Angeles
Made by iceman9294
Was in LA before Thanksgiving to interview some of our top athletes in preparation for Beijing. This was the view from the Hilton Hotel in Universal City. I'm sad to say this is about all I got out there as the days were 12 -14 hours and didn't really have time to shoot.... Irony?
Nearest places of interest:
| Universal City Gibson Amphitheatre Curious George Parking The Curse of the Mummy s Tomb | Transportation Department Hollywood Terrace Studio Tour King Kong 3D |
