Paramount Pictures Studios in Los Angeles, California

As the last major studio still located within Hollywood, the Paramount Pictures lot is full of nostalgia, history, and tons of stereotypical scenes right down to the clear views leading up to the Hollywood Sign and an array of Best Picture Academy Awards on full display.

The Paramount Pictures lot today features 30 stages, a blue sky tank, and a massive New York backlot with 10 different neighborhoods. The Paramount Pictures lot also includes the former Desilu Studios (formerly RKO) which was purchased in 1967. There are still numerous clues throughout of the movies and popular television shows that have been filmed here in the heart of Los Angeles since the initial Paramount lot was constructed on this spot in 1926.

Paramount's Best Picture Oscars on display.

Lucille Ball's Bungalow from when this was the next door Desilu Studios Lot.

Top 6 Photo Essays of 2021

Last year I released over 125 new photo essays spanning a variety of unique destinations. After review, here were the TOP 6 most popular releases based on web traffic on the Editing Luke site in 2021. As always, thank you for the incredible support.

6. Santa Cruz, California | Surf Culture

Photo essays of Santa Cruz, California included spotlights on Surfers at Steamer Lane, the Wharf, Beach Boardwalk, and Surfing Museum.

5. Ford Piquette Plant in Detroit, Michigan

This photo essay highlighted the factory where the Ford Model T was born.

4. Rebuilding Notre Dame in Paris, France

This photo essay showcased the reconstruction of Paris' iconic cathedral.

3. Inside Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee

A look inside Elvis' iconic estate in Memphis.

2. Exploring the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California

A photo essay from inside the home of the Academy Awards.

1. Neon of Shinjuku in Tokyo, Japan 

An evening under the neon lights of Shinjuku was the most viewed photo essay of 2021.

Inside the Dolby Theatre: Academy Awards

Since opening on November 9, 2001, the Dolby Theatre (originally the Kodak) has been the official, and purpose built, venue for the annual Academy Awards ceremony. 

Located along Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles, California, the Dolby Theatre's technical design makes it especially effective for hosting televised events. In addition to the annual Oscars telecast, the Dolby Theatre regularly hosts concerts, theatrical productions, live events, and television shows like America's Got Talent and American Idol.   

Just two weeks after the Academy Awards ceremony last year I had the opportunity to get a closer look at this iconic venue during another series of travel shoots. From admiring the view in the front row of the auditorium to following the backstage path that the winners take to meet the press, exploring the Dolby Theatre like this was a bucket list experience come true. 

Since my first year of film school I've admired countless filmmakers who stood on this stage, and have watched every Best Picture winner since the Oscars debuted in 1929. For me, having a personal moment to just absorb this space and reflect on the growth of my own career since my teenage days as a know-it-all student filmmaker felt profound. 

Being in the Dolby Theatre is to be reminded of just how many legendary figures of pop culture have been in this one room. Spielberg, Streep, DiCaprio, Hanks, Scorsese ... Editing Luke lol. Watching the Academy Awards will never seem quite the same after this shoot.