Take A Cinematic Tour Of The East Bay
(credit: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
San Francisco isn't the only spot in the Bay Area that Hollywood uses for movie-making. Charlie Chaplin began making silent films near Fremont 100 years ago and now, we look back to see the role the East Bay has played in the history of film. Cue, lights!
2741 10th Street
Berkeley, CA
(510) 649-9711
www.tippett.com
"Robocop", "Jurrasic Park", "Star Wars"? We've seen 'em all! Did you know that many of those monsters, dinosaurs and aliens were created in this anonymous looking office in Berkeley. Owned and run by Phil Tippett, a Berkeley native, Tippett studios is home to some of the great creative minds in the business, not to mention two Oscars.
www.zaentzmediacenter.com
"One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest" opened in just 4 theaters, and went on to sweep the Oscars. It was the first film produced by Berkeley's Fantasy Studios, run by the legendary Saul Zaetnz. While you're in Berkeley, swing by Cal and check out campus, where scenes from "The Graduate" were shot...without permission from the school.
Pixar Animation Studios
1200 Park Avenue
Emeryville, California 94608
(510)922-3000
www.pixar.com
602 million dollars average gross per film and 29 Oscars? Yep, Pixar Animation Studios is truly extraordinary. Located in Emeryville, the studio's distance from Hollywood is what some employees say make their movies to accessible to every-day folks. While coming by a tour inside the studio is tough, unless you've got an in with a non-animated Pixar pal, just a swing by the famous front gates is an exciting stop for any film fan.
37417 Niles Boulevard
Fremont, CA
www.nilesfilmmuseum.org
The East Bay's first big time film moment came in 1912, when Bronco Billy Anderson started filming movies in the small East Bay town of Niles. Bronco Billy soon cast a little known Brit named Charlie Chaplin, who ended up filming 5 films in the area. While Niles is packed with Charlie Chaplin memorabilia, "The Tramp" was only in town for 3 months. This charming museum keeps their entertaining spirits alive.
