Hot Set???

[Big C 73]

Universal over the years have seemed to leave the movie making and production theme. There used to be many shows and movies filmed here, and not the direct to video or cheap ones. The question is,what happened? I think Universal needs to start getting more serious again about the production of shows and movies. It needs to once again be the East Coast Hollywood.

 

[englanddg]

Universal over the years have seemed to leave the movie making and production theme. There used to be many shows and movies filmed here, and not the direct to video or cheap ones. The question is,what happened? I think Universal needs to start getting more serious again about the production of shows and movies. It needs to once again be the East Coast Hollywood.

Both Disney and Universal tried that.

Universal still has productions (a TV show, I forget which one) being filmed in a sound stage in Orlando, but I know it was going to close soon. It may have done so already.

The reality isn't that production couldn't be done in Orlando...it's the the shipped in largely Southern California talent doesn't want to move there permanently.

That's why the permanent film studios there flopped.

 

[lazyboy97o]

I think you may be over stating the level of production that took place at Universal Studios Florida. Disney and Universal's dream of making Central Florida the "East Coast Hollywood" never materialized and that is why production has dropped to such low levels.

 

[Big C 73]

I just wish there would be at least 2 to 3 shows in production and maybe a music video or movie. Universal has a great backlot and production area. (The one thing I think Uni beat Disney on) If they offer the right necessities to the filmmakers, then you would be doing pretty good.

 

[lazyboy97o]

Why schelp out to Universal Studios Florida when the much larger and superior Universal Studios Hollywood is far more accessible for most of your talent and crew?

 

[englanddg]

I just wish there would be at least 2 to 3 shows in production and maybe a music video or movie. Universal has a great backlot and production area. (The one thing I think Uni beat Disney on) If they offer the right necessities to the filmmakers, then you would be doing pretty good.

That's not the only issue. Access to TALENT was the primary issue, as I recall. It just doesn't exist in Orlando, and Disney / Universal alone couldn't generate enough of a pool for it.

The fact is...people looking to make it as an actor either go to NYC and take the TV / Broadway route, or go to LA and aim for the Movie / TV route.

There are a few minor variances from this (Atlanta and Tyler Perry studios, for example), but overall, that's just the nature of the industry.

 

[Big C 73]

Universal Orlando faculties are just as good as Hollywoods, although it could expand some. The talent is a problem being away from L.A., but actors also have to move and change with demand.

 

[englanddg]

Universal Orlando faculties are just as good as Hollywoods, although it could expand some. The talent is a problem being away from L.A., but actors also have to move and change with demand.

Yes, and if cast in LA, or a large enough name that the production needs them, they will want to do so on the Studio's dime, increasing production costs.

Far easier for them to just stay in LA.

I hear what you are saying, and I think it would be neat if it happened...but, Disney gave it a long run, as did Universal...over two decades, and they just couldn't make it happen.

I doubt either will consider doing it again anytime soon. Far much more money to be made running both studios as mere theme parks, rather than functioning full time studio operations.

 

[lazyboy97o]

Universal Orlando faculties are just as good as Hollywoods, although it could expand some. The talent is a problem being away from L.A., but actors also have to move and change with demand.

Being just as good in terms of equipment is not the same as being just as good in terms of size and adaptability. You can't go ripping up the New York set to make it look like something else.

 

[Big C 73]

As far as success with production,I think Universal wins. They still do keep some focus on movie making, unlike Disney who completely dropped the idea. I just wish they would have been more successful and big in their movie making magic.

 

[Big C 73]

Being just as good in terms of equipment is not the same as being just as good in terms of size and adaptability. You can't go ripping up the New York set to make it look like something else.

True about the backlot sets. Maybe they could built a set backstage like Swamp Thing?

 

[lazyboy97o]

May

True about the backlot sets. Maybe they could built a set backstage like Swamp Thing?

Backstage or backlot? And why would it be based on an existing property? The whole point of a backlot is that it can change with the needs of each production. The Backlot at Universal Studios Hollywood is massive and the tram tour takes about 45 minutes. That sort of space just does not exist at the Universal Orlando Resort.

 

[Big C 73]

I use Swamp Thing as an example, not to built it. When the Swamp Thing set was at Universal it was off limits to guest and I consider that backstage. The area to then right of MIB and above Kidzone and Simpsons would be a wonderful area to build any set needed for the current production.
If they relocate the storage and other buildings from that land that could be a "Set Playground" so to say. The existing buildings on the backlot can also be changed so much to allow it to be a multitude of places.

 

[olinecoach61]

If the state of Florida provided tax breaks for movie production, the studios would ramp up in Florida. I've seen it first hand here in ct, tax breaks and movies started like magic.

 

[lazyboy97o]

I use Swamp Thing as an example, not to built it. When the Swamp Thing set was at Universal it was off limits to guest and I consider that backstage. The area to then right of MIB and above Kidzone and Simpsons would be a wonderful area to build any set needed for the current production.
If they relocate the storage and other buildings from that land that could be a "Set Playground" so to say. The existing buildings on the backlot can also be changed so much to allow it to be a multitude of places.

That area and much of the Kids Zone space once was backlot space. It was removed for a reason.

 

[Big C 73]

That area and much of the Kids Zone space once was backlot space. It was removed for a reason.

I know that. Sadly, we lost the Psycho set with it. If the production rate went up then the demand for space would come available, one way or another. Universal would give the filmakers all that they needed and WOULD make it a comfortable place for actors and filmmakers too.Universal did it Hollywood and they can do they same in Orlando if they really wanted to, but the effort has to be applied.