Universal Pictures | About the Film Studio (2024)

Universal Pictures | About the Film Studio (1)

History

Universal Pictures is an American film studio, owned by Comcast through its wholly owned subsidiary NBCUniversal, and is one of Hollywood's "Big Six" film studios. Its production studios are at 100 Universal City Plaza Drive in Universal City, California. Distribution and other corporate offices are in New York City. Universal Studios is a member of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA). Universal was founded in 1912 by the German Carl Laemmle (pronounced "LEM-lee"), Mark Dintenfass, Charles O. Baumann, Adam Kessel, Pat Powers, William Swanson, David Horsley, Robert H. Cochrane, and Jules Brulatour.

It is the world's fourth oldest major film studio, after the renowned French studios Gaumont Film Company and Pathé, and the Danish Nordisk Film company. Six of Universal Studios' films; Jaws (1975), E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982), Jurassic Park (1993), Despicable Me 2 (2013), Furious 7 (2015) and Jurassic World (2015) achieved box office records, with the first three (which were directed by Steven Spielberg) all becoming the highest-grossing film at the time of its initial release.

100 Years of Logos

Explore the timeline below to see 100 years of Universal logos

2012-present

1927-1936

Universal Pictures | About the Film Studio (2)

1936-1947

Universal Pictures | About the Film Studio (3)

1946-1964

Universal Pictures | About the Film Studio (4)

1963-1970

Universal Pictures | About the Film Studio (5)

1971-1990

Universal Pictures | About the Film Studio (6)

1990-97

Universal Pictures | About the Film Studio (7)

1991

Universal Pictures | About the Film Studio (8)

1997-2009

Universal Pictures | About the Film Studio (9)

2009-12

Universal Pictures | About the Film Studio (10)

2012-present

Universal Pictures | About the Film Studio (11)

Universal Classics

Universal Pictures | About the Film Studio (12)

Jurassic World Franchise

2015

Universal Pictures | About the Film Studio (14)

Despicable Me Franchise

2010-2013

Universal Pictures | About the Film Studio (15)

The Bourne Franchise

2002-2012

Universal Pictures | About the Film Studio (16)

Pitch Perfect Franchise

2012-2015

Universal Pictures | About the Film Studio (17)

Jurassic Park Franchise

1993-2015

Universal Pictures | About the Film Studio (18)

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

1982

Universal Pictures | About the Film Studio (19)

Back To The Future Franchise

1985-1990

Universal Pictures | About the Film Studio (20)

The Mummy Franchise

1985-1990

Universal Pictures | About the Film Studio (21)

Minions

2015

Universal Pictures | About the Film Studio (22)

Jaws

1989

Universal Pictures | About the Film Studio (23)

Ted Franchise

2012-2015

Universal Pictures | About the Film Studio (24)

Apollo 13

1995

Universal Pictures | About the Film Studio (25)

A Beautiful Mind

2001

Universal Pictures | About the Film Studio (26)

The Lorax

2012

Universal Pictures | About the Film Studio (27)

How The Grinch Stole Christmas

2000

Universal Pictures | About the Film Studio (28)

Meet The Parents Franchise

2000-2010

Universal Pictures | About the Film Studio (29)

The Breakfast Club

1985

Universal Pictures | About the Film Studio (30)

Scarface

1983

Universal Pictures | About the Film Studio (31)

Liar Liar

1997

Universal Pictures | About the Film Studio (32)

King Kong

2005

Universal Pictures | About the Film Studio (33)

Bridesmaids

2011

Universal Pictures | About the Film Studio (34)

Mamma Mia! The Movie

2008

Universal Pictures | About the Film Studio (35)

Bruce Almighty

2003

Universal Pictures | About the Film Studio (36)

Schindler's List

1993

Universal Pictures | About the Film Studio (37)

Do The Right Thing

1989

Universal Pictures | About the Film Studio (38)

Field Of Dreams

1989

Universal Pictures | About the Film Studio (39)

Out Of Africa

1985

Universal Pictures | About the Film Studio (40)

National Lampoon's Animal House

1978

Universal Pictures | About the Film Studio (41)

The Sting

1973

Universal Pictures | About the Film Studio (42)

American Graffiti

1973

Universal Pictures | About the Film Studio (43)

The Birds

1963

Universal Pictures | About the Film Studio (44)

To Kill a Mockingbird

1962

Universal Pictures | About the Film Studio (45)

Spartacus

1960

Universal Pictures | About the Film Studio (46)

All Quiet on the Western Front

1929

Universal Pictures | About the Film Studio (47)

Dracula

1931

Universal Pictures | About the Film Studio (2024)

FAQs

What's the difference between Universal Studios and Universal Pictures? ›

Universal City Studios LLC, doing business as Universal Pictures (informally as Universal Studios or also known simply as Universal) is an American film production and distribution company, a division of Universal Studios, which is owned by NBCUniversal, a division of Comcast.

Is Universal Studios a real movie studio? ›

Universal Studios Hollywood is a film studio and theme park in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles County, California. About 70% of the studio lies within the unincorporated county island known as Universal City while the rest lies within the city limits of Los Angeles, California.

Is Universal Studios LA worth it? ›

Universal Studios Hollywood is a must-see attraction in Los Angeles. A favorite of movie buffs and pop culture fans from around the world, Universal combines elements of a theme park, a historical attraction, and a working movie studio into one fantastic experience.

Who own universal studio? ›

Universal Pictures is an American film studio, owned by Comcast through its wholly owned subsidiary NBCUniversal, and is one of Hollywood's "Big Six" film studios.

Is Universal Pictures owned by Disney? ›

Universal Studios, Inc., doing business as Universal Studios (formerly as MCA Inc., also known simply as Universal) is an American media and entertainment conglomerate and is owned by NBCUniversal, a division of Comcast.

What can be found in a film studio? ›

The elements of a film studio include:
  • Sound stages and back-lots.
  • Cameras, lights, costumes, etc in warehouses.
  • Walls and guards.
  • Offices for producers, studio heads, writers, etc.
  • Studio commissaries.
  • Recording studios.
  • Digital effects departments.

Do they actually film movies at Universal Studios Orlando? ›

Popular kids' shows such as Double Dare were produced on location, and guests could tour the facilities for a behind-the-scenes experience. Film production also occurred onsite.

Why is Universal studio so famous? ›

Universal Studios is more than just a theme park; it's an immersive journey through the world of movies and popular culture. With its remarkable rides, enchanting attractions, immersive lands like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and unforgettable dining experiences, Universal Studios offers something for everyone.

Do they shoot movies at Universal Studios? ›

Universal Studios Florida™ is a real working motion picture and television studio that enables guests to jump right into the action of their favorite films and TV shows 'on-set' of a variety of fully dressed backlot locations.

Which is better Universal or Disney? ›

Disney World vs Universal Studios Rides: Which is Better? If you're looking for bigger rides, Universal Studios has more large rides and rollercoasters, whereas Disney only has a couple of rollercoasters per park. On the other hand, Disney, in general, is larger and therefore has more rides.

Can you do Universal in one day? ›

“Is one day sufficient to see Universal studios please?” Yes one day is plenty of time. Get the regular ticket then upgrade to Front of the Line tickets at 4pm as they become much cheaper (around $50 per person). Start your day by doing the studio tour, water show and the rides that don't have a long waiting time.

Is Universal Hollywood or Disney better? ›

If you have to choose one, narrow your choice down to the following deciding factors: Price: Universal Studios Hollywood is more affordable. Plus you can save on combined admission with a Go Los Angeles pass. Age: Disneyland has more activities geared towards ages 2-10.

Who bought out universal? ›

Acquisition of NBC Universal by Comcast
The logo of Comcast from late 2012 to 2024.
NBCUniversal logo since 2011.
CostUS$13.75 billion
InitiatedDecember 3, 2009
CompletedJanuary 28, 2011 (majority) March 19, 2013 (full ownership)
5 more rows

How old is Universal Studios? ›

Universal Studios was founded in Chicago in 1912 by Carl Laemmle.

Is Disney opening a new park? ›

EPCOT. EPCOT has been one large construction zone for years, but the finishing touches are finally being put in place for World Nature and World Celebration. The center of the park, World Celebration, will open in December 2023.

Is Universal Pictures part of Universal Studios? ›

Universal Studios (sometimes called Universal Pictures or Universal City) is one of the major American movie studios that has production studios and offices at 100 Universal City Plaza Drive in Universal City, California, an unincorporated area of Los Angeles County between Los Angeles and Burbank.

What is the difference between the 2 Universal Studios parks? ›

The main differences between Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios are the themes. Universal Studios centers around TV shows and movies, and various rides reflect that. On the other hand, Islands of Adventure features adventure and thrill rides, as the park is themed around superheroes and magical creatures.

Is Universal Studios photo package worth it? ›

Is the Universal Studios Photo Pass Worth it? So last but not least, is the Universal Studios photo pass worth it? And on average the Universal photo pass is worth it. The main reason is that there are over thirty Universal Studios photo pass locations throughout the three parks and on the Universal Orlando rides.

What is the difference between the Universal Studio parks? ›

Theme and focus: USF is themed around popular movie franchises like Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, and more. IOA is focused on high-adrenaline rides and attractions, while Volcano Bay is centered around water parks and volcanoes.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Carlyn Walter

Last Updated:

Views: 5662

Rating: 5 / 5 (70 voted)

Reviews: 85% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Carlyn Walter

Birthday: 1996-01-03

Address: Suite 452 40815 Denyse Extensions, Sengermouth, OR 42374

Phone: +8501809515404

Job: Manufacturing Technician

Hobby: Table tennis, Archery, Vacation, Metal detecting, Yo-yoing, Crocheting, Creative writing

Introduction: My name is Carlyn Walter, I am a lively, glamorous, healthy, clean, powerful, calm, combative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.