Some 75 actors, the U.S.C Trojan Marching Band, a team of gladiators and an elephant recently convened at Hollywood Center Studios for a spectacular photo shoot for Vanity Fair’s 19th annual Hollywood Issue (VF.com). The shoot was conducted by world-renowned fashion photographer Bruce Weber and will result in a 44-page portfolio dubbed Bruce Weber’s Hollywood and a 4-panel cover, a first for the magazine, for the March issue.
Hollywood Center Studios was one of nine locations (others included the Beverly Hills Hotel and Musso & Frank Grill) selected for the piece that the magazine describes as “a joyful, spectacular, addictive ride filled with spontaneous moments that added up to a totally original environment.”
The shoot at Hollywood Center Studios was conducted on a Sunday with Weber and his crew occupying two stages (one dedicated to hair, costuming and make-up) and a large portion of the backlot. “Bruce liked Hollywood Center Studios because of its classic backlot, and because we were able to take over two large stages and an outdoor area and turn it into Retro Hollywood,” explains Vanity Fair photo editor Dana Kravis. “It was a fun, lively shoot. Everyone had a good time.”
Michael and Kirk Douglas were among the celebrities who took part in the event. Eddie Redmayne, Bella Heathcote and Amy Adams joined a dancing bear in a bit of Fred Astaire-inspired choreography. Jonah Hill was captured behind the wheel of a convertible accompanied by a trio of beautiful models. Bo Derek rode a horse through the parking lot. The star of the day, however, was Tai, the pachyderm featured in “Water for Elephants”, who won the rapt attention of all in attendance as she performed tricks in the center of the soundstage.
Vanity Fair’s fashion department arrived the day before the shoot and worked through the night readying mountains of clothing, shoes, hats and jewelry. They pulled another all-nighter after the shoot to pack everything up. “Hollywood Center was incredibly accommodating,” Kravis said.
Despite the complex logistics, the result was one of the most magical shoot days in recent memory at Hollywood Center Studios. “We were extremely proud to be included in this historic shoot,” said Hollywood Center Studios vice president Richard Schnyder. “Bruce Weber and Vanity Fair did a superb job in capturing the essence of Hollywood, old and new.”
Photo credits: Bruce Weber exclusively for Vanity Fair.
About Hollywood Center Studios
Hollywood Center Studios has a rich and colorful history that mirrors the development of Hollywood and the growth of the entertainment industry. The studio has played host to some of the most notable productions of the past century, including such iconic television shows as I Love Lucy, The Addams Family, Jeopardy, Rockford Files and Mad TV, and classic film productions such as When Harry Met Sally and The Player. In recent years, Hollywood Center Studios has continued to grow and modernize to support its large television clientele which includes Disney, NBC, Comedy Central and MTV. Hollywood Center Studios remains a vital part of the Hollywood community and a place
