The Warner Bros. lot has become a hotbed of activity in Los Angeles, with issues like the homeless crisis and the first actors and writers strike in over 60 years taking center stage. However, amidst all the chaos, the popular studio tour remains unaffected. Despite picketers at the Olive Avenue gate and a sprawling RV encampment along Forest Lawn Drive, the tour continues to operate as usual. On Thursday, tourists were shuttled from the new welcome building to the historic jungle backlot and famous New York Street, completely oblivious to the strife happening just outside their view. The basic $70 tour offers no glimpse of the striking protesters, and the only way to catch a glimpse of the homeless encampment is by standing outside of Stage 29 and peering towards the Hollywood mountain. Even then, the view is mostly obstructed by trees and production equipment.
The only indication of trouble brewing outside the studio was when a news helicopter hovered overhead while visitors explored the old Gilmore Girls set and snapped pictures at the gazebo. When a tourist inquired about the helicopter’s presence, the guide casually dismissed it as a result of a car accident or something unrelated to the strikes. The guide mentioned that he would be happy to discuss the strikes if anyone asked, but no one did. Perhaps the conversations are different on the more expensive tours, which can cost up to $300 and include a visit to the property department, a feature that used to be part of the basic tour. Inflation!
Among the tourists on the morning tour were Anna and Kamryn, two young women from Mobile, Alabama. They were aware of the strikes when they planned their vacation to Los Angeles this week. When asked about the reasons behind the strikes, Kamryn and Anna stumbled over their words, mentioning things like “artificial intelligence” and how people aren’t being paid for their services. They shared an anecdote about an Uber driver who informed them about the strikes. With their tour completed, the two set off to find some stars on the Olive Avenue picket line.
