Movie studios are the wondrous, almost magical locales where not just films, but legends, are created. Unfortunately, these celebrity playgrounds are, and always have been, largely hidden from public view. Although some movie studios offer tours, few guests from outside the Hollywood community have ever been witness to the artistry, politics, and scandals that routinely go on behind the soundstage walls and away from the carefully orchestrated scenes visible to them from their tram carts. In this book, studio staff historian and Hollywood insider Steven Bingen throws open Hollywood’s iron gates and takes you inside the greatest and yet most mysterious movie studio of them all: Warner Bros. Long home to the world’s biggest stars and most memorable films and television shows, the Warner Bros. Studio lot functions as a small city and is even more fascinating, glamorous, and outrageous than any of the stars or movies that it has been routinely minting for more than ninety years. Accompanied by stunning behind-the-scenes photos and maps, and including a revealing backstory, this book is your ticket to a previously veiled Hollywood paradise.

"In this well-organized and meticulously reasearched book, he describes the start of the company, how the movie studio in Burbank came into being, and how it is used to produce films and TV shows. The photos contained are absolutely amazing. . . .This really enjoyable read makes history come alive while also giving one an idea of what a lot of work it takes to create 'movie magic'. Highly recommended for all who enjoy film history, California history, and Warner Bros. movies." - Library Journal

"Saved from early bankruptcy by a dog - box-office wunderpoock Rin Tin Tin - the Burbank studio named after founding siblings Harry, Albert, Sam, and Jack has had a storied history. Bingen's handsome coffee table tome tells that story, with great archival photos and a film historian's rigorous attention to detail - from backlot architecture to the actors, directors, designers, and costumers who walked, and biked, among offices and soundstages and commissaries to make movies that would capture a nation's imagination." - Philadelphia Tribune

"Warner Bros.: Hollywood’s Ultimate Backlot works tirelessly to reveal the historical and cinematic history of the infamous movie studio. Steven Bingen. . . .spins a tale of movie magic and takes readers through a 'studio book tour.' Bingen is aided by his personal history of acting as a tour guide at the Warner Bros. studio as well as serving as a staff historian. He incorporates a fun, eloquent prose into the text, the way he would as a guide a tour of the lot. He also features maps scattered throughout the text, colorfully marking soundstages and backlots. . . .Bingen, together with his team of writers and researchers, carefully analyze the history, evolution and meaning of the lots, as they have played host to a large number of television shows, shorts and films. . . .[T]he book permits an opportunity to marvel in the meaning of its space. The book also provides an appendix of production shots, as complete as possible granted the history of the studio, commencing as early as 1928. . . .The book permits the opportunity to travel back and discover the history associated with the sets and buildings." - Tribute

"Ever wish you could sneak into Warner Brothers backlot and learn the studio’s secrets? Bingen’s handsome, coffee table book enables you to do just that. You’ll tour the soundstages, offices and acreage, finding out the glamorous film history. Fascinating anecdotes abound. . . .You’ll discover details of so many facets of filmmaking, including set design, props, costumes and more. There are loads of interesting photos to peruse." - Pop Culture Classics