Connecting with Movie Magic at Universal Studios

...and a suggestion to change the car names on the tram.

Like many L.A. natives, my first brush with Hollywood was during a family visit to Universal Studios as a kid. “Back in my day” they ran a promo where you could buy a day and get the year free, so basically every L.A. resident had a Universal pass, whether they liked it or not.

Photo by Emanuel Ekström on Unsplash

I mainly remember the “American Tail” play area (I also now vaguely remember Fivel Mousekovitz being my first crush), but of course, I remembered the tram ride and it being touted as a real look inside the movie business. My favorite part was driving through the soundstages trying to catch a glimpse of the movie stars and crew members at work. “One day that’ll be me,” I thought dreamily.

Over the years, the Universal lot has held special meaning in my life. We had big family brunches at the Universal Hilton where we spotted other childhood celebrity crushes like Zak Morrison; my prom took place at the Universal Sheraton; the first time I broke curfew was at Universal City Walk; our cheerleading state championships took place at the theme park; it was the first (and 2nd and 5th studio) to pay me for writing work, and I’ve had the great privilege to work on the lot several times.

Universal is far from perfect (I’m looking at you, Treegate), and I have a huge fear of E.T. that had me run out of the room anytime a Universal Studios commercial came on, and still leaves me feeling weary. But as an L.A. native who loves movies and T.V., and still can’t believe I get to work in the business of making movies and T.V., it holds a special place in my heart.

I think a lot of times we can get down about the state of the business and the state of our careers. Nothing ever seems good or stable enough (especially in this past year… especially in these past few years). That’s why it’s so important to connect to the reasons you love it, to begin with.

Last week, my ex and I took our son to Universal and we all rode on the tram ride together, with him in between us. We each leaned in to tell our stories of working on the lot. “That’s where I used to park my car…” “That’s where my old boss and I would sneak into the theme park…oh look, that’s his movie’s set right above us!” “That’s the office I worked in when I found out I was going to write a script for the first time.” We continued until my son shot me a look that said, “Let’s let the tour guide do the talking here, Mom… you hold my hand during the scary parts and my 3D glasses.”

In that moment I realized how connected I am to this business that I always wanted to be a part of, and all I could feel was gratitude. I was cruising down Spielberg Drive with my son, listening to Spielberg talk about his first movie experience sneaking onto the lot, and realizing that as a young P.A., I saw Spielberg walking around that same lot not far from here. Like I said… magic.

But I do have some notes (I’ve worked in this business for 18 years now, I can’t not have notes, you know?), or a suggestion…as it were. The names on the “Tram Cars” are a mess. And I say this as someone with a lot of love in my heart for Universal (see above).

Currently, they are: “Producer Car,” “Director Car,” “Premiere Car,” and “Movie Star Car.” THIS IS NOT AN ACCURATE PORTRAYAL OF THE BUSINESS AT ALL. And premiere car?! Really, Universal? What does that even mean? It doesn’t even match the naming pattern of the rest of the cars. Even the sweet tourists next to me wondered amongst themselves what the heck a “premiere car” car was and I had to physically restrain myself from interjecting with, “I KNOW, RIGHT?!” (but thank you to them for inspiring this post).

So might I make a few suggestions to accurately portray the important roles of Hollywood? It is the tram’s 60th anniversary, after all, what better time to refurbish and rebrand than now? Here’s my pitch:

1. Talent Car - This includes those “movie stars” (what were you thinking putting them in the 4th car?! Talent rides up front and will be the last to arrive), but also the directors, writers, and anyone who would get a trailer. We’re the shiny ones that draw everyone in and should be the front car. But, talent relies on each other and should all be together. Writers need actors. Actors need directors. Etc, Etc.

2. Crew Car - Nothing moves without the crew, and this is why they simply MUST be the number two car— or the engine because that is quite literally who they are in this industry. Quite frankly, the fact they don’t have a “car” at all is ridiculous considering union crew members are most likely the ones who did the most work on the ride, as it is. If nothing else, please change “Premiere Car” (WHICH MAKES NO SENSES FOR SO MANY REASONS) to the “Crew Car.” End rant.

3. Producer Car - This one can stay (see? I’m very reasonable when it comes to notes!) Producers are essential— especially creative execs who champion talent and projects. They can get a bad rap, but a great exec and producer makes all the difference.

4. Audience Car - Here’s the thing, none of this would exist without an audience or market for what we’re doing. That’s what makes it the entertainment business and not entertainment funsies. And like the tram ride likes to remind you (with the help of Paul Rudd, Meryl Streep, Jordan Peele, Jimmy Fallon, and Steven Spielberg), all working members in this industry start as audience members or fans.

Give it some thought, Universal. Take it from someone who knows and loves this business.