From Here to There

Transitions are an important element of storytelling in Disney Parks, just as they are in film. Occasionally in a movie, a jump cut might be used for effect, but for the most part cutting quickly from one scene to another is jarring for an audience. The same is true in the parks. The parks tell multiple stories in varying settings. The way those settings transition from one to the next must be handled subtly and artfully.

At Disney's Hollywood Studios, the park features two distinct settings: the Hollywood That Never Was and the Studio Production Center. The division between the two is clearly marked with architectural elements and changes in detail, music, landscape, and graphics.

At Sunset Plaza between the Hollywood Brown Derby and the Chinese Theater is the Studio Arch. Inspired by classic Studio gateways like the one found at the Paramount lot, this sort of structure looks right at home in Hollywood. Pass through to the other side, and now you're behind the scenes.

At the other side of the Chinese Theater, heading down Commissary Lane you first have to pass through Security Gate 1. Of course, in the story of Disney's Hollywood Studios, YOU are the star, so the gate is always open.

There is one other point where Hollywood transitions to the Production Center, and that's as you approach the Backlot toward the Star Tours set. Notice how on the Hollywood side of things there are painted fences around finely kept planters, elegant lampposts, pink pavement, and the "Please Help Keep Our City Clean" trash receptacles.

Move a little closer, and you come to Security Gate 2. As always, the gate is open. Here, the details start to change.

The fence is now just simple piping. The planter is nothing more than sand, stocked with a wide variety of specimens, which might be transplanted to a set on a moment's notice if needed. The lampposts and trash cans are very utilitarian, and even the pavement here is plain grey. This is a working area, distinguished visually from the "showy" areas of Hollywood proper.

Once you enter the Backlot, you might think Disney's Imagineers forgot about transitions, since that area of the park jumps straight from Tattooine to New York to a French seaport. That's the whole idea of a Backlot, though. By simply turning your camera on a different angle, you can make it look like you're somewhere else.

One last note. Next time you're visiting Disney's Hollywood Studios, take a moment to pause at each of these guard shacks and look inside. Each is propped out with details which tell us a little something about the Security Host who might work there. For example, here inside Gate 2 (hard to see in this photo) is a book on acting. It seems everyone wants to break into show business!