PETER STADDON

It doesn't necessarily take marketing genius for an executive at a major studio's DVD department to realize that embracing an Internet forum like ours is a smart move.

However, it took ONE MAN to realize the potential of the Internet and the consumer base that existed on forums like ours. That man is PETER STADDON, and he has done what no other studio has still yet to do -- become part of an interactive internet forum where you actually get involved with and consult the consumers who buy your product.

There is another reason why PETER STADDON continues to embrace our membership. He has sought the help of our membership to build his own Home Theater. He has a genuine love for Home Theater, and he has joked many times that our forum has caused him quite an expendature in upgrading his equipment.

There is no denying that because of PETER STADDON, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment is leading the pack in putting out some of the best DVD product. He is a competitive individual that strives to do better than the other studios. In the small amount of time a few of us got to spend with him in LA, we realized that he is also is a genuine, sincere and down-to-earth individual who really is (as former Fox President Pat Wyatt puts it) "ONE OF US!".

(Left) Fox offices located above the lot at Fox Plaza. (Above) A large soundstage adorned with a mural from THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK.

(Left) A “closed set” for NYPD BLUE. (Right) Large soundstage adorned with a mural of THE SIMPSONS.

Our group is on the move across the Fox lot. In the rear is the space capsule from Burton’s PLANET OF THE APES.

(Above) Members gather for a special “X-Men” DVD release Press Party

(Above) After Peter Staddon conducts a group interview, HTF members are treated to having pictures taken and DVDs signed from Director Bryan Singer and Marvel Comics Stan Lee.

(Left) We presented Peter Staddon with a card and gift for his upcoming marriage. (Above) Robert Crawford wins a copy of “Monkeybones.”

HTF owners Ron Epstein and Parker Clack receive a commemorative showcase of Fox’s first year of DVD releases.

(Left) Peter Staddon has more stuff to give away! (Right) Ron Epstein, David Tolsky, Peter Staddon, Bill Hunt

Taking a tour of the studio wardrobe department we see original props from the “Aliens” films.

Prior to screening a film, members gather around Peter Staddon outside the “Little Theater.” (Right) Gregg Staten.

With the help of the studio, Aaron Silverman stages a huge proposal to his girlfriend, Lucy, inside the Little Theater. Moments later, the entire group gathers outside for cake and a champaigne toast.

Fox always feeds us well. This particular occasion was an omelet breakfast.

PARAMOUNT STUDIOS

(Top) The studio’s main gate on Melrose. (Right) HTF owner Parker Clack stands in front of the original gate located inside the studio.

(Left) Members arrive early in the studio parking lot. Behind them, you can see a huge sky backdrop that is used for filming famous motion picture water sequences. (Right) For the first time in over a year, Paramount's huge water tank that sits in their parking lot was filled with water. We all had the opportunity to see a ski-boat water sequence being filmed for their upcoming motion picture, Orange County.

A camera rises in the foreground of the studio water tower.

(Left) Our group gathers for the studio tour. (Right) Hop on board the studio golf cart!

(Top) Robert George and Parker Clack sit on the infamous bench used in Forrest Gump. (Left) The

private vaults of Paramount Pictures where thousands of film and television masters are stored in a temparature and security controlled environment.

A visit to the studio archive was an amazing experience. Here lies rows upon rows of original masters. (Above) you can see original reels for RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK.

A trip to the New York backlot and a chance sighting of actor Michael McKean.

The studio’s state-of-the-art screening theater located on the lot.

Our host, Martin Blythe, treats us to a screening of upcoming titles and then fields questions from attending members.

These are some of the the men who work "behind-the-scenes" at PHV. Let me introduce you to Ron Smith and Garrett Smith who are involved in restoring Paramount titles for DVD. (Right) Garrett gives our group a presentation.

(Top) Martin Blythe is presented with a HTF jacket. (Right) David Tolsky, Martin Blythe, Phil Murphy, Ron Smith, Ron Epstein, Garrett Smith.

WARNER BROTHERS

Welcome to the Warner studio tour. Though the studio never officially sponsored a visit for our meets, we had a great time taking the studio tour on our own dime.

The backlot is full of facades of small towns and city streets where there is always some sort of film or television production being lensed.

It is now winter on the set of "E.R.", and to create winter in 70-degree heat, you need to line the streets with white blankets that look like snow. The streets also get sprayed with a sticky snowy substance. Seth Paxton poses next to the Hospital sign.

Warner has an extensive western set on their backlot. Here members visit the ol’ west and step inside the Saloon. (Bottom) Seth Paxton gives a punch to Rob Gillespie in the very spot where Mongo punches the horse in BLAZING SADDLES.

GREMLINS fans will recognize Mr. Changs shop and the stairs leading down to it.

(Right) Adjacent to Mr. Chang’s shop is the alleyway where Spider-Man first kissed Mary Jane uin the rain. (Bottom) This is the largest sound stage in Hollywood.

(Left) Fans of TVs “Batman” will recognize these steps that lead to Commisioner Gordon’s office. (Right) This train overpass was featured in the film “Blade Runner.”

(Left) Sandra poses with a studio guide while members (Right) explore a cave from “The Goonies.”

Hey Look! We are invited on the set of “Friends.”

DreamWorks Studios

Members arrive at DreamWorks Animation Studio which resembles more of a college campus than a working studio.

Members enter the Campanile Theater where they are treated to breakfast and a screening of “Gladiator” and “Shrek.”

Through the halls connecting the various production offices to a visit to the Studio Store

Many thanks to our hosts: Cheryl Glenn, Mark Atkinson and Missy Davy

SONY STUDIOS

Welcome to Sony Studios located in Culver City. Though we were not allowed to take photos on the lot, we are highly appreciative to Fritz Friedman for inviting our group out for lunch and a tour.

WELCOME, MIKE KNAPP, DAVID TOLSKY, LOCAL MEETS, THE STUDIOS,

EVENTS, EATING, SCOOTERPALOOZA, PEOPLE, SIGHTS & TPIR, PRESS EVENTS