subject: Bavarian Film Studios And Munich In The Movies [print this page] Many people think of Hollywood when they think of the moviesbut there loads of other places where the magic of the movies unfolds. From Pinewood Studios in England to the film industry base in Vancouver, British Columbia, famous cinematic moments have been shot in locations all over the world. One such place is the Bavarian Film Studios in the town of Geiselgasteig, about 40 minutes outside of Munich. If visiting the Bavarian capital, consider a tour of the studios and see some of the props and sets of their most famous productions. Wherever you stay, whether it is the Hilton Munich Park or elsewhere, the concierge will certainly be able to help you organize the excursion.
Considered one of Europes most famous and largest production companies, the Bavarian Film Studios are an important part of German cinematic history and culture. Established in 1919 by Peter Ostermayr under the name Emelka, in 1932 the studio changed owners and became Bavaria Film Studios, but the momentum gained quickly vanished when Hitler was elected in 1933 and many of the employees left the industry. During WWII, the studio was merged with the others to become state-controlled, and remained so until 1956 when it was re-privatized through bank investment efforts.
While today the studios focus mainly on productions for television, many notable films have been made there. In 1925 Alfred Hitchcock shot his first feature film The Pleasure Garden on the site and was followed up by such classics as The Great Escape, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Cabaret, and The Never Ending Story. If taking a tour of the studios, you will get the chance to see props and set pieces from these films along with other fascinating film memorabilia and technology.
Munich itself has been the setting for countless films and television shows as well, and wherever you are in the city, from a cafe near the Hilton Munich City to a restaurant on Marienplatz, a familiar location is cloase by. From a tour around Munich to a visit to the Bavarian Studios, film history is never far off.
