The largest stage on the Sony Pictures Studio lot is Stage 15, built in 1927. With a capacity of more than 42,000 square feet and at 40 feet in height, this makes it the second largest sound stage in the world – the (James Bond) 007 sound stage at Pinewood Studios in England is the largest boasting over 45,000 square feet. Stage 15 has been used for many memorable films, most famously MGM’s The Wizard of Oz as well as other Columbia Pictures’ hits such as Men in Black I and II, Stuart Little, My Best Friend’s Wedding, Air Force One and Spider-Man I and II.  It is also used regularly for numerous commercials, rehearsal space and the VH1 Big Awards and MTV Movie Awards shows. 

WATER TOWER

The Water Tower at Sony Pictures Studios has been a defining symbol of the studio since it was built in 1937. It was designated with “significant” status by Culver City’s Historic Preservation Advisory Committee for its historical importance. With a diameter of over 33 feet, the tank can hold up to 16,000 gallons of water, which is pumped from a large, active well underneath the tank. The great height of the tower creates the pressure needed to distribute the water. Although no longer actively used for water storage, the tank is always connected to the fire sprinkler system on the lot in case of emergency. At 160 feet tall, the water tower is a studio icon than can be seen throughout the Culver City community from several miles away.