Article By Rose Jarrard
I am a student at the Global Academy and over the February half term I was lucky enough to go on the trip to LA. The trip started with us all excited and buzzing at Heathrow airport, about to board a flight which seemed like it lasted forever. We spent the first night exploring the area we were staying in and preparing for the first day.
On the first day we went on the Warner Bros studio tour. Personally, for me this was the highlight of the whole trip. Walking past the lots where some of the most famous movies/TV shows had been made gave an inspiring energy which I loved. Seeing the sets of Friends was a pinch myself moment, as I have watched it from a very young age and consider it to be one of the best TV shows of all time. We then went to the Griffiths Park Observatory to see the iconic Hollywood sign. After taking many photos we then had free time to soak up the sun, take in the views and discuss the day. We then ended the first day with an amazing included meal at the famous Hard Rock Café. The first day for me was definitely the best, and one I will remember for a very long time. It gave me an insight into how the industry works and inspired me in what I want to do.
Seeing the sets of Friends was a pinch myself moment
Rose Jarrard
The second day was just as jam packed as the first, another day which will be hard to top. We started the day with a private tour around one of the most famous venues in LA, The Hollywood Bowl. We learnt about the history of the venue, all the way from the construction to the icons that perform there today. The tiny details that make the performances run smoothly were fascinating and make me think twice when watching something that seemed so effortless. We then headed to an experience which was arranged by Global’s very own Ashley Tabor. We were given an exclusive tour of the iHeart radio studios, along with a detailed talk with some of the companies’ top employees. I found it interesting comparing how iHeart operated compared to Global. Finally, we ended the day by being in the live audience of The Late Late Show with James Cordon. We danced, screamed and laughed whilst enjoying an amazing show with guests Ben Schwartz, Billy Crystal and an unseen Carpool Karaoke from Justin Bieber. As we were about to leave, we were then given another surprise from Ashley Tabor! Who had arranged for us to talk and get advice from Ben Winston the producer of; The Friends Reunion, The Grammys, The Late Late show and many more. This was by far the most inspiring and powerful g:talk I have ever had. We then returned to the hotel still ecstatic.
On Wednesday we went on another studio tour! This time at the amazing Sony Studios. It was jam packed with iconic shows, movies and stars. Whilst walking around we even bumped into Sean Giambrone who plays Adam Goldberg in the Goldbergs! Who allowed us to come and explore the set of the show hours before filming. We then made our way to yet an iconic location. Venice beach. We had hours to take in the scenery, take many photos and have lunch on the sea front. We then had an early night and relaxed by the pool at the hotel.
Thursday, our last full day. We spent the whole day at Universal Studios which was definitely another highlight of my trip. Seeing the backlot where they made some of the most famous movies, going on the studio tour, playing in Simpsons Land, going on rides and more was one of my best memories to date. We spent the whole day there before heading to City Walk for dinner, and returning to the hotel to pack.Our final day, we visited Santa Monica Beach for hours and looked around the surrounding shops. Before heading back to the coach which took us to LAX ready to fly back after one of the best weeks I’ve ever had.
