COL. W. N. SELIG'S first idea in building a studio was to house his marvelous
collection of wild animals and to make motion pictures that included them.
Later it developed that the photoplay was more of an attraction than a zoo,
so he compromised and made the whole front section of his property into
a huge park and zoo for the public and fenced off the other half for stages
where features could be made.
Nearly every requirement for a production may be found right on the lot.
There are swamps, a grove of tall trees that have passed for a forest many
times, and a small lake. The large buildings on the rear of the lot are
the "dark" stages of the Mayer organization. That whole section
of the studio is leased by Louis B. Mayer, an absolutely separate firm.
The Selig studio is about the only one in Los Angeles or Hollywood that
is open to the public. The studio faces on Mission road and is just outside
of Los Angeles proper. |