Stage 1 was home to the first TV show shot at Universal: "The Jack Benny Show"
The original control booth from live TV broadcasts still exists inside! The show was filmed here between 1961 and 1965 when it finished.
The stage was specifically constructed for audience participation TV shows between 1959 and 1961 following MCA's takeover of the studio property (when it was known as Revue Studios).
In August 2007 plans were announced to demolish Stage 1 and rebuild it to a higher specification for the high profile Tonight Show, currently presented by Jay Leno. The show is filmed at NBC Studios in Burbank, and as Stage 1 is the nearest stage to the main entrance to the lot, it would an ideal venue for the show.
As well as a re-built multi-purpose stage (configured in theater layout for shows with a live audience) there will be an audience reception area and offices.
From Hollywood Today article (16 August 2007):
Stage One held many great Universal movies and TV shows. It was constructed in 1961 as one of the first major additions following MCA’s takeover of the studio property. It was specifically built to be the home of the then popular Jack Benny Show, which was produced there until it went off the air in 1965. For many years after, it continued to be known as “The Jack Benny Stage.” The TV show “Knight Rider,” used Stage One, as did the movies “Jurassic Park III,” “Hulk” and “Bruce Almighty.”
Studio
Specifications from www.filmmakersdestination.com |
| Stage
1 Area (sq.ft.):9200 Length (feet):100 Width (feet):92 Height (feet-inches):29-0 Floor Material:Wood over concrete sub floor Pits/Tanks (LxWxH):None Door Openings (WxH):E18-0x19-10 |
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