Apple TV’s ‘The Studio’ Filmed at 3 John Lautner Houses in L.A.
In Apple TV+’s “The Studio,” a sharp and stylish series that takes a satirical look at Hollywood’s inner workings, viewers are treated to a grand architectural spectacle with the Continental Studios offices. Designed to resemble a temple of cinema by Frank Lloyd Wright, the stunning Mayan Revival style building is actually a fictional creation on the Warner Bros. lot, inspired by Wright’s Ennis House.
While the show’s setting may be a work of fiction, the homes featured in “The Studio” are real gems designed by architect John Lautner. Known for his innovative and iconic designs, Lautner’s homes are a perfect blend of creativity and functionality. From the futuristic Silvertop to the sleek Harvey House and the modular Foster Carling House, these architectural marvels stand the test of time.
In particular, the Harvey House, featured in the first episode of “The Studio,” is a midcentury masterpiece nestled in the Hollywood Hills. Originally built in 1950 for industrialist Leo Harvey, the home boasts a circular wooden courtyard, expansive stone floors, and walls of floor-to-ceiling glass that blur the boundaries between indoors and outdoors. It had a second life when actress Kelly Lynch and her husband restored it to its former glory in the late 90s, infusing $1.5 million into the renovation.
The homes in “The Studio” not only serve as backdrops for the characters but also pay homage to the architectural legacy of Los Angeles. These structures, just like the characters themselves, aspire to be remembered for their bold and visionary design. So, while Apple TV+ pokes fun at Hollywood’s obsession with legacy, it also celebrates the enduring beauty of Lautner’s architectural creations. And who wouldn’t want to see Catherine O’Hara living her best life in a Lautner-designed home?