While I do REALLY enjoy the screenings and guest speakers the WGA Theater offers it's members, I'm constantly torn about returning. It's usually at least 6 months - 1 year between ventures and I'll explain why.... For Valentine's, Hubs decided to treat me to a special screening of "Wuthering Heights", featuring a post Q&A with writer, director, producer Emerald Fennell. Fabulous! I love her works and was eager to see her interpretation of this great classic. I fully enjoyed the movie, had me in tears by the end and joyously gave Ms. Fennell a standing O when she walked out. The Q&A was delightful. SO - the theater and parking are the issues I have. I am SO SURE they have heard the parking complaints for YEARS because, the few times in the last as many years we've come here, the traffic patterns have changed. I'll guess in an effort to find some sort of solution. That solution continues to elude the powers that be. A steady stream of cars turning around in the alley because they weren't made aware before turning off Doheny that the alley entrance was closed was the first issue we saw today. The final challenge was just getting out. We stayed in our car for 15 minutes waiting for a chance clearing to back up and get in line, before deciding we may as well sit in the line. Fortunately, everyone knows the issues and allow those trying to back up and get in line the chance to do so. Allll the way through the garage, hence part of the backup. Secondly, one way out, with an attendant that has to release the gate for each car. Safety issue onto Doheny perhaps? Maybe. So how about leaving the arm to the exit out to the alley open, and stationing an attendant to only allow those turning left into the alley to proceed? Again, I'm sure many different iterations of arriving and departing have been tried, but the fact remains, A THEATER FILLED AMOUNT OF PEOPLE ARE COMING AND GOING. Most are arriving within 1 hour of the start of the film, but ALL ARE ATTEMPTING TO DEPART WITHIN 15 MINUTES OF THE EVENT ENDING! Ugh...moving on. Initially, when the theater got a make-over several years back, there was a strict "No Food" policy. Yes, people would sneak in candies and annoyingly wait until the film had started and it was quiet to then unwrap the treats and even leave little wrappers behind. Then it became, here's a snack bar with small refreshments to enjoy before and after the screening and members now had other items to sneak in. But now, it's like you've given up and given in. Was there really such a DEMAND by movie-viewing, nibbling members, to have eat during a movie that you've fully acquiesce to popcorn and other drinks and snacks freely allowed? It's annoying and dirty. Other guilds DO NOT allow food or drinks in their theaters. They actively monitor for compliance and the focus becomes the movie for the limited amount of time we sit and are focused on the screen. THAT'S cinematic engagement and one of the reasons I prefer a Guild theater. Just not so much the WGAs. I won't bother getting started on the ladies room, with its never-ending line and cramped spacing. I think the entire space is just too small for what WGA members need and deserve. Great programming, sound system, projection, seats and screen, but unless parking and food issues improve, it'll take a really special occasion to return to this mishegas. Cheers! "CC" read more

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I visited Writers Guild Theater for the first time this week for Live Talks Los Angeles' event featuring Amy Tan. The theater and event were great! THEATER: entrance leads into a large open lobby and reception space with a bar on one side (used as a book purchasing station during the event) and the theater to the right. The 473-seat Beverly Hills theater is spacious and comfortable, includes a green room, and hosts talks, red carpet premieres, awards presentations, press, cast and crew screenings, and receptions. EVENT: fellow author Charmaine Craig moderated a 45m conversation and 15m Q&A with legendary author of The Joy Luck Club, The Kitchen God's Wife, The Hundred Secret Senses, and many other books Amy Tan. The talk focused on Amy Tan's new memoir Where the Past Begins and explored topics including Ms. Tan's "neediness" to understand her past, a family legacy of depression, her complex relationship with her mother, and her recent return to drawing. Ms. Tan spoke as elegantly as she writes. The talk was engaging, far-ranging, and well-cadenced. Looking forward to more events at Writers Guild Theater! read more

This theater has a warm, appealing lobby with comfortable chairs and sofas. The actual theater has comfortable seats, although not with stadium seating. The chair fabric is cloth, not tacky plastic. This is the new home to Film Independent screenings, now that LACMA is closing the Bing Theater for good. Adjacent parking is in a garage for $6.00. Located just south of Wilshire on Doheny. read more

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I saw George Saunders at the Writers Guild Theater at the end of February. It was an awesome event, part of the ALOUD series organized by the Library Foundation. There were hundreds of people, a different crowd from the usual library events, mostly by virtue of being several times larger. Saunders is a literary rock star, and this was a good venue for his appearance. Parking was free and easy, in a garage around the corner from the theater entrance. We waited in a long line outside to get into the theater, even with tickets, but once we were in, we were able to find seats easily, in one of the back rows. These weren't the best seats in the house, but they were perfectly good. We had a clear view of the stage, and acoustics were great. I stuck around to get my books signed, and spent some time roaming around the lobby area, talking to friends who happened to be at the event. I passed, but there was a little bar where you could get a drink, a nice amenity at a place like this. I guess the Library Foundation hosts some of its big name authors at the Writers Guild Theater (I was out of town for Colson Whitehead's event last year, but it was here), so I'm sure I'll be back to fan out and get more books signed. Not the main purpose of this theater, I know, but hey, non-screenwriters can be writers, too. read more

Nice place to see a screening. Unlike the DGA, they have food and drinks (no bar though... sigh...). Negatives -- they allow latecomers to enter the theater. Not a practice they should continue. Also, parking can be hard although you're assured before the show that the garage usually just "opens the gates" and doesn't charge anyone. That of course did not happen when I was there. But if you're invited to a screening there, I recommend you go. read more

This is a small theater that you get invited for private screening and viewing of films. We were invited here for a screening for It's Complicated before it was out in the theaters. The theater was medium size. Every Angle where ever you sit will have a good view. It's a good size to get to know people and mingle in the industry. But because it was a private theater, there were no refreshments and the restrooms was out of everything from soap to toilet paper. :-( read more

I've been here a couple of times for KCRW films for anyone who donates. It's a nice theatre. Wish the aisles were bigger, but comfy seats, good screening experience. They also have a large lobby area for wine/mingling and tables and chair so that's good. Not a bad place too watch a free movie. They also usually do Q&As afterward. read more

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Great place for a wonderful presentation and event. Good: Clean, modern, roomy. Bad: Parking can be painful. Final: If you're going to an event, head on over! read more

This is a fairly small theater. At first site, the school style seating appears as if it might be uncomfortable. Surprisingly, though, the seats are quite comfortable. The pitch between rows is also good. As you would expect, the acoustics and screen are state-of-the-art. This is a pleasant theater to view any movie. parking - underground garage read more

Nice, big, clean theater. I've been here twice for the WGA Foundation events. The first was Andy Samberg interviewing Seth Meyers. They were so funny it made me want to quit comedy. The 2nd event was a panel discussing immigrants on TV which was very informative and interesting. I will definitely keep coming back for more. read more

Writers Guild Theater - Cinema Near Me - Beverly Hills, California

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Great theatre. Have only come for special events so not sure when it is open to the public -if ever - but if you get a chance to go via SAG or PGA it's a must try- great Q & A series. Just saw a new Ben Kinglsey movie and he rocked. read more

Came here for a private viewing of a film that we had invested in. For the group, it was the perfect size. I would say it is about the size of one of the smaller rooms in an AMC theater. There is a reception at the entrance with an area to serve refreshments, and I am guessing that there is some kind of food prep area in the back since there were people constantly bringing out food. Since this film was not a major production, and the group was a bit more intimate, it was the perfect size and setting for a group of maybe 300 people. read more

While the sightlines can be challenging for the audience member, I still wholeheartedly recommend WGA Theatre. You need a pass, typically, for events here. So, no, it's not open to the public, per se. Still, it's a sweet venue with excellent previews, talkbacks and special events. And should you have a chance to visit, I would have to say, 'GO!' read more

Love this little theatre for our movie screenings. A good size since every seat has a great view. I am not a fan of the parking though, but there's not much else you can do than park in the parknig structure. Glad we didn't have to pay for parking at least. read more

Great venue. Very large. I love the big lobby. Theater is nice and clean. Great acoustics. Big stage. Comfy seating. Large parking structure next door but can get pricey unless it is comped for an event. Metered parking on street. read more

I got invited to see a screening. Parking: Free street parking. There are metered street parking right across the street. But depending on the screening time, it might be free. Interior: It was clean. It did not look dated nor dingy. Seats: Seats are nice and comfortable. I did not feel crushed nor squeezed in. I felt like I could sit there and watch another movie. But the concession stand was not working. Bummed, How can you not have popcorn during the movies? I wished I had brought some movie snacks with me. Restroom: Male: Relatively clean. It was fully stocked. We watched the movie and stayed for the Q/A with the screenplay writers. I thought I saw the same moderator from my last screening. I guess he moderates all of the movie screenings. Scrolled through my phone to verify if I was correct or not. Yeap. It is the same person. Overall, if you get invited, go enjoy yourself at this nice theater. I would recommend. But, you might need to pack snacks. read more

Completely oblivious of this theater's existence until a friend of mine mentioned a free screening of Gone Girl complimented with a Q&A with the author Gillian Flynn. "Dude....FREE?", I asked.....It was completely free. *Fist pumps repeatedly* Attendants were allowed to park inside the parking structure. Again...for free! First come-first served for good seats. I believe the lobby has popcorn. Movies are trailers-free. I was a bit star-struck when I discovered David Fincher would also be there. He was there for the Q&A segment along with Flynn. Fincher is my favorite filmmaker and Flynn is a great writer. Listening to their stories heavily sprinkled with their dark sense of humor was an unparalleled experience. So, yeah dudes....check out this cool theater if you get the opportunity. read more

Nice Theater, well maintained, and great lighting. Came here for a special event, and very amazed of this place. Small theater, and screen, but good for previews of movies before they hit the big screen. People are very nice, and courteaous. Lots to learn from this place. Recommended for any special film events read more

This place is so pretty. I went here with a date to see a screening of The Square. (Note to single gentles and ladies, do not take dates to see screenings of a documentary on the revolution in Egypt.) Otherwise, it was an awesome experience. The theater was beautiful and well maintained on the inside. Pro tip: only water allowed in the theater read more

Initially I was supposed to go to the DGA (directors guild) for a Q&A with Ben Affleck, Alan Arkin (love alan arkin) for the film Argo and unfortunately missed the event. Luckily I got a chance to screen the film here followed by a Q&A with screenwriter Chris Terrio and the entire event was infinitely better than the usual at the sag foundation... there are fewer people, no line you just walk in- screen the film and you don't have to write down your questions (ridiculous), or carry around several different papers and questionaires you don't want. It was possibly the last projection of the film or will be for some time, so I am very happy I got to see it in a theater setting. read more

Try that I might, I can't not let the fact that yesterday afternoon I got to see John Irving speak with L.A. Times Book Editor David Ulin positively taint the ambiance of the theater facility. Whoa. My sentences are turning into Irving's; I just need more semicolons. What I like: the size of the theater is jut about perfect for this sort of gathering (think: a 20th century novelist of major note, meets the literarti of an illiterate city). The location is swank, yet the popcorn acoustic tiles ceiling is a bit insulting to my aesthetic. What's REALLY insulting to my aesthetic is the cheap Mexican resort bedspread-patterned stage curtain backdrop that hung behind the author of "The Cider House Rules" and "A Prayer for Owen Meaney." I felt like we were at an old-folks home sing-along at first. Parking is great on a Sunday at 4:22 p.m. though, and seats are rather comfy. What matters? read more

I came here for LACHSA's MoonDance event, what an incredible night of celebrating the next generation of filmmakers!!! I can't really say too much about the theater because it was a special event, but I did like what I experienced. Getting to the theater was easy, as long as you have GPS of some sort or you know where you're going. The theater is tucked into a neighborhood and while not completely hidden, blends pretty well into its surroundings. Parking was interesting. There are two entrances, one from the main street and one from an alley. Grab your ticket and find a spot, good luck. It seemed like the first two or three floors were "reserved", for who I'm not sure nor do I know if they're only reserved during typical business hours. That being said, I parked on the third floor and took the stairs down. Inside, the theater was nice. Before the event started, we all packed into the lobby or waited outside on the sidewalk. No complaints here. I never check out the bathrooms so I can't report on that (how the Venti iced coffee didn't warrant a trip I'll never know). From what I understand, concessions let a little to be desired (though, I don't have an idea whose "fault" it is). The theater itself was nice, a mix between an old school movie theater and, well, a school theater. While not much to look at, it got the job done. The seats were comfortable, the sound was great, and everything did the job it was supposed to do. Overall, everyone had a great night! read more

Medium sized screening room, but not the most comfortable setup. I feel like the screen is placed too high in comparison to the seats and I was craning my neck. Sound and picture quality were fine. There is an attached garage that is a $5 flat fee upon exit, although they simply opened the gates at the end of the screening I attended and nobody had to pay. The large lobby was very comfortable to wait in and the staff very friendly! read more

Nice venue. Their screening series is great, and the location, although far from home, is on a quiet stretch of Doheny Drive with plenty of options for parking. Their newest addition deserves an applaud - the lobby now serves popcorn and pastries by Homeboy Industries. read more

No previews, quiet, great Q & A, with writers & new & improved sound system, seats & more...love it.

A nice little theater for WGA panels and the like. The seats aren't particularly comfortable and if you need to grab a bite to eat before your event, there's only one restaurant within a couple of blocks. Eat first and hope the traffic isn't too bad the night you need to get here! read more

Here with a award winning writer - to see a Downton Abbey writers panel. I'm a bit star struck.

Love the theater. Been coming here for about a year now. Great experience. And movies are preview free!

Love going to WGA screenings. Terrific films (usually); Informative Q&As.

I give it 4 starts because the seats could be newer. The sound is good and I like the ucla film class. The projection is excellent.

Service was not great but the show was the best i have seen in a long time .

Nice place, yesterday I Saw Nothing to Lose... its was a very good moment! And the place has a bigger lobby for reception friends and guests, so my night was perfect, and I really enjoy the Premiere for Nothing to Lose! Thank you so much. read more

Great theatre with super comfy seats--an ideal spot to go screenings with your favorite guild members. There's paid parking underneath, or pretty ample free street parking if you're willing to walk a bit. read more

Beautiful experience today I saw Red Turtle. Next movie is about one of my all time favorite poets Pablo Neruda. Apart from Calderon de La Barca Neruda is como la vida es un sueno - y los suenos suenos son. read more