A "backlot" is a nickname for a large area that is usually used as a filming or sound stage for a movie or television show. These areas range anywhere from one acre to an area the size of a massive parking lot. They are usually outdoors, but sometimes they are housed, the size of airplane hangars. Paramount Studios, Disney Studios, MGM, Sony and most of the other well-known studios have lots of very large backlots all over the country. A backlot is a place that has fairly strong security and is not available to the general public. The only way to gain entry into a backlot is either by employment or invitation.