We had the good fortune of connecting with Neil McNally & Steve Kilcullen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Neil McNally & Steve Kilcullen, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The thought process behind starting “To Live and Let Die in L.A.” was a simple one. The James Bond films and character have been around for over 70 years. However, within that time there had never been a formal organization in Los Angeles centered around and celebrating James Bond 007.

Our goal is twofold. One is to have regular bi-monthly 4K screenings of the James Bond films at the Culver Theater. Those screenings are essentially mini-conventions with speakers, guests, and signings. They have become quite the center of Bond fandom in LA, and frequently sell out.

Secondly, we hold regular social meetups which include cocktail and 007 related social events within the LA area. It’s a way for fans to experience what the city has to offer in terms of food, drink, and community.

Person standing next to a yellow and black auto rickshaw display at a museum, with a large screen nearby.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets our club apart is that there is nothing like it in Los Angeles, and we always aim to outdo ourselves through screenings, events, and special guests as much as possible. It’s that uniqueness that keeps it always exciting and fresh for members and attendees.

Steve and I got to where we are through an abashed passion for film and pop culture as a whole. It was this love, and working in the film industry in various capacities, that allowed us to have a singular vision in how to approach a 007 club in the first place. Putting these events together on a rotating monthly basis can be challenging, hard, and it makes you wear many hats. However, it’s the organizational skills we had, and have gained along the way, that have shown us that if we can visualize it, then it can happen.

We’d like the world to know that “To Live and Let Die in L.A.” is only going to grow and grow. In fact, this July is the 20th anniversary of the Daniel Craig classic “Casino Royale.” In honor of that, we are teaming up with James Bond influencer extraordinaire, David Zaritsky of “The Bond Experience,” to throw a weekend celebration July 24th-26th. This will culminate in a never before seen remastered edition of “Casino Royale” beings screened on Saturday, July 25th. Tickets are almost sold out, so grab them while you can. For more info, please visit:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gatherall-west-tickets-1982077285517?aff=oddtdtcreator

Four movie posters and a life-sized cutout of a man in a suit inside a theater lobby.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There’s literally so much to choose from in Los Angeles. But, if we had to show someone the L.A. that we like, it would definitely include stops at:

Dear John’s (Culver City): A classic 1950s/60s Sinatra tinged restaurant which serves up some of the best steaks and cocktails around. Ol’Blue Eyes would be proud.

Formosa Cafe (West Hollywood): Simply an institution. If you’re looking for some of the best Chinese food and Mai Tais, you’ve come to the right place. Ask for the Elvis Presley booth!

Skylight Books (Los Feliz)-One of the most relaxing bookstores. Its eclectic collection of LA centric and art books is hands down one of the best, and most fun. Who also doesn’t like a bookstore that has a tree growing in its center?

The Bradbury Building (Downtown LA): This 19th-century wonder’s ornate interior and stairways have been featured in many, many movies and TV shows. It’s one of the most famous buildings in the world, and if you didn’t know it was there you’d blink and miss it.

The Academy Museum (Miracle Mile)-An incredible collection of movie history. It’s a place that’s easy to get lost in…in a good way.

The Culver Theater (Los Feliz)-Quentin Tarantino’s vintage movie theater which screens anything on any given day. Its elegant interior conjures up an Egyptian theme destined to sweep you away into the magic of the movies.

Hollywood Forever Cemetery (Hollywood): It’s here you can visit the graves of hundreds of Hollywood celebrities past and present. All the while, stay for the concerts, festivals, and movie nights. It’s “Day of the Dead” celebration is something to behold.

Musso and Frank’s (Hollywood): At over one hundred years old, this Hollywood dining mainstay is a place James Bond himself would feel right at home in. From its cool interior, to its excellent Martinis, you’re bound to feel shaken, not stirred.

Movie poster featuring a woman and a child, with a man in the background, and text about the film's release.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
We are always indebted to the great work and support of Tom Beddow, Director of Programming & Events at The Culver Theater.

Without Tom and the theater, “To Live and Let Die in L.A” would not have been able to grow in the leaps and bounds it has over the past year.

Website: https://www.toliveandletdieinla.com/

Instagram: @toliveandletdieinla

Facebook: To Live and Let Die in LA-Los Angeles

Youtube: @ToLiveandLetDieinLA

Audience seated in a dark theater, facing a stage with bright overhead lights, some people watching attentively.

Movie theater screen displaying promotional images and text for a film event, with audience seated in front.

Display table with movie memorabilia, sketches, and a helmet, with screens and posters in the background.

Two cocktails on a bar counter, one in a coupe glass with a lemon slice, the other in a rocks glass with an orange peel, Beverly Bar napkins, bar bottles in background.

Image Credits
Person on Motorbike: Neil McNally

Person Doing Pistol Shot with Hands: Steve Kilcullen

Film Posters: Bob Mitsch

Prop Collection: Alan Stephenson

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.