We had the good fortune of connecting with “To Live And Let Die In L.A.” and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi “To Live and Let Die in L.A.”, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Hello, we are Neil McNally and Steve Kilcullen, and we’re the founders of the James Bond 007 social and film club “To Live and Let Die in L.A.”

The thought process behind it was a simple one. We wanted to bring the James Bond lifestyle and film adventures back to Los Angeles. For a city that is the movie capital of the world, the 007 way of thinking and approach to the finer things in life was something that was sorely lacking. Through six social meet-ups and six screenings of Bond movies per year, we have grown into a club that gives serious and casual fans alike an opportunity to meet new people, try new restaurants/cocktail bars, go to the movies, and for one evening be a part of the fantastic world of 007!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets us apart from most people is that we’re both two determined and passionate individuals. When we set our minds to something, we do it. Most people know about James Bond and the movies he’s in. However, that’s about as far as it goes for them. But, for us, James Bond was a key to opening up a larger world where people can come together and have a moment. It’s art in a way, but on a purely experiential and larger scale.

We’re not only proud of what it has become in under a year, but excited for what the future holds for it. Each month has become the center of Bond fandom in Los Angeles. Whether it’s watching a James Bond adventure in a darkened theater with over a hundred people, or having a good dinner at a British pub, this was the goal we visualized 100% from the outset.

What helped us in achieving this was that both our backgrounds are in film, writing, and performing. Film administration in particular is a great field to learn how to multi-task, and get many things done in a short amount of time. This has been key in planning each monthly event for “To Live and Let Die in L.A.” Film production is an industry that is never easy. But, if you put your time into it, you develop life and organizational skills that will stay with you from job to job. Patience and a positive attitude are also essential to success in a field filled with differing personalities and egos. That, and a Vodka Martini, of course.

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.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
For us, there’s been so many people out there that have guided and shaped who we are. But, where do you start with an organization such as this? What really is the impetus for its being? For that, then you have to go back to the start of James Bond as a literary character. All this begins with his creator, Ian Fleming.

Fleming was, and still is, a complicated figure in pop culture. However, what he imbued in the character of James Bond is style, humor, panache, and sheer elegance. It’s the essence of the man that we try to remember every time we plan a social gathering and screening. If we’re half as successful as what he put on paper, then we’ve done our job right.

Website: https://www.toliveandletdieinla.com

Instagram: @toliveandletdieinla

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

Youtube: @ToLiveandLetDieinLA

Other: Our podcast “To Live and Let Die in L.A.: The Podcast,” is currently available on Spotify and You Tube.

Image Credits
Copyright: “To Live and Let Die in L.A”

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