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AI & Hollywood - the good, the bad, and the "who knows?"

Wow! This has been an unavoidable conversation on our private Los Angeles tours. We are ready to talk about it! Or are we? Wanting to remain objective as professionals in the tourism industry, we have to look at this as - the good, the bad, and the “who knows?” So, as we see it….

The Good (maybe)

Artificial intelligence (AI) is already having an impact on Hollywood and the entertainment industry, and its influence is likely to continue growing. Here are some areas that we see as “good.” Maybe.

  1. Better audience analysis: AI can be used to analyze data from social media, streaming platforms, and other sources to gain a better understanding of audience preferences and behavior. This information can be used to make better decisions about what movies to make and how to market them. A quicker way to give the people what they want!

  2. Improved special effects: AI can be used to create more realistic and sophisticated special effects. For example, deep learning algorithms can be used to create computer-generated imagery (CGI) that is indistinguishable from real life. A long as it stays in the movies and we know the difference going in, a good thing!

  3. Streamlined production: AI can help streamline the production process by automating certain tasks such as scheduling, budgeting, and even scriptwriting. Mostly good. Call us old-fashioned but we like our stories written by good old human beings.

  4. Personalized content: AI can be used to create personalized content based on individual viewer preferences. For example, Netflix is already using AI to recommend movies and TV shows to its users based on their viewing history. This changes the entire concept of “other people also watched” to a much more robust function.

  5. New storytelling techniques: AI can be used to create new and innovative storytelling techniques, such as interactive movies or choose-your-own-adventure-style content. Maybe good. Maybe weird.

With a big “maybe” stamped on it, there is good potential for AI to revolutionize Hollywood. However, just like the devil that sits on the opposite shoulder, there are concerns.

The Bad (without question)

Elon Musk has expressed concerns about the potential dangers of artificial intelligence (AI) and has called for caution in its development. Musk believes that if AI is not properly regulated, it could pose an existential threat to humanity. One of the reasons why Musk wants to pause AI development is the potential for AI to become superintelligent and develop goals that are misaligned with human values. This could lead to scenarios where AI takes actions that are harmful to humanity, either intentionally or unintentionally. Musk has referred to this as the "AI control problem" and believes that it is crucial to solve this problem before AI becomes too advanced. He has also expressed concerns about the potential for AI to be used as a weapon in warfare, as well as the potential for AI to exacerbate wealth inequality and other social issues. Musk's concerns about AI stem from a belief that it is a powerful technology that could have unintended consequences if not properly regulated and controlled. By pausing AI development, he hopes to create a space for researchers and policymakers to carefully consider the ethical implications of AI and ensure that its development proceeds in a way that benefits humanity as a whole.

The “Who Knows?” (just for fun)

Who knows, maybe private Los Angeles tours will be conducted by robots that escort you around major cities and have evolved into being able to give a good hug.

The most famous Marilyn Monroe dress!

When we have a Marilyn Monroe fan on a private Los Angeles tour it’s pretty exciting for us because there is no shortage of stories and places to showcase. We have several tricks up our sleeve! One famous Los Angeles celebrity story involves Marilyn Monroe and her iconic white dress from the movie "The Seven Year Itch." In the film, Monroe famously stands over a subway grate, with the wind blowing up her dress. The scene became an instant classic and has been referenced and parodied in countless films and TV shows over the years.

What many people don't know is that the scene was actually filmed in New York City, not Los Angeles. However, when the film premiered in Los Angeles, the city went wild for Monroe's performance and the iconic dress. The dress itself was designed by William Travilla, a Hollywood costume designer who was known for his glamorous and sexy designs.

After the film's premiere, Travilla kept the dress in his personal collection, and it eventually ended up in the hands of a private collector. In 2011, the dress was auctioned off for a staggering $4.6 million, making it one of the most expensive pieces of film memorabilia ever sold.

The dress remains a beloved piece of Hollywood history and a symbol of Monroe's enduring appeal and beauty.

Sept. 9, 1954 file photo Marilyn Monroe re film: “The Seven Year Itch.”  (AP Photo/Matty Zimmerman, File)

Sept. 9, 1954 file photo Marilyn Monroe re film: “The Seven Year Itch.” (AP Photo/Matty Zimmerman, File)

A frequent request: Craigs LA

Craig's Los Angeles

Craig’s Los Angeles

With more than half of our private Los Angeles tours being customized before our guests arrive at LAX, securing reservations for our clients at the most popular restaurants is something we are happy to do. Craig’s has been at the top of the list for a long time, and for good reason. This hot-spot has been in operation since 2011. It is known for its upscale American cuisine, celebrity sightings, and a trendy atmosphere. The restaurant is owned by Craig Susser, a longtime restaurateur who previously co-owned Dan Tana's, a popular Italian restaurant in West Hollywood. Susser opened Craig's Restaurant in the same location as Dan Tana's after the latter restaurant moved to a new location. Craig's Restaurant has since become a hotspot for celebrities and locals alike, with its classic American menu featuring dishes like steaks, chops, and seafood, as well as a bar serving signature cocktails. In recent years, Craig's Restaurant has also become known for its philanthropic efforts, hosting events and fundraisers for various charitable causes.



History of the Playboy Mansion

The Playboy Mansion

Photo: Jim Bartsch

We get a lot of questions about the Playboy Mansion on our private Los Angeles Tours and helicopter charters. The Playboy Mansion is a large estate located in the Holmby Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. It was built in 1927 by architect Arthur R. Kelly for Arthur Letts Jr., the son of the founder of the Broadway department store. The mansion was designed in the Gothic-Tudor style and features 29 rooms, a wine cellar, a screening room, a game room, a gym, a tennis court, and a swimming pool.

In 1971, the Playboy magazine founder Hugh Hefner purchased the mansion for $1.1 million and made it his home. The mansion became the headquarters of Playboy Enterprises and was also used for many of the company's events and photo shoots.

Over the years, the mansion became known for its lavish parties and celebrity guests, and it became a symbol of the Playboy lifestyle. Many famous celebrities, including actors, musicians, and athletes, attended parties at the mansion, and the Playboy bunnies became an iconic part of the brand's image.

In 2011, the mansion was put up for sale, but Hugh Hefner continued to live there until his death in 2017 at the age of 91. The mansion was eventually sold to Daren Metropoulos, the son of a billionaire investor who had previously bought the neighboring property in 2009.

Since the sale, the mansion has undergone renovations, and it is now primarily used as a private residence. However, the iconic swimming pool and other parts of the estate have been used for events and photo shoots, continuing the legacy of the Playboy Mansion as a symbol of glamour and luxury.

Dodgers Holiday Festival

We are encouraging all of our clients on daily private tours of Los Angeles to attend the Dodgers Holiday Festival in the evening! The beautiful, newly-renovated Centerfield Plaza, the warning track, and both bullpens complete with nightly entertainment, an ice skating rink, scenic and light displays, holiday-themed food and beverage, and an opportunity to take photos with Santa! Tickets can be purchased here.

OPEN THROUGH DECEMBER 23, 2021

Weekdays: 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Saturdays and Sundays: 3:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

*Closed 12/13-12/15

Marina Del Rey Holiday Boat Parade Saturday, December 11th 2021

The 59th annual Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade, hosted by the Marina Del Rey Holiday Boat Parade Committee, will take place on Saturday, December 11th 2021. It all begins at 5:55pm with a fireworks show followed by the parade from 6pm to 8pm. 

In its nearly six decades of operation, the Holiday Boat Parade has been an all-encompassing event for residents and visitors alike, providing a unique experience that brings together Southern California's diverse communities in celebration of the holidays. Boating is one of Southern California's most popular winter pastimes but it is also one of its only events where spectators have an opportunity to interact with participants, generating a festive atmosphere where families can socialize and share this unique experience together. December 11th, 2021 in Marina Del Rey. Contact us for the best viewing spots on land or if you would like to charter a private yacht to be immersed in all of the holiday fun!

Vintage Speakeasy new to Los Angeles

The brand new Los Angeles Bathtub Gin, famous in New York is now in Los Angeles and opening today! Our guests are going to love this new gem of an arrival! A new bar serving classic drinks with a twist of prohibition-era cocktails, coupled with the vibe of old-school bohemian bathhouses.

Bathtub Gin is the creation of Dave Oz, who first created the concept in Manhattan. The Los Angles Bathtub Gin has cleverly nestled the sibling Stone Street Coffee on Melrose & Formosa.

The speakeasy menu includes concoctions such as The Smoky Old Fashioned, The New Yorker, and even a Moscow Mule. We will be rooting for this establishment and sending over our discerning clientele to wind-down post-private Los Angeles tours.

Hey Tour Guide... Play Lil Nas X - MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)

We get a lot of song requests on our Private Los Angeles Tours and we know Lil Nas X - MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name) is going to be a track that stands the test of time. The lyrics combined with the video deliver a powerful message of pride and individuality with Lil Nas X alter-egos, historically inspired scenes, mythology, an intimate session with an alien version of himself, a… well, we have already said too much! Just watch and listen!

We loved watching Hannah grow up into Miley!

If you have not seen the letter that Miley Cyrus wrote to Hannah Montana 15 years later, give it a look. As private tour guides in Los Angeles since 2004, we can’t help but have warm smiles on our faces after reading it. As the world knows, not every child star blossoms in the same way. Good for you, Miley! Thank you for sharing such a personal piece with the rest of us!

L. Vernon Briggs

Day thirty-one, and the FINAL DAY of our daily readings from “Dear Los Angeles,” a collection of letters and diary entries from 1542 to 2018, while all of us quarantine in 2020. Can you believe it’s been a whole month already?!

Today’s entry from 1882 comes from L. Vernon Briggs, who was a pioneering forensic psychiatrist. We think it’s an appropriate end to the series.

If you’re finding yourself hooked, we highly recommend getting your own copy to keep on the coffee table. Support Local before heading to Amazon. Pages here in Manhattan Beach is offering online and phone orders with curbside pick-up, local delivery, and shipping options.

We love you and we miss you, Los Angeles!


L. Vernon Briggs

L. Vernon Briggs

Dear Los Angeles

Dear Los Angeles

Dylan Thomas

Day twenty-nine of our daily readings from “Dear Los Angeles,” a collection of letters and diary entries from 1542 to 2018, while all of us quarantine in 2020.

Today’s entry from 1950 comes from a love letter written by poet Dylan Thomas to his wife Caitlin. In it he mentions several other notable names, one of which we’ve featured here.

Despite the tone of the letter, their marriage was actually full of drama, alcohol and infidelity.

We love you, Los Angeles!


Dylan Thomas

Dylan Thomas

Caitlin Thomas

Caitlin Thomas

Trailer for “Love Somehow,” a film about Caitlin Thomas's relationship with the poet Dylan Thomas

Edward Weston - The Father

Day twenty-eight of our daily readings from “Dear Los Angeles,” a collection of letters and diary entries from 1542 to 2018, while all of us quarantine in 2020.

Today’s entry from 1928 is from the diary of Edward Weston, who we previously featured here. He writes about an outing to Santa Monica with his sons.

We love you, Los Angeles!


Weston and his sons

Weston and his sons

An example of men’s bathing suits circa 1928

An example of men’s bathing suits circa 1928

Ross Macdonald

Day twenty-seven of our daily readings from “Dear Los Angeles,” a collection of letters and diary entries from 1542 to 2018, while all of us quarantine in 2020.

Today’s entry from 1972 is from a letter written by crime fiction author Ross Macdonald (the pen name for Kenneth Millar), to another author named Eudora Welty. They had a complex relationship, an “almost romance” which took place mainly through their written correspondence over many years. Their fascinating story is written up here and here.

We love you, Los Angeles!


Kenneth Millar aka Ross Macdonald

Kenneth Millar aka Ross Macdonald

Eudora Welty

Eudora Welty

William Henry Jackson

Day twenty-six of our daily readings from “Dear Los Angeles,” a collection of letters and diary entries from 1542 to 2018, while all of us quarantine in 2020.

Today’s entry from 1867 comes from William Henry Jackson, a photographer who captured some of the earliest images of the American West. There are some good reads about him here and here.

We love you, Los Angeles!


William Henry Jackson

William Henry Jackson

One of his photographs showing Yosemite

One of his photographs showing Yosemite

Don Herold

Day twenty-five of our daily readings from “Dear Los Angeles,” a collection of letters and diary entries from 1542 to 2018, while all of us quarantine in 2020.

Today’s entry from 1934 comes from humorist Don Herald, commenting on what seems to be an age-old debate.

We love you, Los Angeles!


Don Herold

Don Herold

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Some of Herold’s illustrations

Some of Herold’s illustrations

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Quotes attributed to Don Herold

A humorist is a person who feels bad, but who feels good about it.
Don’t ever slam a door, you might want to go back.
Golf may be a hussy, but I love her.
If I had my life to live over, I would perhaps have more actual troubles but I’d have fewer imaginary ones.
It is a good thing that life is not as serious as it seems to a waiter.
It takes a lot of things to prove you are smart, but only one thing to prove you are ignorant.
Man is the only animal that plays poker.
Moralizing and morals are two entirely different things and are always found in entirely different people.
Poverty must have many satisfactions, else there would not be so many poor people.
The beggar is the only person in the universe not obliged to study appearance.
The brighter you are, the more you have to learn.
There is more sophistication and less sense in New York than anywhere else on the globe.
There is nobody so irritating as somebody with less intelligence and more sense than we have.
There’s one thing about baldness, it’s neat.
Unhappiness is not knowing what we want and killing ourselves to get it.
Why resist temptation? There will always be more.
Work is the greatest thing in the world, so we should always save some of it for tomorrow.

Aaron Paley & the Hollywood Library

Day twenty-four of our daily readings from “Dear Los Angeles,” a collection of letters and diary entries from 1542 to 2018, while all of us quarantine in 2020.

Today’s entry from 1982 comes from Aaron Paley, who we also featured on day nine.

We love you, Los Angeles!


The Hollywood Library which burned down in an arson fire on April 13, 1982

The Hollywood Library which burned down in an arson fire on April 13, 1982

The current library which stands in the same place was designed by Frank Gehry and opened in 1986

The current library which stands in the same place was designed by Frank Gehry and opened in 1986

Charles Brackett

Day twenty-two of our daily readings from “Dear Los Angeles,” a collection of letters and diary entries from 1542 to 2018, while all of us quarantine in 2020.

Today’s entry from 1946 comes from Charles Brackett, who along with Billy Wilder made one of the most successful filmmaking teams in cinema history. There is a great read about their relationship here for those interested.

We love you, Los Angeles!


Charles Brackett, one-time president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

Charles Brackett, one-time president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

Lucey’s restaurant, once located across the street from Paramount Pictures

Lucey’s restaurant, once located across the street from Paramount Pictures

Jim Bouton

Day twenty-one of our daily readings from “Dear Los Angeles,” a collection of letters and diary entries from 1542 to 2018, while all of us quarantine in 2020.

Today’s entry from 1969 is from Jim Bouton, professional Major League Baseball player and author of the scandalous tell-all book Ball Four.

We love you, Los Angeles!


Jim Bouton played in the MLB as a pitcher for the New York Yankees, Seattle Pilots, Houston Astros, and Atlanta Braves between 1962 and 1978

Jim Bouton played in the MLB as a pitcher for the New York Yankees, Seattle Pilots, Houston Astros, and Atlanta Braves between 1962 and 1978


John Cheever

Day twenty of our daily readings from “Dear Los Angeles,” a collection of letters and diary entries from 1542 to 2018, while all of us quarantine in 2020.

Today’s short and sweet entry comes from the diary of author John Cheever, recounting his brief visit to Los Angeles in 1945.

We love you, Los Angeles!


John Cheever

John Cheever

Thrifty Drug Store on the southwest corner of Sunset and Fairfax, circa 1945

Thrifty Drug Store on the southwest corner of Sunset and Fairfax, circa 1945

Advertisement for Spam, which was introduced in 1937

Advertisement for Spam, which was introduced in 1937

Bonus: the celebrity Tony is twinning with today, from his favorite movie Step Brothers

Bonus: the celebrity Tony is twinning with today, from his favorite movie Step Brothers