Beverly Hills is known for its influence on luxury, fashion, hospitality, beauty, entertainment and culture. Image credit: Beverly Hills Conference and Visitors Bureau
The Beverly Hills Conference and Visitors Bureau has unveiled a new short film as an ode to the famed Californian destination, highlighting its influence on luxury, culture, fashion, beauty, entertainment and the arts.
Called “The Love Letter,” the film runs three minutes and 21 seconds, delving into Beverly Hills’ past, present and future. The story is a journey through the 5.71-square-mile territory’s century-plus history with the goal to develop more interest in Beverly Hills as a shopping, vacation, dining, business and sight-seeing destination.
"The purpose of this film is to showcase and honor the city's storied past while at the same time, highlight what is new and beautiful, represented by the mature and young actors in the film,” said Julie Wagner, CEO of the Beverly Hills Conference and Visitors Bureau, in a statement.
"The Love Letter" was directed by BAFTA-winning film director Chris Cottam, with photography by Diego Uchitel. Celebrity stylist Petra Flannery dressed actors Anne Wile and Natalie Belmont as well as dancers Darriel Johnakin and Jake Moyle in outfits inspired by luxury fashion sold in Beverly Hills.
Film visuals include a glimpse of the past through archived black-and-white photography of palm-tree-lined streets and vintage clips from The Beverly Hills Hotel, known as the original 'Pink Palace.' This is juxtaposed with modern experiences at Two Rodeo, Beverly Gardens Park, the Saban Theatre and the Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel.
"One of Beverly Hills' most notable attributes is its enduring legacy," Ms. Wagner said in the statement.
“The Love Letter” short film provides a then-and-now reflection of Beverly Hills’ luxurious and star-studded heritage, taking viewers on a journey through the nearly 6-square-mile city’s 100-plus year history. Image credit: Beverly Hills Conference and Visitors Bureau
Here is the film’s script:
The Love Letter
Let me tell you a story …
We first met when you were young
And I helped to create
Some of your first memories
Now and forever imprinted in your heart
For I am a place of love and magic
But that is not the beginning of me
I was once the place where those who came in search of oil
Found water instead
When horses traversed my bridle paths
At the intersection of canyons and hope
And soon the stars aligned and called me home
Celebrities descending upon my hills
To see and be scene
And pose on red carpets
Their fame cementing mine
For I am the birthplace of pink palaces and grand homes
Where palm lined streets and verdant gardens form the backdrop
Of dreams come true
An oasis where anything is possible
A legacy to pass on to generations to come
Let me open my arms to welcome
All that dare to believe
To come and play among my Golden Drives: Rodeo, Beverly and Canon
And find themselves amid my storied past
Which still resonates today for a new millennium
As I am the place where arrival feels
Like a fantasy brought to life
Where wonder and dreaming
Are always celebrated
My applause the only encouragement needed
To create new memories
Laughter among the twinkling lights
Romance under a setting sun
A refreshing dip in cool blue waters
A reminder that my beauty lives and breathes
Now, it is your turn to tell a story
Inspired by what was created and
What has remained
My gardens and boulevards the canvas
For the possibilities you bring to life
That will stand the test of time
For I am a place of love and magic
For those who dare to dream.
Love Beverly Hills
The Love Letter short film celebrates Beverly Hills with visual and oral storytelling. Video: Beverly Hills Conference and Visitors Bureau
“The Love Letter” short film provides a then-and-now reflection of Beverly Hills’ luxurious and star-studded heritage, taking viewers on a journey through the nearly 6-square-mile city’s 100-plus year history. Image credit: Beverly Hills Conference and Visitors Bureau