Bel Air is one of the most exquisite neighborhoods in west Los Angeles.
Multi-Family housing is not permitted within the community and strict
ordinances regarding architectural styles, landscaping and lot sizes exist
to preserve the quality of life and character of Bel Air. There are no
residential sidewalks (to discourage the public from walking around the
community) and it is heavily patrolled by local security - both attempts
to reinforce the safety and privacy of Bel Air residents.
Many television shows and movies have been filmed in Bel Air, or are
said to take place in the community. Exterior shots for the Beverly
Hillbillies were shot in and around the 1938 French neoclassical-style
mansion at 750 Bel Air Road, built by Lynn Atkinson (and later sold to
hotelier Arnold Kirkeby after Atkinson's wife refused to move into a
house she thought too ostentatious) After the exterior shooting was
completed, the residents of that address forbade any more filming, as
passers-by would wander onto the property and ask to see 'Granny'.
Exterior scenes from movies such as Get Shorty have also been filmed
in the area. Several television films of The Rockford Files were filmed in
Bel Air. The television sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air was set in the
neighborhood although the exterior shots used were filmed in nearby
Brentwood. The Bel Air Film Festival, first held in 2008, is an annual
international film festival held in Bel Air and the Los Angeles area.
