While it is nowhere near the theme park-style extravaganza of Universal Studios a few miles northeast, the two-hour walking tour offers an intimate look inside the filmmaking facilities.

BBC: Culver City, ready for its close-up

Portola near McClaren Park is also up-and-coming district, but it lies outside the Southern Freeway (Interstate 280) belt.

BBC: Living in: San Francisco

The Frenchman, who is understood to be stepping down from his current role as co-chief executive of the Swiss-based World Economic Forum, is credited with successfully restructuring the finances of the theme park near Paris and returning it to profit.

BBC: NEWS | Business | Eurotunnel to seek-ex Disney chief