As Downtown Discussion Heats Up, MacDonald Leaves FilmL.A.
DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES —
Variety reports today that FilmL.A. president Steve MacDonald is leaving to take a job outside the entertainment industry.
Over the weekend the AP pushed an article on Downtown filming, giving a good overview of the conflict and some fun soundbites to Ginny Marie Case and Bert Green.
The piece wasn't triggered by any movement on the issue. The special conditions process is still stalled, and the RFP promised in November has yet to be finalized.
At the center of the conflict is FilmL.A., the group currently contracted by the city to handle permitting and notification. Many have questioned the organization's handling of Downtown's changes, and it will be quite interesting to see whether a new head brings any different strategies to the table.
Metro Local on March 24, 2008, at 09:41PM – #1
Who would want the job?
If FilmLA loses its contract with the City of Los Angeles it will sink under its own weight -- the County of Los Angeles contract alone won't carry them as FilmLA really only covers permits in the unincorporated parts of the county.
You'll likely see an insider elevated as president until the City takes an action on a RFP.
Wasn't MacDonald in that documentary on the collision course with over-filming and Downtown residential development some years back?
It's hard to say you aren't up on an issue when you have been captured on film discussing it as an expert...
Ginny on March 25, 2008, at 07:22AM – #2
Wait - It's G-I-N-N-Y
The second thing - I'll admit, I have a google search for my name and I saw the article last night. I forgot that I did the interview with AP - it was MONTHS ago. But, the good thing it may renew the interest in those who've been sitting on the special conditions, stalling on making some decisions.
Eric Richardson (@blogdowntown) on March 25, 2008, at 09:51AM – #3
Oops. Sorry about that. Fixed now.
The quotes did feel like they could have been months ago. Sometimes the news cycle works in mysterious ways.
Ginny on March 25, 2008, at 11:18AM – #4
Thanks Eric.... :-)
Bert Green on March 25, 2008, at 02:33PM – #5
The writer of the article was in touch with me until just a few weeks ago. The delay in the progress of the conditions was the reason for the late release of the piece, but I actually think the timing is good. It will bring attention back to the issue now, as filming starts to heat up again.