Robyn Vallejos on September 17, 2008, at 03:40PM – #1

NEWS FLASH! WE HAVE NOT BEEN TERMINATED !! Warner Brothers is coordinating with Meléndrez and the PARK[ing] Day efforts and supporting our PARK located at the corner of Olive and 6th Streets.

Meléndrez will be PARK[ing] between 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM. Please come visit our spot in addition to other PARK[ing] spots throughout Los Angeles.

steve on September 17, 2008, at 04:47PM – #3

I'm just wondering, who gets money for all the filming that goes on downtown? I understand how many jobs it brings, but what I am asking is: who gets money for the actual use of streets and locations (and closing of streets, etc). I'm guessing there is a permit fee as well. I know someone will give me a decent answer since it seems like y'all know downtown really well. btw, keep up the good work!

Benjamin Pezzillo on September 17, 2008, at 05:49PM – #4

Steve, The permit fee paid to FilmLA never reaches the City's General Fund.

To the best of my knowledge, the City of Los Angeles receives no direct income from the use of streets or sidewalks. In the past, the City charged for use of City facilities but I recall those charges being suspended as part of a fight film flight headline grab. I believe the Department of Water and Power, a City agency albeit a propreitary one, still charges film location fees.

Don Garza on September 17, 2008, at 06:07PM – #5

Well, since I am turning into a multi-media company. Gotta say I love the mayor, now there is room for even people like me to shoot films on city streets and city property so the little man can get ahead!!!

God bless the Mayor!!!

Steve on September 17, 2008, at 07:02PM – #7

Thanks for clearing up part of it. I was just wondering if there was any sort of fund that these production companies would be charged besides a permit fee. Perhaps a small fee towards beautifying downtown (maybe specifically skid row?). I understand the city hesitating on this front because of how much money these companies deal with (taxes, police officers, etc etc) However since downtown is growing by leaps and bounds it would be great to reward those who live down here with just a little something for putting up with the hassle of closed street, helicopters buzzing our buildings, and random explosions/gun fire. I see pershing square in commercials constantly, perhaps a small fee could help brush it up a little?

John Crandell on September 17, 2008, at 07:26PM – #8

Go Lauren! Right on! If they give you any hassle, just call Darth and sic him on 'em! Lordy, those meter-monsters will run screaming for their lives.

Downtown Owner on September 17, 2008, at 08:46PM – #9

Oh, the very thought of FilmLA, and the likes of Geoffrey Smith and the rest of the overpaid VP do-nothings there, and their supposed efforts to be good community members just makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

And if you believe that - I have a bridge to nowhere that I'd love to say "thanks, but no thanks" to.

steve on September 17, 2008, at 09:01PM – #10

Oh Palin's bridge? I know which one you're talking about

On FilmLA, why did they stop doing the map on their website and now moved onto the cumbersome emails, I get on average 8 a day.

chacha on September 17, 2008, at 10:02PM – #11

downtown residents should demand that the film production companies and film la contribute more to the downtown community. contrary to their popular belief, this is not their backlot. pehaps production companies should be required to spend a percentage of their budgets on small businesses in the area, or contribute to a fund to revitalize a block with grants etc for small business.

It is shameful the city has washed their hands of the permit process. i thought filmla's contract had expired anyway

chee chee on September 17, 2008, at 10:05PM – #12

also contrary to what the studios will tell you, manufacturing is the top industry in LA, not entertainment production - dont believe their whiny lies

Fred Camino on September 18, 2008, at 01:36AM – #13

Wait. Am I too understand that for a measly $450 the city allows film crews to block public streets, reroute buses and cars, and tell residents and workers that they can't walk on their own sidewalks? Tell me I read that wrong.

I always assumed that the city was making major bank off of these productions (not surprised that the money doesn't go to Downtown, but still). Is the fear that Hollywood will move to Toronto if it costs more that $450 to use a neighborhood and job center as a backlot? What's the average budget for movies/shows/commercials these days?

Wow.

Bus Rider on September 18, 2008, at 06:09AM – #14

I have taken the bus downtown for 17 years. Before Villaraigosa, I am pretty sure they NEVER blocked bus stops.

No one should ever be allowed to block a bus stop ever. Many people who take the bus, take the bus because there is something wrong with their legs. To require they walk a block just so some lighting truck doesn't have to park a block away is cruel, uncivil and stupid. There are plenty of places for the trucks to park without blocking a bus stop. In addition, it makes people late for work, causes fights and there are plenty of costs that are never recovered.

Fred Camino on September 18, 2008, at 09:53AM – #15

I ride the 76 bus daily from Downtown (8th/Olive) to Lincoln Heights and there are often times when the bus has been rerouted (and forced to skip over a number of stops) for filming. I remember one time a month or two ago I was headed back home and Main St. near Union Station was blocked for filming and the bus had to make a three point turn, go back to Lincoln Heights past the LA River, and head to Downtown on Broadway.

JC on September 19, 2008, at 07:20AM – #16

Yes, an inate form of bus-jacking, brought to us by Hooray for Hollywood and as authorized by City Hall. Where's Keanu Reeves when we need him.

Damien Newton on September 19, 2008, at 05:46PM – #17

I got to visit their site today, it was fantastic. Great work everyone.