Council Member: No More Film Shoots

After being bombarded with a steady stream of overlapping shoots throughout October and November, a local official is seeking to put a moratorium on film productions in Brooklyn Heights. Could Prospect Heights be next?

“I understand and respect the fact that the movie and television industry provides revenue for the city and employs a number of New Yorkers, but residents of a single neighborhood, especially one that is primarily residential, like Brooklyn Heights, should not have to bear the burden of on-street filming on an almost daily basis,” said Council Member Levin in a statement.

“The people who live in this community should be able to freely walk down the sidewalk, park on the street, and bring their children to the local playground without constantly dodging film crews.”

Brooklyn Heights, known for its historic brownstones, tree-lined streets, and views of Manhattan, was the site of 14 different productions, including at least three major motion pictures, over the last two months.

The resulting street closures, loss of parking and other grievances have left many residents up in arms. It inspired Levin to called on the Mayor’s Office of Film, Theater and Broadcasting to place the entirety of Brooklyn Heights on the City’s “hot spot” list, which would result in a moratorium on filming until a reasonable balance can be found between residents' needs and those of the film industry.

But Brooklyn Heights isn't the only Brooklyn neighborhood that hosts its share of film crews.  

In the past year, Bergen Street has hosted crews from the HBO series "Girls" and a Coen Brothers movie called "Inside Llewyn"; Grand Army Plaza was the backdrop for Robin Williams in "The Angriest Man in Brooklyn" and Joaquin Phoenix and Marion Cotillard were dressed in 19th Century garb on the long meadow.

What do you think, readers: Are the film shoots a boon or a burden?