Film Set Files: An Olive Branch From “The Following”
We noticed these signs posted over the weekend at Clinton and Dekalb Avenues, warning residents of continued The Following filming–and offering an apology.
“The Following is scheduled to film in your area FOR THE LAST TIME,” a letter posted with standard no parking signs reads. “We understand that our filming has been disruptive to the parking and normal rhythms of the neighborhood, and we sincerely appreciate in advance your cooperation for these final two days of filming. In addition to the local charities to which the primary location owners have required we donate, we will also be thanking neighborhood residents for their patience and continued support by providing a food or dessert truck on the evening of Tuesday, October 28. It’s gesture of thanks we hope you’ll accept.“
The letter continues to address film company Bonanza Productions‘ commitment to respecting the local community, and gives a contact number for those who wish to discuss the issue further.
The food truck move is reminiscent of steps taken to placate neighbors recently fed up with filming in a nearby section of Clinton Hill (which has since been granted a film shoot moratorium), and neighbors have noted that “The Following” in particular may have overstayed its welcome.
If you live in the immediate vicinity of “The Following” filming, what’s your take been on recent shoots? Are crews courteous and unobtrusive, or does filming add stress to your everyday life? Are you satisfied with gestures like food trucks, is there something else that crews and production companies should be doing differently to please residents, or do you simply need a break from filming altogether?