Q: The tenants in my rental building in New Paltz, New York were recently informed by our landlord that a production team would be shooting scenes for a major movie on the property for four days later this month. Nobody asked us, but we are asked for our "understanding" and "cooperation" which includes moving our vehicles from assigned parking spaces. During the busiest day, 70 people are on site from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., which is a violation of the local noise protection ordinance. Aside from the inconvenience, it sounds like a potential health hazard during the pandemic. Is that legal What can be done
A: You won't be able to stop your landlord from renting out the public areas of the building for filming – a standard lease doesn't give you that permission. You could try getting a rental discount from your landlord for the days that you are experiencing inconvenience, but you might be more successful if you convey your concerns directly to the production team.
The film team needs your buy-in to get the job done. Not only could you call the New Paltz Police Dispatcher and report a noise violation, but you could also refuse to move your car.
"The bottom line is that happy neighbors will result in a happy shoot," said Nick Carr, a location manager. If the producers "fail to reach anyone, your film crew has to shut down because the neighbor decides it's time for his trumpet lesson."
So ask to speak to the site manager. Concerned about nighttime disturbances? If it's a big film production, she has the money to house you for a couple of nights. Do you need to come to your car? Someone should make sure you have access to it.
"If the question is," Should I be eligible for money for the irritation? "Well, there's a lot of footage out there that could cost a few hundred dollars," said Carr. Some productions have been known to give uncomfortable tenants gift cards for local restaurants.
You are right to be concerned about Covid-19. Ask the site manager to explain the production safety protocol as strict rules should apply to protect the crew and the community. Production teams "take it very seriously because not only their lives, but also their livelihoods depend on being careful and careful," said Andrea Reisfeld, a site agent. “Nobody wants the industry to shut down, and nobody wants them to be deprived of their freelance work. And they don't want to get sick. "
So be a squeaky wheel. You have the right to know what is happening and to take your concerns seriously.
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