Why Isn’t L.A. Friendly to Filmmakers?
Re “Q&A; With Beth Kennedy†by Terry Pristin (“Nobody Has the Size, Breadth or Depth of L.A.,†Nov. 30): I’m a prime-time television director. I work in Los Angeles and cities across the United States. I’ll tell you another reason why film production is moving out of L.A.: People don’t seem to want us here.
I can’t tell you how many times people have harassed me and my crew while we were filming, from motorists honking as they drive by, to unreasonable and uncooperative property owners, to secretaries who refused to walk an extra 15 steps to avoid passing through our active set (this in Los Angeles City Hall). This is in sharp contrast to cities across the country that go out of their way to assist us.
The vast majority of people in film are blue-collar workers and white-collar managers who make a decent wage and are happy to have a job to support their families. When film leaves L.A., they are left without jobs.
I suggest the film czar spend some time reminding people that filming is good for Los Angeles.
MIKE MATHIS
Altadena
Only good movies
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