By Rich Pollack
When residents in the quiet Bel Lido section of Highland Beach discovered that a locally produced television movie about the mob was being filmed in a neighborhood home several months ago, they were anything but star-struck.
Instead, many were concerned about the possible erosion of their privacy and the commotion caused in the neighborhood by the filming — which has since wrapped — and subsequent parties.
Their concerns could be alleviated soon, however, if town leaders give their approval to a proposal that would regulate commercial filming in the town, addressing hours when shooting could take place and requiring companies that want to film commercially to complete a permit application issued through the Palm Beach County Film Commission.
“It’s unlikely that our little town would be picked for a movie, but it was,” resident Peggy Gossett-Seidman said. “It caught everyone off guard.”
The residents, as well as some town commissioners, were surprised to discover commercial filming in the town is unregulated.
“I was told we didn’t have an ordinance to address the issue,” said Commissioner Elyse Riesa, who raised concerns about filming after receiving calls from residents.
One provision of the proposed rules, expected to be discussed by the commission at a meeting this month, would require that nearby residents where filming is scheduled be notified in advance.
“It has to be managed so people are aware of what’s going on and can plan for it,” Riesa said.
The commissioner said she has been working with the town’s attorneys since August to come up with requirements to help address the concerns of residents.
“This resolution will establish, for the first time, rules and regulations for commercial filming in Highland Beach,” Town Attorney Glen Torcivia said.
Torcivia said that in drafting the resolution, his office looked at similar ordinances and resolutions used in other towns.
The draft ordinance includes specific guidelines for commercial filming.
As part of the permitting process, film production companies will be required to show proof of liability insurance, list the size of the production crew and provide a description of activities.
The proposed regulations also require companies to provide a lighting and parking plan.
Under the proposed rules, filming would be prohibited after 6 p.m. and before 8 a.m., as well as all day on Sundays and holidays.
Filmmakers would also have to let residents within 500 feet of the location know when the filming will take place at least 48 hours before shooting begins and will need written authorization from the property owner.
Also, a permit could be revoked for several reasons, including if the filming activity is conducted in a “disorderly manner or in a manner which endangers the public health, safety, welfare or in any manner which disrupts the public peace.”
The draft ordinance spells out penalties of $500 a day and revocation of the permit should filmmakers fail to comply with conditions imposed by the town.
Riesa said she expects commissioners to make some changes to the proposal before it’s finalized but sees it as a good start, as does Gossett-Seidman.
“We need to ensure the privacy of our neighbors,” she said.
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