• E-mail
• Print
• Comment
• Font Size
• Digg
• del.icio.us
• Discuss article

Movie star Malibu calls 'Cut' on film shoots

Posted on: Tuesday, 12 July 2005, 16:14 CDT

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Malibu's picturesque coast may be home to many movie stars but residents are calling "Cut!" to the number of films and videos shot there.

Malibu City Council on Monday night gave initial approval to regulations that would ban late night and early morning filming and limit production companies to 16 days at one location.

The move followed complaints by Malibu, California, residents about noise and disruption in the oceanside city, which officials say is used as a location in about 700 film, TV and music video shoots a year.

Malibu councilman Jeffrey Jennings said members tried "to come up with a balance between the interests of the community and the interests of the industry."

Residents are also unhappy about the use of helicopters, bullhorns, the parking of production trucks near private driveways and the practice of covering up traffic signs to mask locations.

Malibu's golden beaches and mountains have provided the backdrop for scores of movies and television shows over the years including "Baywatch," "Planet of the Apes" and "The Rockford Files."

Its numerous lavish beach houses have also been rented out as locations for reality shows such as "The Bachelor" and "The Osbournes."

Film production companies have objected to the proposals, which will go to a final vote in two weeks.

The Motion Picture Association of America noted in a letter last month that Malibu residents working in movies, TV and commercials earned $99.2 million in 2002, the most recent year surveyed.

"The paradox is that many Malibuites made their fortunes in film," Don Mann, who has worked in the industry for 20 years, told the Los Angeles Times. "Now they're saying 'I made my money. You guys go do your shooting elsewhere."'

Source: REUTERS

More News in this Category