Government

Village Board considers filming regulations in Greenport

(Credit: Claire Leaden) Allison Williams films a scene for HBO’s “Girls” outside Claudio’s in Greenport in June 2013.
Allison Williams films a scene for HBO’s “Girls” outside Claudio’s in Greenport in June 2013. (Credit: Claire Leaden)

With an increasing number of production companies eyeing Greenport as a scenic location for photography, TV and movies shoots, the Village Board wants to establish guidelines for filming in the village, which is not addressed anywhere in the current code.

A law that would require production companies to acquire permits before shooting, that has been under consideration by the code committee for some time, was presented to board members Tuesday night.

The board hopes the law will give the village more control over use of public roadways and give officials more advance warning about filming schedules.

“It is typical of even large productions that they wait to the last minute [to notify the village of its plan to film],” village administrator Paul Pallas said.

The proposed law would require production companies to fill out an application at least 30 days before a proposed shooting date. A non-refundable $500 application fee would be required regardless of the board’s decision on whether to allow the filming. That fee would be waived for nonprofits.

Each application would be subject to a Village Board vote. A hearing on the proposed measure is scheduled for the board’s February meeting.

[email protected]