LOCATIONS MEETINGS

Meeting between Constantia Hills Residents Association and and the CTFPO, CFC, CPA, SAASP, Private Locations managers

Meeting between Constantia Property Owners Association and the CTFPO, CFC, CPA, SAASP, Private Locations managers
Apologies; IPO

Both meetings covered similar topics and issues will be summarised here:

CONCERNS RAISED

Discussion included in italic below

Zoning / Repeated use of certain properties

Neighbours are concerned that some homeowners use their properties as businesses (ie a film studio) rather than residential, and therefore re-zoning is suggested. Nevertheless, this is a perception rather than reality; the house receiving the most complaints was host to four tv commercials in 18 months. (A neighbour runs an exercise class from home three days a week, every week of the year – who causes the greater impact) Whilst it’s important for Producers to be aware of impacts caused by OTHER / previous users of a particular property, relevant issues include neighbour’s jealousy.

Hours of Activity

Filming permits are normally issued for hours between 6am and 10pm. Departures from this should be discussed with the CTFPO; the office is keen to ensure that no permit application is rejected without consideration.

Noisy set up of catering before the given time

An issue for larger shoots; catering companies set up first and loudest. Be aware of this. The CTFPO will engage with the Catering Companies’ association. Short periods of notificationIf your shoot will cause an impact on the community, please try and notify the neighbours timeously.

Number of Vehicles on set / Parking issues

Parking is always problematic. If possible, try to keep your teams to a small number of vehicles – park in designated zones, or pref. on the property where you are filming.

Impact on Greenbelt

This is perhaps the greatest concern to residents – ECOs and Film Unit Liaison officers may be required for working on the greenbelt. Again, be careful how you park your cars.

Helicopters

The permit issuing office for helicopters is in Pretoria and therefore cannot know the impact of a shoot on the community. Please liaise with CTFPO should this be a requirement.

Benefit to Community

As so often, affected communities want to see direct financial benefits to allay the impact of filming. However, the City does not allow for ring-fencing of any income, and is clear that all permit fees will continue to be disbursed via the general “pot”. You are strongly advised to avoid providing any cash to any community / residents group, since it sets a difficult precedent for the industry and contributes to the rising price of filming on location.

ACTIONS

The CTFPO is undertaking a Site visit with both residents associations in July/August, so that the permit officers are better briefed on the impacts of shooting in Constantia.

THE CTFPO will engage with Catering Companies via their association.

The CFC will also address communications to affected communities, and stress the overall benefits of filming to the city.