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Lights, Camera, Action: LI Town Passes New Rules As TV, Movie Shoots Move East

NORTH HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- It's movie madness on Long Island.

More and more television and film productions are operating on the Island, and as CBS2's Carolyn Gusoff reported Tuesday, that's led to a host of new rules to keep the peace between residents and movie makers.

Long Island is no stranger to the silver screen. There's Oheka Castle featured in "Citizen Cane," Mitchel Field in "The Godfather," and Old Westbury Gardens in "Love Story."

But lately villages and parks have been turned into sets.

"We can double as the Hamptons, Montauk, New Jersey," said Kim Kaiman, executive director of business and tourism development.

The Town of North Hempstead's new film coordinator said business is booming. They've lowered permit fees and producers save on union overtime costs because it's close to Manhattan, Gusoff reported.

Recently, its Town Hall was transformed into a fictional police station for "Royal Pains." The town board room will appear in "Freeheld."

"It was really neat to see, but in the future if it closes things down, it would be a little annoying," said

Across Long Island, close encounters with stars from "The Affair," "Noah," "The Wolf of Wall Street," plus 20 current productions underway brings in business, tax revenue and jobs. But it's a catch 22, Gusoff reported.

"It brings business, but also traffic," said one resident.

"We want to make sure that our residents are not interfered with," said North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth.

Now, the town has passed new rules regarding filming, including:

  • 72-hour notice required for nearby residents.
  • Permits and coordination be streamlined.
  • And no more shutting down of Port Washington's West Shore Road.

 

The Town of North Hempstead is now reviewing production fees to bring in more money, but wants to keep the Gold Coast an attractive location.

Town officials want lights, camera, action. But when it's a wrap, they have their own audience to answer too: the residents.

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