A small rant about City of Vancouver and the film industry

[Very Veronica]

i'm with ya Jodie

1. If you want cash, figure out how much, be able to back it up (receipts help) & go find the location manager on set. Movie companies have a budget to compensate impacted businesses/residents but they only hand out money to those who complain. Squeaky wheel gets the grease.

2. Phone the Vancouver Film Office and complain. Neighbourhoods that are over-used or companies that don't do their due diligence in notifying/lessening impact/compensating will be labeled 'hot' and held to a higher scrutiny for future permits/filming. Some areas get 'burned' (filming moratorium) if enough people complain.

More info here: http://vancouver.ca/engsvcs/filmandevents/filmoffice/filmingImpacts.htm

3. Contact your local MLA.

This is big subsidized business folks just like fishing, tourism, lumber etc..why people are so starry eyed with the crap entertainment industry is beyond me. And let's not forget, the big profits don't stay here, they go down south. Vancouver is a cheap natural resource for on location shooting and the movie industry exploits it. With all the olympic infrastructure upgrading that's being done, i'm surprised the city is allowing any on location filming this year. Furthermore, they don't have to shoot on location (go shoot at in a studio or build a set)..in most cases, it's done because it's cheaper.

No one's advocating shutting down bc's film industry (aka 'movie of the week' biz), the issue is better on location management.

Big stars don't work for free..Vancouver is a star location and we should be treated/paid as such.

Incidentally, one of the biggest profiteers of on location filming are cops who vie for thousands in o/t.

End of rant!

 

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To me, it just confirms how weakened our democratic system has become. Governments at every level do whatever they want without taking into consideration strong public opposition to it. They always side with big business so they can line their pockets and the hell with the people. Even when they do consult the public, they end up doing up whatever they feel like. The Woodward's building is a perfect example of this. I know it's the new world order in the Neoliberal agenda but we were never consulted about this either. Democracy has gone to shit and really this is what Jodie and many of us are ranting about.

I have come to the realization a democratic system is not really about fairness (where up to 49.9%+ of the opinions can be dismissed), but who has a bigger voice (or wallet). Governments are supposedly elected by the people to serve the people, but most (if not all) governments around the world are doing exactly the opposite. Many politicians are in it for the short-term gain: what can I do to stuff my pocket or ensure my being re-elected? Those who don't go with the flow quit or are bribed/silenced/killed.

Since many people are now dependent on the government, they are effectively what keeps the government in place. As long as the government makes sure to 'take care' of these people, it can do whatever it wants without much resistance--passing nonsensible laws, granting tax cuts to rich industry and corporate friends, wasting tax dollars, and removing citizens' freedom. Government: "Hey, why not prohibit people's right to bear arms, too? Just to ensure that they can't fight back when we decide to become a dictatorship one day."

I am either sober enough to see things many around me can't or just a plain, old pessimist

Maybe with all the pending large-scale disasters, such as
-Yellowstone super-volcanoes
-various stories asteroids of impact and near-miss in the coming years.
-Sun's coronal mass ejection in September 2012 [as released by a report by National Academy of Science in March]
-of course, the famous end of Mayan's long count calendar in December 2012,

changes will come... at too great a price and too late a time. lol. It's time to start more pooning!

 

[Lesbian Hunter]

I guess the above "logic" works with almost everything.

Renter upset about a rat infestation.....see above.
Customer unhappy with purchase......see above.
Lady beated by her husband.........see above.

Can't wait to try that line out, next time one of my renters complains about anything

You obviously didn't understand my post -- which, in your case, is not an unusal occurance. There is a distinct difference between a problem and an "annoying inconvenience" that Jodie referred to. For you to equate a man beating his wife with an "annoying inconvenience" is a specious argument.

In the past, Jodie has complained about people on the street with umbrellas and people not cleaning up their dog shit (which is a legitimate complaint.)

Are there issues we should compalin about? Yes. Rat infestation. Spousal abuse. Poverty. Homelessness. Low wages. Social housing. Crime and the list goes on.

But in my opinion, being inconvenienced by the film industry is not even on the radar screen. The industry puts money into the coffers of the city of Vancouver which helps the city to limit tax increases -- which Jodie has complained about in the past.

I have never met Jodie but in reading some of her past posts I believe she is sincere in her social views and takes an active interest in the way her city is run. But having said that, I also think Jodie has a bit of a Princess complex.

 

[Restless]

I remember several years ago some film company wanted to shoot in Winnipeg's exchange district because of it's "magnificent historical look", but they wanted to remove some mature trees. There was a heated debate, but in the end city council refused on the tree issue. They shot somewhere else.

There are still many here that think they should have given in on the trees, but my attitude is "fuck em". If they like the location so well, then shoot it without disturbing it or go ahead and leave.

Cities managed to survive before films were invented and they can manage without them as well.

 

[Jodie]

at least , you get it....

and yes I admit , i was a little harsh on Jodie.
I,m not against SP's in general as my words may have been taken , for that i apologise...however I am against those who ignorantly condemn a legal business that supports 10's of thousands of people in our city. because her drama life was interrupted for a moment. I have always thought highly of Jodie , knowing she has educated herself and some of her comments are well thought out and bang on , but not anymore....as her rant was as ignorant as mine

No, actually, my rant was not nearly as ignorant as yours, as I didn't resort to juvenille name-calling, incorrect assumptions and hurtful insults to get my point across.

Also, if you carefully read any of my posts, nowhere do I condemn the film industry. It was a rant about how the city handles filming. Period.

I'm so glad to hear that you've always thought highly of me. It truly means a lot, coming from somebody who called me a "drama bitch" and "stupid ho head."

 

[Jodie]

In the past, Jodie has complained about people on the street with umbrellas and people not cleaning up their dog shit (which is a legitimate complaint.)

...

I have never met Jodie but in reading some of her past posts I believe she is sincere in her social views and takes an active interest in the way her city is run. But having said that, I also think Jodie has a bit of a Princess complex.

You know what my beef truly is? All of my rants boil down to the same fundamental problem: people going about their daily lives as if nobody else exists. I think people need to be more aware of their surroundings and of the impacts their decisions have on others. I can honestly say that I make an effort to consider other people in almost everything I do - driving, walking down the street, using public amenities, holding a door for someone who has their hands full... right down to making an effort to be extra quiet in my apartment at night so as not to disturb my neighbours beside or below me. I get frustrated when other people don't do the same. City living would be so much more pleasant if we all tried to consider the impact of our actions on other people. I don't think that makes me a princess.

Edited to add:
I just wanted to say that I have absolutely no problem with people providing viewpoints that are contrary to my own. In fact, I always enjoy a good debate, and can certainly take what I dish out. I tend to have fairly strong opinions myself, and have no trouble expressing them My only objection is when what could (and should) be a civilized discussion on a difference in opinion degenerates into childish insults and name-calling. This is completely unnecessary, no matter how personal or significant the issue may be to a person.

 

[GDC]

Idiot!

I just hope anyone who has FILM BUCKS in their pockets do not spent them on VV or Jodie !!!

First you are an IDIOT! You rant, make a vailed apology, then make another studid comment. Shut up!

Second, how is the film industry green. It consumes resources just like any other...how do think they move all of that equipment around...sherpas? Cameras and equipment is made of what? Biodegradable paper? The army eats and wastes huge amounts of food then the people poop! Scripts on paper made of what?

I have nothing against the film industry. Its wonderful and Jodie is entitled to her opinion and does not deserve an attack especially when she is right.

What I am against is the typical tree-hugging bullshit that Vancouver spawns and gives uneducated and misinformed IDIOTS like you a platform and reason for living.

PS Be thankful for mining as the computer that you are going to send another rant on relys on it and the network that you silly message will be spewed has been created using resources.

 

[average]

Its all about the money; we all want but, not want to pay like in this case compensations, parking or taxes whatever living in downtown Vancouver is very stressful but, we all have to get alone or move alone.

 

[dorian_gray]

Overreaction?

Jodie:

I think the strongly negative comments about your rant come from people who are in the industry. When there is a film crew on location, the city gets a cut, the cops get a cut, and the production crew makes a little cash. Those who are affected (i.e., people who live there) don't see a penny! Water balloons are probably the only effective solution. Film terrorism!

DG.

 

[keiratouch]

I live downtown, and for the past few weeks, there has been an awful lot of movie-making action going on. I know this is a good thing for the city, as it brings us revenue, but here's the thing: all of this filming is becoming massively annoying and inconvenient to my daily life. Considering it is my neighbourhood in my city where I pay my property taxes and fulfill my "citizenly" obligations, why do I not get a say in whether or not my neighbourhood amenities are used for profit, which amenities are used, and how this impacts me?

It is one thing to bitch about events that already existed before moving into a neighbourhood (for example, if you live in English Bay, you deal with fireworks every year, no surprises there), but in this case, we get very little (if any) advance notice of street closures, property usage restrictions, etc., and absolutely no say whatsoever in the matter.

Parts of my street have been closed on several days over the past few weeks, creating traffic havoc and forcing me to find alternate routes to and from my home, and now there will be more closures this weekend. I can't park my car in the only free (non-metered) area around my apartment. Is the city going to hand over some of that film revenue to me to cover the cost of parking elsewhere? Or perhaps let me park at one of their nearby revenue-generating meters for free?

Does anybody else think this is ridiculous? Personally, I think the people who reside in the immediate vicinity of filming should be entitled to some monetary compensation for the noise, inconvenience and loss of use of amenities that they pay for via tax dollars.

I agree that it is a pain in the ass but unfortunately money talks and a film that is putting out 20x mill to make and giving a large amount of that to Vancouver out weighs whatever property tax you pay in the end. Although it would not be a bad idea for them to give parking passes to residences, like they do for the film crews. I do now that some businesses can be compensated by the city for loss of revenue, maybe there is something along those lines that would suite you?

 

[trackstar]

VV is getting pretty old ,...... maybe her and Jodie can make more $$$ sleasing money out of film companies with their leaf blowers rather than blowjobs.

Wow You seriously are a mean-spirited person.

 

[Very Veronica]

Leaf blowers are obnoxious and ineffective, i prefer a noble hoe.

Btw, it's 'sleazing'..surprised you don't know how to spell it..then again, not.

VV is getting pretty old ,...... maybe her and Jodie can make more $$$ sleasing money out of film companies with their leaf blowers rather than blowjobs.

 

[GDC]

Uber IDIOT

right on!!!
So lets all bitch to a poor film location P.A. that interrupts your all important life for 3 minutes and asks you to not to cross a street until the film company gets the "take". That would be sooooo inconvenient that we should phone the film office and bitch and ask for money, compensation. or get a leaf blower and get the location manager to bribe you so you stop. great ideas , just drive them to another city.
and yes asshole , its alot greener industry than 75%
of most business.
VV is getting pretty old ,...... maybe her and Jodie can make more $$$ sleasing money out of film companies with their leaf blowers rather than blowjobs.

So that's it? You are just an bitter, unemployed, uneducated dork who lucked out at getting a film job, made a bunch of money, spent it drinking and horeing and now you want to blame everyone else for your crappy life.

Just makes everyone else think that the film industry continues to be a self-rightous, i-and-my-film-are-the-most-important-thing, greeny by convenience, "do you know know I am" industry that only benefits a small (underworld) segment. Please do us all a favour and relocate to Toronto or California. We don't need your attitude or your $$$

 

[keiratouch]

negative nancy

Jodie , have you heard there is a recession going on?
and the film industry does not cut down trees , mine the earth , fish the fish....it is a green industry.
get a life!!!!

Lol you have clearly never worked on set and have no idea how anti green they are, despite how much they try, you must not realize how much of the "worlds" resources they run threw every day they are filming, the amount of gas to move all the trucks, equipment ect to and from different locations, the amount of wood and other materials they use to build each individual set, They dont recycle the shit into new sets, they just use new stuff. Why do you think it takes so much cash to make movies. I am sorry but as hard as they may try to seem "green" The film industry is not.

She has every right to be upset about having her daily life and routine disrupted, even if she had not been to a third world country( im honestly tired of people saying this as most people wouldn’t donate 10 cents a month, let alone even hear out someone coming door to door to discuss the matter, and likely have not even been to one themselves.) even if it may only be for a short time period, it is her life and her right to a peaceful enjoyment of her home that she pays for. I also don’t understand why you feel the need to attack her? Do you have nothing constructive to suggest or say? Not every post on here has to turn into a fight.

 

[CaraClementine]

Lol you have clearly never worked on set and have no idea how anti green they are, despite how much they try, you must not realize how much of the "worlds" resources they run threw every day they are filming, the amount of gas to move all the trucks, equipment ect to and from different locations, the amount of wood and other materials they use to build each individual set, They dont recycle the shit into new sets, they just use new stuff. Why do you think it takes so much cash to make movies. I am sorry but as hard as they may try to seem "green" The film industry is not.

She has every right to be upset about having her daily life and routine disrupted, even if she had not been to a third world country( im honestly tired of people saying this as most people wouldn’t donate 10 cents a month, let alone even hear out someone coming door to door to discuss the matter, and likely have not even been to one themselves.) even if it may only be for a short time period, it is her life and her right to a peaceful enjoyment of her home that she pays for. I also don’t understand why you feel the need to attack her? Do you have nothing constructive to suggest or say? Not every post on here has to turn into a fight.

She is right.... I know quite a few people who work in the film industry, and they rarely recycle!!!

I live downtown, close to where a lot of filming tends to go on... however am not really affected, as I have underground parking.... and my driving routes aren't majorly off course. I can however, see how it would be irritating for some.

Someone on here is very angry (you know who you are). What the hell is wrong with you? regardless of who is right, and who is wrong, stop attacking people. You should channel those energies into something constructive, such as a workout.. and come back on here when you feel better and have something positive to say.

I'm all for the BC film industry.... and clearly she was talking about the way the city handles its arrival.

 

[GDC]

Drama Princess

It may be a small rant for her.
however for her to come onto a board and rant and rag on a industry that may be very important to others is going to get some negative reactions.
That industry is a golden egg for many. And she and VV benefit by it and don't even know it.
I stick with my words...she is a drama princess , and i hope she and VV loses film bucks for her " small rant".
Maybe we should stand in the lobby of her apartment with signs saying " ho's working in suite 407 " and sleaze (thanks for the spelling VV , and only you should know)
some payola from her to get rid of us. tit for tat.

There appears to be ONE drama princess in this tread and that would be ......YOU! Juno! Academy Award! No RAZZY is more appropriate.

Watch it with the threats! You can get into trouble.

 

[Thatotherguy]

That sounds intimidating , and what threat are you talking about?
Trouble from who? you? lol !!!

You threatened to out an SP. Unacceptable. End of story.

 

[Jodie]

Planetman, don't you think you are taking this a little too personally and way too far?

You're not even comparing apples to apples anymore. You're just making completely irrational, emotional and nonsensical statements that have very little to do with my original point.

I have a right to have an opinion, as do you. But for goodness sake, please express your opinion as an adult and refrain from the threats and personal attacks.

 

[Small pleasures]

You threatened to out an SP. Unacceptable. End of story.

Maybe we should stand in the lobby of her apartment with signs saying " ho's working in suite 407 " and sleaze (thanks for the spelling VV , and only you should know)
some payola from her to get rid of us. tit for tat.

I agree with 'Thatotherguy' that 'planetman' has crossed a line threatening to "out" an SP, on top of the attacks and insults. I have sent a PM to the mod and encourage anyone else who feels the same to do so as well.

 

[GDC]

You are REALLY an IDIOT this time!

Watch it with the threats! You can get into trouble.

That sounds intimidating , and what threat are you talking about?
Trouble from who? you? lol !!![/QUOTE]

No I would never threaten you, you freak! Not worth the effort. Athough you do deserve a "gogbsmack lesson in civility". You have completely missed the point yet again!

You have done 3 things that have crossed the line. 1) Threatened to divulge the identity of an SP. 2) Threatened to show up (i.e. stalk) at thier apartment. 3) Badmouthed an SP trying to ruin her business because you are pissed of at her personal and private opinion about the city and not your little industry! That's just the 3 that I see.

Knock it off! No one has threaten you but your actions and words have consequenses. Not a threat but a fact!

I suggest you apologize and we all go our seperate ways. Your choice...