Village Further Studies Film Crew Regulation

Taking a step back from passing an ordinance regulating commercial filmmaking at its meeting Monday, the Village Board of Trustees will the study the issue in more detail before legislating.

After hearing a report from Village staff July 1, the Board had the ordinance on its agenda for a a first reading Monday. With at least five people in the audience ready to speak to the issue, the Trustees tabled the matter to give it further consideration from all interests.

“It’s a way to promote Deerfield itself,” Trustee Alan Farkas said of what can happen when movie audiences around the country see the Village. “It’s something we can take pride in but our residents don’t want to live on a Hollywood set.”

The proposed ordinance, which Farkas had already marked up with changes, limited filming at a residential property to twice a year and set a fee and other requirements before a permit could be granted. The neighbors were also entitled to advance notice.

Mayor Harriet Rosenthal believes additional time for citizens and Village officials to consider legislation can be a good thing. “If people feel there are additions or omissions which should take place I have no problem setting it again,” she said.

Andrew Lichterman, the assistant to Village Manager Kent Street, took a point position developing the proposal with Village staff. As everyone reworks the ordinance, he is not certain how soon it will return to the agenda. He is sure all interests will be considered.

“We are trying to find balance between promoting private commercial activity and the inconvenience that may be caused to residents,” Lichterman said. We understand that often times filming is requested to take place in a residential area.”

Film crews are not new to Deerfield whether they are there for television commercials or a pilot for a medical drama which occurred just over a year ago with activity in both Deerfield and Bannockburn.

A number of neighboring communities have regulations. Deerfield’s proposed ordinance was based on the language contained in them. Farkas was concerned because conditions have changed since those rules were implemented.

“It’s important to keep up with the times,” Farkas said. “Commercial filming can include two guys with a webcam who put it on You Tube. We don’t want to (stifle) the young Steven Spielberg or Wayne’s World.”

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