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Harley Sherlock with daughter Sarah-Jane and Peter Roberts
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Film location story may not have a happy ending
Residents in area popular with movie-makers ask for consideration
RESIDENTS in picturesque Canonbury are beginning to fall out of love with film crews who regularly turn up to use the quiet, moody, and leafy location as abackdrop for movies.
The anger appears to be over lack of notice about the arrival of the film-makers. They turn up in huge lorries full of equipment taking up parking bays for duration of their production.
Concerns were expressed this week during the filming of ITV’s Whistle Blower drama in Alwyne road where residents have been disturbed twice in as many months.
Harley Sherlock, a resident and founder member of the Islington Society, said: “We’re not against the crews, we’re actually rather proud of our street and if people want to make films that’s very good.
“But on one day we couldn’t get back into the street, although to be fair the crew were very helpful and apologetic and they did manage to guide us in.
“The annoying thing was that we received no warning – at the very least you would expect a flyer through the door. We also need to know how long they are staying”
Theatre consultant Peter Roberts said he has regularly suffered inconvenience from the presence of film crews which, while not constant, is often quite disturbing particularly at night.
“The most irritating element,” he added, “is undoubtedly Islington Council’s action in taking out of service, during filming, residents’ parking bays.
“We have already paid for these bays but they sell the spaces to the film company without compensating residents for the loss of their amenity.
“If one conducted a business like that one would rightly be accused of cheating the public.”
However, another resident, Ms Moyse, offered her support for the film crews.
She said: “The film set used only two houses on Alwyne Road, paying attention to the needs of local residents when they needed to get by between takes. When I spoke to personnel directly they were friendly, kind and approachable. “
Lib Dem councillor George Allan, executive member for customer focus said: “I know when filming is taking place it can be disruptive for people living near where it is happening. That’s why the film office ensures that the production company takes responsibility for notifying residents about filming that’s taking place in their road and works with them to resolve concerns, which it overcomes in the majority of cases.
“I checked with the filming office and they sent three letters to Alwyne Road residents about the filming that was planned for the end of February. The first is dated 31 January – it sent a further two letters dated 5 and 12 February to update residents on the progress of the filming plans.
“Alwyne Road residents were asked to contact the film office or production company about any concerns. Those who responded suggest that as compensation for the disruption a donation should be made to the Rose Bowl Youth Club on the Marquess Estate. It is a local organisation that helps under-privileged children aged between five and 18.”
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