COUNCIL DELAYS ANY CHANGE IN SYSTEM TO CONTROL FILM SHOOTS.

Byline: Rick Orlov

Staff Writer

Fearful of losing film and television productions to other cities, Los Angeles officials decided Wednesday to make no immediate changes in how film permits are issued despite a growing number of complaints about community disruptions.

In the wake of the producers' recent decision to move filming of "Ugly Betty" to New York, the Los Angeles City Council's Public Works Committee agreed to extend the contract for Film L.A. for six months while a task force continues to review possible changes to the system.

The committee also agreed to look into a Los Angeles Police Department plan to replace retired officers on location shoots with off-duty officers -- a move the film industry believes could double or triple production costs.

"We need the LAPD to have oversight, but requiring us to use off-duty officers is a problem," said Melissa Patrick of the Motion Picture Association of America.

"It will not work for us. We are having a dialogue with the LAPD but need to increase understanding."

Patrick said the industry often has film shoots that last 12 to 14 hours a day, which could limit the use of LAPD officers.

"We can't afford to have a shift change of officers in midshoot because it means hundreds of people will be sitting around waiting," Patrick said.

Councilman Bill Rosendahl said he is sympathetic to the needs of the industry and wants to get more information from the LAPD on its proposal.

The LAPD is looking to create a contract-services bureau to give it authority over the use of off-duty officers for special events, including sports events at Dodger Stadium or Staples Center.

Similar offices have been created in other cities, but Patrick said it would not work with the film industry.

Retired officers who have been trained in the special needs of the industry provide public-safety services for less expense than a police department would.

"The city is already losing productions to other cities," Patrick said. "We need a system in place that makes it easy and and more film- friendly."

Councilman Richard Alarcon said he wants to keep the industry in the city, but said the industry needs more outreach efforts in communities where location shoots are popular.

"What is needed is more communication," he said.

"In Shadow Hills, there was a shoot at 4 a.m., but the company had gone around and explained everything to residents, and there wasn't one complaint.

"That isn't the case with all productions."

rick.orlov(at)dailynews.com

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