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City Council delays movie action
Published Tuesday, August 5, 2008
The words “That’s a wrap” might be heard before “Action” as a proposed motion picture filming in Fergus Falls appears to be in jeopardy.
Fergus Falls city council members on Monday opted to delay a decision on a film at the Regional Treatment Center until meeting with campus developers later this month.
The delay essentially puts the film project on hold, said Dav Kaufman, a Twin Cities-based filmmaker and author who is hoping to use the RTC as the site for his next movie. Kaufman, staff from the Minnesota Film and TV Board, and Jean Bowman of the Fergus Falls Convention and Visitors Bureau were on-hand Monday to tell council members more about the film and address any concerns.
But Kaufman didn’t walk out of the meeting with a deal in hand. Instead, he was handed a three-week delay that could force the filmmaker to look beyond Fergus Falls for the location of his film.
Monday’s decision to delay approval of the film will give council members time to learn more about negotiations by the Campus Development Group (CDG) with Chinese educators to bring a multicultural business college to the RTC grounds, council members said. A meeting with members of CDG is currently scheduled for Aug. 25 but may be moved to Aug. 18.
Richard Anderson, president of CDG, expressed his opposition to filming at the RTC in a July letter to Fergus Falls Mayor Russ Anderson, stating that the movie would create a sense of insecurity in the community and add to the anxiety parents already feel when sending a student to college.
Harold Stanislawski of the Fergus Falls Economic Improvement Commission said the CDG doesn’t want any stigma attached to what could be a $50 million project, adding members of CDG have been working on the project for 16 months and have made several trips to China and hosted a Chinese delegation in Fergus Falls in May.
Council members echoed those concerns.
“I’m real hesitant to put the CDG at risk, here, with their negotiations,” said Councilman Rick Wilson. Councilman Ron Burt voiced concern over the film’s content and how it would be received by another culture.
Greg Stumbo was the only councilman who appeared in favor of the film.
“I think this project really represents a step forward in this community,” he said.
Kaufman suggested the concerns surrounding the film are unfounded.
“This is not a movie that’s going to shine any negative light on that gorgeous building,” said Kaufman, referring to the Kirkbride. “This is not a horror film. This is not a slasher film. The last thing we want to do is show this community in a negative light.”
Though a confidentiality agreement with his distributor prohibits Kaufman from revealing many of the plot’s details, he did give council members a feel for the storyline Monday. Kaufman’s film, titled “The Psychosis of Ghosts,” follows a young college student who takes a job as a night guard at an abandoned hospital. The student later encounters spirits inhabiting the facility and uses his knowledge of psychology to help them.
Kaufman stressed that the script is entirely fictional and does not identify the RTC or its location in Fergus Falls. Furthermore, the RTC is essentially set-ready and would require few changes; the art department would document the facility in video and photos before the arrival of cast and crew to make sure it is returned to its original likeness.
“You walk in there and you have a set,” Kaufman said. “It’s an incredible, incredible gem.”
Kaufman first learned of the RTC from Chis Grap, a staff person with the Minnesota Film and TV Board who toured Fergus Falls and many other outstate communities last year. Inspired by the photos he saw of the Kirkbride, Kaufman proceeded to write a script to be shot at the RTC. Before that happens, however, the City of Fergus Falls must agree to lease the facility to Kaufman and his crew for 30 days of filming from mid-October to mid-November.
But the council’s desire to wait until the end of the month to make a decision will put the project at risk.
Kaufman said he will start to look more aggressively for other locations to film as he waits for the council’s decision.
“We’re at a standstill,” he said. “I think we’ve said what we have to say and now it’s up to the city council to decide what’s best.”
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The Daily Journal is happy to host community conversations about news and life in Fergus Falls and the surrounding area. As hosts, we expect guests will show respect for each other. That means we don't threaten or defame each other, and we keep conversations free of personal attacks. Witty is great. Abusive is not. If you think a post violates these standards, don't escalate the situation. Instead, flag the comment to alert us. We'll take action if necessary. It's not hard. This should be a place where people want to read and contribute -- a place for spirited exchanges of opinion. So those who persist with racist, defamatory or abusive postings risk losing the privilege to post at all.Posted by jeepman (anonymous) on August 5, 2008 at 12:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
All I can say is way to go FF. One more reason Fergus is going down the toilet.
Posted by KATY (anonymous) on August 5, 2008 at 12:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I was at the city council meeting yesterday, and I heard both sides of this issue. I have lived in Fergus for 27 years, and frankly, last night was the first time that I was actually embarrassed by my community. We have all been flat out lied to by Mr. Anderson and his team. Flat out lied to. We were all under the impression that this deal with the Chinese was a done deal, and now I come to find out last night that he doesn’t even have so much as a letter of intent from the Chinese to prove that this is going to happen. He has nothing to prove the validity of his word, and that’s all we have, just his word. A $50 million deal? Don’t be fooled. Not a single person in this community but Anderson and his team will see ANY of that money. Not a penny. The film project on the other is a done deal. They have already got their hotels in town for the month they are going to be there. They have already scoped out which of our restaurants will feed the crew. They already have a contract set before the city to do what they intend to do. What enraged me the most was the city council didn’t right then and there make the distinction between one man’s empty promise, and a done deal to bring money and notoriety to our community. Furthermore, I also found out last night that the city invited the filmmakers to use the RTC last October. They were invited here, and instead of welcoming them with open arms, the city council used a cheap political maneuver to try and force the film out of town by delaying their decision. What is going on in our community? Why is the city council so easily controlled by Anderson and his team based on nothing more than a verbal intent of what MIGHT happen, not what is going to happen. I hope our elected officials find the wisdom to do what’s right and allow the film to happen here. If not, and Anderson does not come through on his promise, the city MUST hold him personally accountable because right now, giving up a sure thing because maybe something else will happen is ludicrous. Flat out ludicrous. This is something that will be talked about in our community for years to come, I hope the council makes the wise and correct choice.
Posted by ajohnsonx (anonymous) on August 5, 2008 at 12:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Typical Fergus Falls- lets reject everything that brings some, if any business to the city. If they were filming for a month, maybe some of the crew would see that it is a great community to live in, and maybe move here..maybe, but that'll never happen...because everything that has the possibility of shining some light on out city gets rejected. It may "offend" the Chinese culture.....? The chances of the CDG deal ever going through anyways are slim to none....so why not take a chance for using the building that is otherwise useless and move forward with something, even if it is a low budget film that will not make any reference to FF.
Posted by Mom42 (anonymous) on August 5, 2008 at 12:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Remember, there is an election this fall if you don't like your current city government, vote someone new in!
Posted by brownie100 (anonymous) on August 5, 2008 at 12:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Would someone please name one thriller/horror movie that caused a negative impact on a whole community? I believe this film is the best thing that could happen to FF. I just don't see how this college deal is the "it" thing to do. Look at all the problems the community college has had in the past few years. How will the "multicultural business college" survive in a community that never seems to be willing to accept change?
Posted by kingdanno (anonymous) on August 5, 2008 at 1:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Amityville ... that movie gave a bad name to the town. I wonder if the town is still recieving tourism dollars from that movie? I bet it is. As for the hoteliers and restauranteurs ... sorry ... maybe another community will support you.
Posted by MarcNSuzy (anonymous) on August 5, 2008 at 1:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Wow! Fergus "leaders" turning away something they deem not the status quo? Something new and vibrant? Positive even? This is unheard of in these parts.
And to respond to the person who said Fergus Falls is going down the toilet....FF has been in the toilet and flushed for years. I truly believe this sad sack of a city is too far gone to be saved.
This is a town of 200 people with 13,000 living in it. The system of Good Old Boys city leadership for decades on end does that.
This place wreaks of death and despair.
Posted by basca (anonymous) on August 5, 2008 at 1:20 p.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by goingfishing (anonymous) on August 5, 2008 at 1:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I know Rick Wilson and I always thought he was fairly progressively thinking. I guess I was totally wrong. Or did he change to backwards, conservative thinking through exposure to the City Council Chambers? Of all those on the council I thought Stumbo might be the one who would object and here he was the only one in favor. Boy, do we need a new council.
Posted by Clutch (anonymous) on August 5, 2008 at 1:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What a bunch of b.s. Seriously! I don't think something like this would hurt the town. If anything it'll give it life again. Every time there's an idea of something awesome happening...They reject it, shut it down or whatever.
I hate Fergus. It blows. Once their generation dies off, we're in charge. Go Generation X!
Posted by chipper072 (anonymous) on August 5, 2008 at 1:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What is with you guys? If you do not have anything good to say dont say anything at all. Why in the world does the Journal want to keep the blogs. The Journal is not only hurting themselves but everyone around them. Delete your blogs.
Posted by chipper072 (anonymous) on August 5, 2008 at 1:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey clutch get a life. Be nice.
Posted by MarcNSuzy (anonymous) on August 5, 2008 at 1:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
First of all, these aren't "blogs", they are comments. Secondly, maybe if we all just commented on the cute puppies and pretty flower pictures in the Journal that would make your day brighter. The reality is, this town needs a severe enema. If you find that unpleasant, I suggest you go cuddle with your fluffy kitten and sip your tea while getting fitted for blinders.
The comments this story has generated are the EXACT reason reader comments need to be left in place.
Posted by chipper072 (anonymous) on August 5, 2008 at 2:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Oh Marcnsuzy exuse me I guess they are comments. But who cares. You have some serious problems. Maybe you should go cuddle up to your cute little fluffy kitten and it would brighten your beautiful day. These comments need to be deleted.
Posted by fisher (anonymous) on August 5, 2008 at 2:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
First of all, before everybody gets totally out of control with this, GET REAL. Whether or not the Chinese College happens, it's inarguably the most hopeful thing to hit this town. I think it's worth the minor sacrifice to wait and see, and I'm glad most of the council saw the light.
To ajohnsonx, do you really think that anyone working in the movie industry is going to pick up and move here? Not likely for a myriad of reasons too obvious to state.
Take a breath and take the long-view people!
Posted by watermelon (anonymous) on August 5, 2008 at 2:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You people really need to stop getting your hopes up over nothing. I've seen what film crews do to the places they lease in order to film scenes for a movie. They destroy the place and leave it in a shambles. I'm sure that is a consideration that they are making.
Number two: Dav Kaufman filming in the old FF RTC buildings are going to bring NO notoriety and NO extra business to Fergus Falls-in fact it will most likely detract from the area. He's a virtually unknown indie filmmaker from the twin cities, with one bloody slasher flick to his name. Sorry, but would you want someone to shoot a porno in your home? It's not like they're doing a love drama set in elizabethan times.
After the film has made its rounds in select small theatres, it will go straight to DVD and be forgotten almost as quickly as it was produced.
Pull your heads out of your butts and try to realize that this isn't Lucasfilm scouting out for locations. ITS A LOW BUDGET INDIE SLASHER FILM based out of the twin cities.
Then again, I'm wasting my breath with a bunch of knuckle-draggers who get all excited as a busload of schoolkids when they find out that they're getting an Arby's and a Walgreens. ???????
Posted by MarcNSuzy (anonymous) on August 5, 2008 at 3:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I've lived in Fergus Falls for 25 of my 35 years. Sometimes I wonder why I moved back. This town needs some severe help. People like chipper072 personify the general populous of this glorified retirement community. This movie will never happen here. Nothing will ever happen here, except for retirement parties and funerals. That's why people don't move to Fergus Falls. They go east to a little town called Alexandria which is vibrant and alive with commerce.
Posted by Generally_Misunderstood (anonymous) on August 5, 2008 at 3:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
In my opinion a delay to let those directly involved in the potential university to gauge the impact the movie would have on the Chinese contingent is not necessarily a bad thing. Those individuals probably have the best gauge of how sensitive the Chinese would be on this. And perception of things is very key for the Chinese. Gauge the response from the Chinese by asking them directly how they feel about it and then make the decision. If they have no issues with using a former asylum for a university, why would a fictional account of one even matter? Just ask them, it's not that damn difficult. And if they say "Yes" that it will offend them, then ask for a letter of intent to move forward with it. If not, get the movie leased signed and move on. Not including the group that might be offended in the first place would probably offend them far more. If no one in this leadership has the cojones to do this, then maybe we need someone from a local press entity to contact them directly to garner an independent response? Naaaa, we can' have that. Could a few be making way more out of this then it really is? hmmmmmmmm
Could the reputation of a movie have a negative effect? Possibly, but that's granting a film quite a bit of power. The film's success is being judged before it's even been produced. Sure media can have an effect on many things, but we're assuming this will be the next big Summer/Fall Blockbuster with an National theater audience. With no disrespect to the movie production, I'm not so convinced that this won't be a direct to DVD release with minimal impact on anything other then a few film noir buffs. If it isn't this, then our community needs to do whatever it can to attract this and other movies like it!
Just my 3 1/8 Cents.
Posted by fisher (anonymous) on August 5, 2008 at 3:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
To watermelon:
Well said. You hit it right on the nose.
Posted by metasonics (anonymous) on August 5, 2008 at 3:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
watermelon, you have flat-out wrote untruths.
this is in no way a slasher flick!
there is nothing pornographic to it, it fact it is about a college student who helps some lost spirits find redemption!
there are a number of investors
believe it or not Independent films are important.
has anyone here heard of the Sundance film festival or the Cannes film festival?
all the film crew will spend money while temporarily living in our city, all of the local people hired on to help would make money too.
the lease the filmmakers would pay as well as our city councils site user fee? I think it was called, should bring in a good chunk of cash too.
not to mention that if the RTC were to become a school, it would add to the appeal for most if the hundreds of college students I've personally spoke with.
this movie could be a blockbuster, however there is no reason to make those kind of assumptions.
is this really just about money?
This film would bring a good amount to our community, not the kind of money the CDG claims to have in the works, but the Movie money is for sure.
I support the idea of the RTC becoming a campus but with out any letter of intent from any interested parties?
our city council first asked if waiting to vote would cut the time frame too short for the film to be shot?, the Director/writer Dav Kaufman said it would, and Thats when councilman "Wilson" moved to delay making a decision.
our mayor pointed out he didn't see any sort of payment to the city if they approved the proposal also.
I don't understand why the city council should be paid simply for allowing Minnesotans to make a movie in a location in which they would also be paying for a lease as well as a million dollar insurance policy.
so, in the end there's a good chance that we will not have the movie shot here, and after however many months of pandering to the Chinese without any solid indications toward any agreement, "no letter of intent", we may not have them either.
personally I feel it's just plain right to give preference here to our own people first.
I sure don't want to see what would happen if a wealthy Chinese man told the city council he might want my house.
I think we should remind these people who elected them and who they are supposed to be working for!
this is yet another reason I am running for city council Ward one this November!
thank you.
Jamie Cooper
Posted by MyFurryFriend56537 (anonymous) on August 5, 2008 at 6:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If this guy saw the RTC and THEN started to write the script, do you really think he is "aggressively" looking for other locations? If so, good luck!
Posted by Mel (anonymous) on August 5, 2008 at 6:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Just keep the RTC out of the public eye. It will be easier to destroy with less people having seen it. SO, if you are of the mind set to get rid of it, don't let any thing happen there, and don't let anyone know about this national treasure.
Posted by metasonics (anonymous) on August 5, 2008 at 7:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
well myfurryfriend, I spoke with Him and some of his crew, and they said there are two other kirkbride structures that they could also consider, however they prefer ours!
they told me this film will be shot and on schedule whether in Fergus or another community.
Jamie Cooper
Posted by rodentboy (anonymous) on August 5, 2008 at 7:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"but would you want someone to shoot a porno in your home?"
heck ya!
Posted by jafo (anonymous) on August 5, 2008 at 8:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Let them do the movie, for cryin' out loud!!!!
Posted by klingetb (anonymous) on August 5, 2008 at 8:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree with metasonics. I believe in maybe the 2nd or 3rd grade I was taught about fiction and non-fiction. Being this movie is fiction I don't see any reason this would have an adverse affect on the future of the Kirkbride. If the chinese don't understand fiction is untrue then maybe council could go over that with them. I'm all for asking the public on decisions for our community we are also the ones that are living here.
Tim Klinger
Posted by rodentboy (anonymous) on August 5, 2008 at 9:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
metasonics -
whats the link to get to your my space?
can't find it.
Posted by metasonics (anonymous) on August 5, 2008 at 10:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
http://www.myspace.com/jamiecooper1
Posted by ottergrad (anonymous) on August 5, 2008 at 11:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I believe the opening of the movie is the night watchman hearing some noise in the hallway. He investigates and discovers a
"Severed Arm clawing its way down the hallway."
He continues to discover a decomposing young lady asking "can you help me find my arm"
Scenes like this is what keeps mothers of college students up at night when they are deciding if their kid should go to school in Fergus Falls. Doesn't make any difference whether they are from China or the USA.
When people are deciding what school to go to and they are not familiar with the area or college they google it. If there is a movie made at that campus they will rent it to see what it is about. This could cause them to decide not to go to school here and this is the concern the city and CDG have. One movie spending $8000 in a month or a college with a annual budget of 20 million a year.
One student not coming to Fergus because of a film made in the dormitory costs revenue. Why would they want to take the chance of not being successful.
Posted by metasonics (anonymous) on August 6, 2008 at 2:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
those mothers should visit a psychologist, to reconnect with reality, or actually have faith in whomever they profess they pray to.
seriously, if you have mental conditions like some of these people are suggesting, You should not hesitate to get help!
there are many forms of treatment for delusions like ottergrad is talking about.
I think it's obvious that this film will not be a Disney type movie, unless you're thinking "pirates of the Caribbean", with all those spirits and the horrible loss of limbs and body parts.
Posted by metasonics (anonymous) on August 6, 2008 at 3:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
oh and until there is a letter of intent or any proof of any kind of offer for the RTC, none of these numbers mean anything! be it 20 million or zillions! or whatever numbers you feel like making up.
they are taking the chance of not being successful!
the film money is a for sure thing!
the college?, pure speculation!
what if they do a google search and find out we play r-rated movies here?
what if they do a google search and find out it was a mental institution?, with a rubber room and straight jackets and electro shock and all the nastiness of previous forms of acceptable medical practice?
how stupid do you think these people are?
at least respect us enough to not come up with such pathetic excuses!
I honestly have to wonder if these people who appose the movie are prone to paranoid delusions to actually think foreign Millionaires are that mentally ill.
I don't know if any contract would be legal with a person with such a condition.
I do know that in China the govt. restricts what they are allowed to find on the internet, and regulates all forms of knowledge.
so I really wouldn't worry about anyone in China knowing anything about Us here.
in fact I would hope the CDG have researched to find out if these investors have any ties to the Chinese Triad gangs throughout our country buying up America.
I don't want to stereotype anyone but, I feel this is a valid point.
where is the $20 million supposed to be coming from?
we are talking about the country where it is common to kill your child based on gender.
the country who is guilty of the greatest genocide in history and committed it during most of our lifetimes.
anyone remember Free TiBet?, or has the false promise of money blinded you?
WE should not be so optimistic about the Chinese buying off our land!
I would rather they lease it!
I want to know where their money is coming from?
it is common in China to sell women into sex slavery.
work camps in which the workers can never leave.
lets not forget the child sweat shops.
do you really want to do business with people who still practice slavery?
what is cost of your soul?
our people died fighting against these kind of ideas, and now I'm supposed to side with the Chinese, over my own people because of a rumor?
these are the kinds of horrors that keep me up at night!
Posted by ottergrad (anonymous) on August 6, 2008 at 8:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
No university or college would want a negative stigma created about their campus or dormitories.
Why would any business risk having anything negative about their location.
Most reasonable folks would not want their home known as a crack house, porn movie studio or having someone murdered or committed suicide.
This has nothing to do with the Chinese but is common sense. The premise of the movie is the doctor mistreated his patients and that is not something we should be promoting about our rtc.
Posted by Generally_Misunderstood (anonymous) on August 6, 2008 at 10:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Ottergrad hate to be the one to tell you, but the 'treatments' that went on at the RTC for decades are now considered torture and inhumane. Yes, it was done in the name of science and the experimentation was to try better understand how the human brain worked, but that still does not distract from what occurred. The subjects at the time were considered less then human and their rights weren't exactly a priority. It is this stigma that was a partial causation to the decline of the institution itself and the move to community group homes. Don't kid yourself that it was purely about funding. Great noble intention of moving the residents into a community neighborhood, but has this not isolated them more then they were at the State Hospital itself surrounded by large amounts of peers? Instead we have just a few individuals in a home largely ignored by their neighbors. A fictional movie is just that, fiction. Why are you all so afraid of a fictional account? The truth of what occurred within the confines of the walls of the old State Hospital and other's like it is far worse then whatever some screen writer will dream up.
Posted by cheif (anonymous) on August 6, 2008 at 10:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
metasonics, wouldn't you think a multi-million dollar project like this would take more than a week to finalize and everything? It takes time. Ottergrad, you also have an excellent point.
Posted by lifterpuller (anonymous) on August 6, 2008 at 10:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"This has nothing to do with the Chinese but is common sense. The premise of the movie is the doctor mistreated his patients and that is not something we should be promoting about our rtc."
Ottergrad, I wish you would explain where you're getting all this info on the movie. I was at the city council meeting and this never came up... maybe you know something the rest of us missed?
a project like the cdg is working on should take more than a week... but we haven't been only dealing with these guys for only a week. This Campus Development group has been working on this for over a year. The clock is ticking, and we have to have something on paper before the new year starts. The movie can never be worse than some of the things that went on at the state hospital... and even if it were, the movie doesn't bring up Fergus Falls by name, and the campus will be completely remodelled before any students are ever moving in. I really don't see where the big deal is.
Posted by lifterpuller (anonymous) on August 6, 2008 at 10:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
and just a side note... If the movie is set at a kirkbride building, and is going to be filmed in a kirkbride, regardless of whether it's ours our not, would there not be the negative stigma already attached? maybe the city of fergus falls should sue dav kauffman for defamation and potential damages when the CDG thing doesn't come through, because even if the movie isn't shot here, the negative thoughts brought by the idea that a horror movie COULD HAVE been shot here is probably enough to make it hard for the mothers of college students to send them to school here. because the script is set in a kirkbride... any kirkbride, dav just likes ours.
Posted by rodentboy (anonymous) on August 6, 2008 at 12:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
who is funding the CDG? how are these trips to China paid for? if it is coming from funds related to the RTC they have a sweet deal with the trips.
Posted by dazzlefresh (anonymous) on August 6, 2008 at 1:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Seriously? I went to college at the place where they shot scenes for The Haunting. The college saw it as a great way to advertise. Ebert was impressed enough with the setting to look it up. The movie stank, and no one even remembered it one year later - and that was a big budget movie with big stars. Did the fact this was a horror movie reflect on the college? Absolutely not. And the leaders of FF think an independent movie that a small niche of people will see will reflect badly on the town? I've never been happier to not live there anymore.
Posted by olson736 (anonymous) on August 6, 2008 at 4:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I see where the University of British Columbia allows films to be shot. They require $2500 a day fee and 5 million in insurance.
POLICY FOR FILMING ON THE UBC CAMPUS
PURPOSE
To provide a comprehensive film liaison policy and service so that space and facilities on the UBC campus can be used by external media production organizations as film locations without disruption or cost to the university.
OBJECTIVES
To provide a service that takes into account the complex requirements of production companies in utilizing film locations, the physical resources of the university that might be suitable for their requirements, and the interests of university students and staff.
To minimize disruption of normal university activities.
To assist non-commercial production agencies and public broadcasting institutions in creating educational and public interest programs.
To provide and control general access to the university exterior locations and to provide limited access to interior locations for commercial production companies producing feature films, commercials, still photography and general entertainment programs.
To recover all costs of the film liaison service and provide financial compensation to occupants of buildings where interior filming is undertaken.
"To preserve the reputation and public image of the University."
"The producer is encouraged to involve students from the UBC Film Program as observers while filming on campus. "
For productions that do not involve university events and activities, every effort should be made to maintain the "anonymity" of the university, including promotion and credits; the university, however, may require that it be identified if it feels this would be in its interest.
This makes sense because they have UBC Film Program and they encourage the use of students to learn their craft.
They want to preserve the universities reputation and anonymity of the university.
This is the same concerns that the city should look at. Does it preserve the reputation of the city and RTC. Will they maintain anonymity of the location so it does not create a bad reputation of the future college location.
Posted by klingetb (anonymous) on August 6, 2008 at 7:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Fiction people it's all fiction!!!!
Posted by FergusFamily (anonymous) on August 6, 2008 at 9:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
City Council - you don't actually expect CDG to give you more information by the 18th, do you? Stalling is exactly their strategy to make this movie go away. By not giving you what you need to make an informed decision, he's guessing you won't have the cohones to grant the movie take place. You'll just want to delay it again, knowing full well that Kaufman won't wait any longer - he said so Monday night.
Building relationships with small film makers and doing that successfully is what can lead us to the bigger industry. That's true of any business. We just continue to damage our own community's reputation and willingness to accept and invite people here. Didn't we have this same conversation when the earlier school bond failed and people moved away? Why don't we want people to like it here? What makes anyone think 500 Chinese students will feel welcomed?
I saw on PEG that the pastor made a great point about determining the credibility of this rumored trouble with the Chinese. I like someone's suggestion to check it out - from a credible source. That doesn't mean CDG won't draft a letter, e-mail it to their pals in China and tell them to put it on their letterhead, sign it and send it back. So find out from people who live there, or the film industry, what's all the fuss about? I have yet to hear anything be substantiated. Perhaps CDG's opposition is just a ruse to hide the fact that the deal isn't going well. Then they'll have something else to blame.
Posted by ottergrad (anonymous) on August 9, 2008 at 5:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What makes you think CDG didn't already speak with the council members?
I have been told by a council member that he had a hour conversation with CDG before the council meeting. I was also told that the council was not provided and did not read the synopsis of the movie before their meeting.
It is not the colleges that are deciding if they will go to school here. It is the students and their families that will research our community. It is their sons and daughters that will be staying in the dorms where the movie will be made.
There isn't a college in the world that would want a negative reputation about their campus and dormitories. This is the risk they take that the students may not want to live there.
Posted by lifterpuller (anonymous) on August 11, 2008 at 10:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
the hotel in the movie the shining still brings in tourists. they don't seem to have drawn any sort of reputation, and that movie is much closer to the horror genre than the movie as far as the overview that we got at the city council meeting. beyond that, if the movie is set in a kirkbride building in minnesota, does it really matter if the low budget, more than likely direct to dvd, movie is filmed at ours or another one in terms of negative connotations that could arise from the film?
Posted by lifterpuller (anonymous) on August 11, 2008 at 10:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
and ottergrad, unfortunately the students don't have a chance to decide if they are going to go to the college, and probably won't be looking too deeply into going to this "business college" if there ISN'T A COLLEGE THERE. The Chinese have to make a decision before any students or parents are going to have any sort of say. and as someone that is just past college age from Fergus, I would have loved a presence like that in town, and probably wouldn't have gone to the University of MN in the Twin Cities if there was an international college option like that this close to home... but what would I know, I'm just in the right age range to at least have an Idea of how students of that age think.
Posted by farmguy39 (anonymous) on August 18, 2008 at 11:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
just read on the forum website that the city council is meeting to day about the movie
why the jounal doesn;t mention it on theres I have no idea ;-(
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