Livingston residents and local businesses are voicing concerns after a film production crew recently took over downtown. ( Photo: NBC Montana)
LIVINGSTON, MT —Livingston residents and local businesses are voicing concerns after a film production crew recently took over downtown.
While the movie is bringing revenue to the city, some people say it’s intruding on everyday life.
“We have the senior center here, and we have our pharmacy right here. This is a very tight-knit community, and businesses like the Gem were not made aware. The Food Reat the film production reaches out and talks to businesses, and they said that they did, yet nobody has actually heard from them,” said Brooklyn Wilde, manager at Gem coffee shop
Downtown Livingston is now the setting of a film called “Pawn Shop.”
Some locals are questioning whether the production obtained all necessary filming permits.
“I had an opportunity to look at the permit today actually, and I was quite surprised to look at the total fee that they paid to shut it down,” said Wilde.
NBC Montana asked the film crew for comment, which they denied.
Protesters near the scene voiced concerns about what they say is being portrayed on screen.
“The people who are making this movie know that there are people who dissent in this community particularly, and we’ve seen that by an abundance of community support,” said protester Keegan Nashan.
“They’re allowed to spend their money however they want. They are allowed to make whatever movies they want. But we are also allowed to protest, to have our freedom of speech,” said Nashan.
According to the permit, filming is expected to continue in downtown Livingston through Oct. 10.
The Livingston City Commission announced a special meeting this Saturday at 9 a.m. to discuss street closures and potential changes to the handling of film permits — including a requirement for advance notice for neighbors and businesses.
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