Politics & Government

Production Company to Film TV Pilot in Norcross

The city council approved the permit Monday in a special called meeting, but not without some residents voicing their concerns first.

In a special called meeting Monday, the Norcross City Council approved the permit application for a production company to film a TV show pilot in the downtown area.

FTP Productions plans to film the ABC pilot for a supernatural drama called "The Returned" from Wednesday, March 13, to Friday, March 15. Most filming will take place at the Pafford home at 566 N. Peachtree St., but the production also plans to capture downtown businesses, street traffic and some neighbors surrounding the home. 

While the council voted 3-0 to allow the filming (two councilmen, Charlie Riehm and David McLeroy, were absent), some residents living off North Peachtree voiced differing opinions on the project.

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David Butsko, who lives near the Pafford house, spoke to the council about his concerns such as damage to his yard, how emergency vehicles would arrive promptly if there were trailers and film equipment everywhere, and how he and his family would have access to the road for errands.

Another neighbor, James Smith, said he had been approached by the film company to allow them to cross their yard during production. He is strictly against it.

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"This is not going to happen. I'm not going to have my property trampled by a bunch of people that care nothing about our community, just to make a film," said Smith. "Why inconvenience property owners for the benefit of people that don't even live here? They care nothing about us."

Angie Morrison of FTP Productions assured in the meeting that they have spoken to most of the affected property owners and respect the wishes of those who do not want to be a part of filming.

As for traffic and accessibility, the film crews are working with Norcross First Baptist Church to see if they'll allow them to use the parking lot for their trucks and trailors. No roads would shut down during production, but there is one particular scene that will require a portion of the road to be blocked off for a short amount of time. Off-duty Norcross Police officers will assist with traffic control, and they'll also be able to help not only the film crew but the neighbors if an emergency arises. Police Chief Warren Summers added that the safety of the citizens always comes first.

Noise control was another issue, but it was assured that no stunts or explosives are expected to take place.

To compromise with residents, the council added two conditions when they approved the permit: No filming after 7 p.m. March 13 and March 14 and 9 p.m. March 15, and compensation should be given to the adjoining properties.

While there were concerns and negativity surrounding the project, one North Peachtree resident went before the council to speak positively.

"I am in a home that is 108 years old, and I love it," said Pam Simmons. "I would love nothing more than the opportunity to showcase our wonderful town, beautiful people, and the city of Norcross. What an incredible opportunity ... for just a small inconvenience for our town."

Additionally, Community Development Director Chris McCrary noted that shooting the TV show downtown could bring more people and income to the city and businesses, and it allows Norcross to be more noticeable nationwide. If the TV pilot is picked up by ABC, there is the possibility that the show will come back to film in Norcross, but that would be determined at a later date, according to Morrison.

As for the premise of the show itself, "'The Returned' asks what happens when the people you have buried and mourned suddenly appear on your doorstep as if not a day's gone by," according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The pilot for the supernatural drama will specifically be about a child who went missing 30 years ago and arrived in a small village in China, according to the permit application. "He is 'returned' to his small mid-America town having not aged at all," continues the description.

The Hollywood Reporter reports that the new show is penned by Aaron Zelman of "Criminal Minds" and based on a novel by Jason Mott. "Covert Affairs" actress Devin Kelley and Matt Craven of "NCIS," "X-Men: First Class" and "Justified" will star in the pilot. Brillstein Entertainment and Brad Pitt's Plan B will be in the executive production part of the show. 

According to the Norcross permit application, the pilot will be directed by Charles McDougall, who also has directed episodes for "House of Cards," "The Office," "The Tudors" and "Sex and the City."

See also:

  • Norcross City Council Recap: Revised Noise Control Ordinance Passes
  • City Creates Filming Ordinance—With Changes to Stay Competitive
  • Norcross High Grad Now a Film Star
  • Rap Video Filmed on N. Barton on Sunday Morning

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