Massachusetts Film Office lauds Nantucket production, discusses visitor impacts and local film policy updates

Meg Jarrett, executive director of the Massachusetts Film Office, told the Nantucket Visitor Services Advisory Committee on Oct. 14 that a recent production’s work on the island ran “fairly smooth” and that crews generally behaved respectfully.

Jarrett, who said she has worked in Massachusetts film for 30 years, said productions bring both economic benefits and a footprint that communities and location managers must balance with residents’ expectations. “I am very respectful and aware of the footprint that the industry puts in our state,” she said.

The committee discussed how film exposure can influence tourism. Committee member Matt Peele, who runs a shipping company on Nantucket, reported positive interactions with the production’s crew: “Everybody I worked with from the production was absolutely wonderful,” he said. Chair Chantal (surname not specified in the record) and other members noted that film festivals and screenings sometimes provide venues for local premieres or community events tied to production releases.

Committee members also discussed the town’s current film and special events policy, last updated in February 2016, and a separate code of conduct for film shoots. Several committee members said the policy and fee structure may need updating to reflect greater social media exposure, increased production activity and recent logistical challenges. The committee reported that an internal work group will review the policy and coordinate input from police, fire, health, planning and other departments before any changes reach the Select Board.

Jarrett offered to consult with town staff on best practices and pointed to municipalities that have extensive film rules and fee structures. “If you or I used to take my children to Disney World… within an hour, it’s not there. That’s how you want to look at a production to be,” she said, describing an approach where productions leave no visible trace.

On release timing, Jarrett said she did not know when the recent production would be publicly released, but that location managers and the production company would notify town staff and the film office if a festival screening or other local showing was planned.

The committee also discussed longer‑term questions about tourism effects when shows and films depict the island. Jarrett and committee members cautioned that increased online searches do not always immediately translate into higher overnight visitation and that most travel to Nantucket is planned and price‑sensitive.

The committee asked Jarrett for follow‑up on possible updates to permit language and fee schedules; Jarrett said she would be available to advise and meet with staff.