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Pawling board approves Paramount filming in town after amending fees and requiring ambulance, insurance
Summary
The Pawling Town Board voted to authorize Paramount Pictures to film "Little Falls" on town property after amending the production agreement to a flat $8,000 per day plus $10,000 for any day Dodge Road is closed, and requiring an on-site ambulance and insurance; the board also struck rec center use and tree-removal items from the LOI.
The Pawling Town Board voted June 10 to authorize Paramount Pictures to film on town property for the production "Little Falls," approving a motion that amended the company's letter of intent to set a flat fee schedule, require insurance and an on-site ambulance, and remove several items from the draft agreement.
Supervisor Geodano opened discussion after staff introduced a special-events permit and a letter of intent from Paramount. A production representative told the board the shoot is weather-dependent but currently envisions eight days on town property: three filming days, three rehearsal days, a prep day and a wrap day. The company said it would minimize road closures where possible and coordinate notifications with county and town emergency services.
Paramount noted the schedule is fluid; "we would like the opportunity to use those days during that period of time," a representative said, explaining weather and other factors could require additional days. The representative added that the production had supplied a hold-harmless agreement and insurance.
Board members and staff debated multiple fee options. An initial draft discussed by staff used itemized charges tied to facility use; some board members had earlier discussed a $25,000-per-day flat fee. Councilman McCarthy moved to amend the LOI to strike the itemized figures, retain language reimbursing town personnel at standard overtime rates, adopt a flat $8,000-per-day fee for days the production is on site, and add $10,000 per day for any day Dodge Road is closed. The board carried the amendment by voice vote.
The amended terms also require the production to provide a dedicated ambulance on days when motorized stunts or vehicle activity (including motorcycles/ATVs) are staged; staff confirmed the company has supplied insurance and a signed hold-harmless agreement. The board additionally struck from the LOI use of the recreation center and permission to remove trees.
With those changes, the board approved the resolution authorizing Paramount to film in Pawling, subject to payment of fees by July 10 and the conditions added by the board.
Why it matters: the agreement balances economic opportunity and community disruption by requiring higher flat fees, explicit public-safety measures and limits on town facility use. The board asked for an update at its July 8 meeting and directed staff to ensure close coordination with emergency services and notification to nearby residents and the school district.
What—omes next: the production must pay the agreed fees by July 10, provide proof of required insurance and escrow for any sheriff overtime, and follow the modified LOI terms. The board retained authority to amend terms in subsequent meetings if the schedule or scope changes.
