Huge pop star’s new film ruined our street – production company didn’t have permission… we’re fighting them
ANGRY homeowners have slammed Hollywood producers for ruining their street by filming extra night shoots "without permission".
The residents in Ivinghoe, Buckinghamshire, are furious they're being kept awake by bright lights on the set of Ariana Grande's new film Wicked.
Wicked filmmakers are set to carry out extra night shoots in the next few weeks despite not having permission from Buckingham County Council
And furious villagers have written to council chiefs to complain.
Bosses previously submitted plans for a temporary change of use of land near Leighton Buzzard for their film unit base and car park.
Western Sky Limited submitted the application last September and it was approved last month.
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The farmland was then transformed into the fictional Land of Oz and Emerald City.
But now filmmakers are asking to shoot on "three to five extra nights" – with two having already gone ahead without permission.
They have also applied for extra lighting cranes as “adverse weather conditions” hampered their schedule.
It comes as a Hollywood actors strike added extra pressure to filming.
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In a letter to the council producers said: “Adverse weather conditions have contributed to the need for increased night shoots from the original schedule.
“This combined with availability of principle artists and additional requirements for continuity.
“There may be an additional two nights as required for the second unit as pick-ups from the previous filming.”
If plans go ahead, filming would run from 6.30pm to 4.30am or 5am during the month of July.
However, furious villagers are now demanding producers leave their land.
They claim the high cranes and noisy lighting are ruining their picturesque views
Homeowner Ali Hainley fumed: “I strongly object to this application. The Film Company went onto the land, built & started filming before Planning was granted. In the original application it stated 7 lighted cranes.
“I walk my dog daily here, there are constantly 17 plus empty cranes blotting the landscape. Please do not authorise any more cranes.”
The residents questioned the planning permissions as they claim the council didn't consult them beforehand.
Local Kristine Evans added: “I need to point out that increased night filming is already occurring and the number of cranes has increased radically.
"I still cannot believe that permission was granted for this film unit.”
Another resident slammed the producers after it became impossible to sell his house and he was forced to take it off the market.
Doruccia Sells said: “Although we accepted the initial undertaking at Vicarage Farm, it seems that these activities have far exceed what we expected.
"We note, from the covering letter, that the initial planning was granted on 8th June 2023; this is a very surprising fact as works started on the site way earlier than this, from memory around March of this year.
“We also note that the original application was granted for 8 lighting cranes, in fact we have counted in excess of 11 cranes on an almost permanent basis.”
I walk my dog daily here, there are constantly 17 plus empty cranes blotting the landscape. Please do not authorise any more cranes.”
Ali Hainley
He also disputed the claim crane light were directed downwards - as "light floods into" their bedroom.
“We have also endured flashing blue and white lights on our bedroom ceiling during previous night filming on one of the other stages," he added.
The Wizard of Oz adaptation is set to go ahead despite Hollywood acting strike.
Cynthia Erivo, who plays Elphaba, will star alongside Ariana in the two-part adaptation.
Filmmakers are using UK extras, who are not part of the US actors union and therefore not taking part in strikes.
The film, directed by Jon M Chu, is set for release on November 27, 2024, with a second part out the following year.
A spokesperson from Buckinghamshire Council said: "Earlier this year, Buckinghamshire Council granted ‘Temporary change of use of land for filmmaking with associated film unit base and car parking’ at Vicarage Farm in Ivinghoe.
"This permission allowed for up to five night shoots. The film production company subsequently submitted an application for an additional five night shoots.
"Bucks Film Office has not received any direct noise or disruption complaints from residents and the site manager has been in regular contact with nearby residents to address any concerns about the filming.
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"Filming on the site is scheduled to complete shortly. The production crew will then remove the film set and equipment over the coming weeks, returning the site to its original state after the temporary change of use for filming."
Universal Pictures has been contacted for comment.
