PROVINCETOWN – Town officials in Provincetown are expressing concerns over a request from television producers to close Commercial Street for a fake Carnival parade.
Producers for the Starz network are seeking to film at several locations from the end of May through early June for the show “Hightown,” a crime drama centered on the region’s opioid crisis.
During a special Select Board meeting last month, Town Manager David Panagore said the police and fire chiefs are against a significant closure of Commercial Street.
Fire Chief Michael Trovato provided notes which suggested having that area of the street blocked would cause delays or make response impossible.
“We have proposed alternate location ideas,” Panagore said.
“We’ve tried not to say no. We are trying in a different way of saying yes recognizing limitations on Commercial Street.”
Panagore said officials are trying to figure out different options that would alleviate the need of having a closure at all.
“The approach is trying to be a ‘yes, but’ and not a ‘no ever.’” Panagore said.
According to script notes, the story begins on the town’s popular Carnival weekend, when a body washes onto shore and is found by a National Marine Fisheries Services officer.
There were no concerns with other requested filming locations, including shorting scenes on Commercial Street.
Select Board chair Cheryl Andrews said the town is suffering from a lack of definitions and town policy.
“We are talking about a parade permit and this is not a parade,” Andrews said. “This is a little different than closing a street from what I am used to.”
Andrews said the ask is different because businesses on that block would be closed unlike other events which allow for the public to still access shops and restuarants.
Panagore said the town’s permit process is inadequate and has requested a film policy be adopted.
“What a parade permit is in town is a closure of the street for cars,” Panagore said. “This is different from that. This is about filming something and is a different beast.”
The planned series has mostly drawn positive attention from officials and businesses.
The Select Board did not take any action on the request. Staff will continue to work out details with show producers.
The show is set to star Monica Raymund, who formerly starred on “Chicago Fire,” and James Badge Dale, known for his roles on HBO’s “The Pacific,” “Iron Man 3” and “The Departed.”
The series was created by Rebecca Perry Cutter, who has been a producer on the Fox series “Gotham.”
By BRIAN MERCHANT, CapeCod.com NewsCenter
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