Highland Park residents split on Quentin Tarantino film's effects on local businesses
- Highland Park has been transformed for a week of filming a Quentin Tarantino project, causing a two-block street closure.
- Business owner Matthew Glassman reports worries over insufficient compensation and communication regarding the film's impact on local businesses.
- Residents are divided, with some seeing potential benefits from increased publicity while others face immediate economic challenges.
In Highland Park, California, a significant filming event took place from July 28 to August 2, 2025, involving a new Quentin Tarantino project, rumored to be a follow-up to 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.' The production involved a temporary two-block closure of Figueroa Street during night hours to transform the area into a 1960s setting where Brad Pitt reprises his role as Cliff Booth. While some residents, like Otto Dimas, anticipate increased foot traffic and potential business benefits from the exposure, others express concern over the short-term impacts on local establishments. Matthew Glassman, owner of the Greyhound Bar and Grill, articulated the struggles faced by local businesses during the filming. Staff members rely on tips for substantial portions of their income, and the compensation offered for disruption to traffic and parking was insufficient. Glassman voiced his frustration over the lack of communication between filming crews and business owners before productions sometimes begin, despite this particular team reportedly being more attentive than previous ones. Moreover, many Highland Park residents have mixed feelings towards the Hollywood industry's return to their community. While the excitement over seeing stars like Brad Pitt is palpable, the concerns over business losses and disruptions loom large. The neighborhood has a historic connection to film, having hosted productions like 'Reservoir Dogs' in 1990. This existing legacy adds complexity to the current sentiment where the nostalgia clashes with present-day concerns for economic stability. The current filming not only serves as a backdrop for artistic expression but also highlights the broader implications for urban neighborhoods hosting large-scale productions. The dichotomy between potential economic gain versus immediate business disruption poses critical questions for residents and local leaders alike. The situation underscores the importance of effective communication between filmmakers and the community to find a compromise beneficial for all parties involved.