Maryland Filmmaking or: How I Learned That It Might Be a Good Idea to Keep This Place the Way It Is

It was day one of Car Trouble’s principle photography. We were an hour behind schedule, and had many frustrating moments of waiting due to cars passing by and ruining our shots and sound. I wouldn’t say that tension was high, but it is safe to say that people were stressed. I was. Then again, when am I not stressed while on set?

I heard the words “Sound speeding”. I hit record. “Cam speeds, marker.” Before Serhat, the 1st AC, could even mark it, a white SUV drove behind us, pulled over, and stopped right there. I could practically see my reflection on the grill, that’s how close it was, mid-take. Cue widespread groaning from the everyone present.

At that point, our thoughts were “Really? After all of this, we’re gonna get shut down?” Of course we weren’t filming with permits or anything. What do I look like? I can’t afford that shit, and neither could anyone else. We need every dollar in the budget to go to food and equipment. That’s about it. Any extra must be divvied up for the other costs.

Out stepped a rotund man in uniform. He had black boots and a crew cut.

“How’s it going?” I said.

“Alright. How’re y’all doin’ today?” he responds.

”Fine,” everyone uttered in a defeated manner.

“So what’re y’all doin’ out here?”

We talked about what we were doing, said we were students (true), said it was a student project (lie), and played dumb a little bit. He informed us that we were filming on what was technically state park land. We said we didn’t know (true). He said he just wanted to check it out, and that many film crews come through trying to film, and that he wanted to know the size and other details. I imagine if we didn’t say it was a student project he’d say we need a permit.

He wished us a good day, and good luck, and went on his way.

“This is why I love Maryland,” I said immediately after he drove off.

And it’s true. I love Maryland. I love filming in Maryland. If I felt I had a choice, I’d stay in Maryland my whole life. If it were California, we’d be done. No more filming. On state park land? Even worse. A fine? Not in Maryland.

That brings me to the idea of tax incentives in Maryland, which is currently in discussion state-wide. I do not think that Maryland should offer tax incentives to productions, because the volume of productions will increase, and ruin what Maryland has going for it. Maryland’s economy doesn’t need boosting. Maryland’s jobs don’t need boosting. Maryland is just fine how it is: welcoming, understanding, and untouched.