A request to film areas of Oak Bluffs for the second season of “Summer House: Martha’s Vineyard,” a reality television show broadcast on the Bravo network, has raised concern among town residents.
At an Oak Bluffs Select Board meeting Tuesday afternoon, Angel Johnson, line producer for production company Truly Original’s “Summer House: Martha’s Vineyard” series, said that the crew is planning on taking B-roll footage throughout Oak Bluffs over the next few weeks.
The production team has identified Beach Road, East Chop Road, Circuit Avenue and Seaview Avenue as potential filming locations, she said.
“We will be filming life on Martha’s Vineyard,” she said. “Whether that be shopping, walking down the street, getting beach life, park life, wildlife, a couple of signs.”
“When we shoot B-roll, we don’t film people,” Johnson added. “It’s mostly just buildings and nature.”
Per a location filming permit application filed with the town this week, the B-roll team will consist of a handheld camera operator, assistant cameraperson, and production assistant, who will be responsible for filming B-roll for the series’ next season.
But select board members were hesitant to give the crew carte blanche over filming plans, and instead required the team to provide specific dates and times they’d be out taking footage.
“It’s disruptive, and it does attract a crowd,” select board member Gail Barmakian said, noting that’s especially true during the summer. “I’d like to see that avoided,” she said. “If it was off-season, I wouldn’t be as sensitive about it.”
Select board member Jason Balboni called for “a more defined list of when and where” filming will take place.
To address issues with scheduling, the board voted to authorize two members, Jason Balboni and Gail Barmakian, to work closely with the production team and to make decisions about filming times and details, and provide final approval on behalf of the board.
Ultimately, the board unanimously granted the production company permission to shoot B-roll on August 29, Sept. 3, and Sept. 8, despite some local residents urging them to rule otherwise, citing potential impacts to the town and the Island the show could have.
“There is no way that I think this board should allow them to continue [filming] the series,” Islander Dr. Thelma Baxter said Tuesday. “This program is a horrible reflection of Martha’s Vineyard, of Oak Bluffs … It is embarrassing.”
Baxter said although she doesn’t watch reality television, she did see part of the Bravo series — the first season of which premiered earlier this year — on the suggestion of a friend.
“That’s not the Martha’s Vineyard that I know,” she said. “I seriously worry about the people who are attracted to come from ‘Summer House: Martha’s Vineyard.’”
Baxter added she’s noticed a “different clientele” in town this summer, some of whom displayed behavior she deemed “horrible.”
In a letter received by the town, Baxter urged the board to reject the filming request.
“Please do not allow this show to be filmed again in M.V.,” she wrote. “As a homeowner since 1988, and a vacationer since 1980, I was horrified by the portrayal of M.V. people in this television series … As a taxpayer, I fear that this series will affect my property value.”
In another letter to the town, Dorinda Hazell-Forde shared similar sentiments, expressing concern about approving the filming permit. “This type of television series does not reflect the culture or the lifestyle of the residents on Martha’s Vineyard,” she wrote. As an Oak Bluffs homeowner, “I feel that this not only affects my property value [but] the image of Martha’s Vineyard.”
Oak Bluffs year-round resident Leslie Fitzsimmons said the reality show has affected the town already, as it has given “the wrong impression about what goes on here, and what our values are.”
“This is our town,” she said. “The [show] content is abhorrent; it doesn’t represent us.”
Personal opinions aside, Fitzsimmons asked if allowing the filming permit would be fair to local public safety officers who’ve already been struggling with staffing issues. “Is this another burden that we want to add to our already stressed-out EMS, Fire, and Police?” Fitzsimmons asked.
“For us to continue to assist in making their show more attractive seems counterintuitive to our best interests,” she said, adding that the show is “not of service to our town.”
Although sympathetic to the residents’ concerns, select board members emphasized that their charge is to rule on the permit application and potential impacts to the town as a whole, regardless of personal sentiments.
They also pointed to correspondence with the town’s police chief, Jon Searle, and highway superintendent, Richie Combra, neither of whom identified immediate issues with the filming request, as long as the crew avoided blocking sidewalks or streets.
In response to some of the concerns raised, Angel Johnson stated that it would be “unfair” to credit the show and its crew with an influx of Island visitors. “I’ve known about Martha’s Vineyard for a long time,” she said.
She said the same is true for a number of show participants, some of whom have personal ties to the Island.
Regardless of the content of the show itself, she said, “you see the B-roll that we did [last year]. That’s not negative at all.”
“We’re not trying to portray negativity here on Martha’s Vineyard,” she said. “I don’t know the type of people you’re saying we attract … I don’t know what that means.”
Seriously, the politicians on this island will do most anything if it involves money, so don’t expect change. The flawed concept of tourist dollars and media exposure, brought in by an older generation, has opened the floodgates to an “anything goes” attitude. For the homeowners: you are right! And yet the select board won’t care. The “island” doesn’t rely on a tourist economy when half the business owners are investors from Boston, NY, Florida, Maine, and wherever else. The “tourist economy” just pads the wallets of those who see Martha’s vineyard as an ATM, and perhaps the selectboard does, too.
Seriously, the politicians on this island are elected by the voters, they are us.
~70%+? of Islanders earn a living from the “tourist economy”
Should we pass a law that prohibits ownership by Off Islanders?
When Thomas R. Stanley bring sanity to the Island by becoming a Selectperson?
Be a true leader!
Who’s going to tell them that this show isn’t about islanders or island life. I was under the impression that the actual show for this season was already filmed. These shots are just filler
The could get filler shots in New Jersey.
Or, create a set on a back lot somewhere.
Who would know the difference?
This kind of cheap publicity (I am talking about quality) has never helped the Vineyard.
The Vineyard simply does not need this.
Or BRW, or windmills, or fireworks.
This kind of cheap publicity from Jaws never helped the Vineyard…
Agree
Really a stupid show. If the town can separate any connection it should
What is the consensus of the voters?
They voted for the Selectboard.
Quite frankly, I am quite disturbed at the
call for censorship from Islander’s.
We live in a free capitalistic society as far as
I know.
Do we really think we are so privileged
that some idiotic producers can’t film an idiotic
series that portrays idiotic fake actors doing idiotic
things for idiotic people to watch ?
Come on. It’s an idiotic series that targets an idiotic
demographic.
You are allowed to be an idiot in this country.
You are allowed to make money by producing idiotic
things that idiots will watch or buy.
I am amazed that they are even asking permission to
film “buildings and nature”.
Really ? I kind of thought that anyone can take pictures
or film almost anything in this country.
I really don’t want some elected officials on this island
setting a precedent about who can film what on this island.
And i don’t want them banning books, either.
Keller, I’m back! Been on the sidelines for far too long. Just in time for BRW. As promised, my first comment would be to your post, so here I am.
I watched Summer House and I was highly entertained. For once a certain segment of our society was presented in a humorous and relatable fashion that put aside typical stereotypes. The producers did an amazing job of just showing good natured people having fun.
So color me an idiot as I will happily wear that badge for the purpose of being able to escape the nasty divisiveness of present day while enjoying the island that I love as being a place that everyone can act like an idiot for a brief minute to laugh and enjoy life’s simple pleasures. This idiot loves being able to turn the tv on from New Jersey to glimpses of my favorite place to let loose. And no you could never ever ever never shoot scenes in NJ and purport them as being shot on MV. And this coming from someone with deep deep roots in the Garden State. Jersey can never be MV and I say that proudly. See you round Keller.
welcome back Carl — Peace, love, Pasta, and respect !
Painfully, agree.
Spot on Don.
Oak Bluffs Selectman and Highway Department: please just say no. You can, and you must.
Why? Because you don’t like it?
Such a cool place to live.
To the last line does she really not understand what this show is attracting ? In the opening sequence they say “we’re here to get lit!” The island doesn’t need young people thinking it’s where they can go crazy like spring break. That energy is already starting to shift especially in Oak Bluffs, its devastating.. All my life it’s always been a sanctuary/ hide out. That’s what the island is about.
Don’t get me going on “Neo-Nantasket Beach on Vineyard Haven Main Street.”
Young bloods of all ages feel the need to make a “statement” by blasting the town with their Subwoofers blaring “their” loud music, disturbing decently behaved visitors and residents alike (yes, people do live on Main Street).
And because the traffic is often crawling, these noisy abusers of the town’s hospitality, who apparently do not understand that they are guests in our town, blast the neighborhood for minutes at a time. As they crawl right past the do-nothing police standing around or ticketing parked cars.
I wonder whether this adolescent, disruptive acting out is allowed on Main Street in Nantucket or Marion, Mass.
Main Street in Nantucket and Marion, Mass. appeal to older people.
Kayla– this island is different things to different people.
It’s called diversity. and a lot of people think we should
be tolerant of others.
Kayla, not sure how long you’ve been on island or if you grew up here, but to a certain age group, this island has always been about spring break type activities in the summer.
My first summer here was 1983 as a 20 year old college student. And yeah, it was a 10 week party. Especially Monday nights at Right Fork. I moved here year round in 1984, and through the 80’s it was a huge party. The old Roof was cranking. As was The Boston House, The Brass Bass, The Lampost, Lou’s Worry and many other long gone establishments. Not to mention the island was ass deep in the devils dandruff back then meaning the after hours house and beach parties were epic. And I can’t remember his name, but he lived it the entrance to Squibnocket. But his season ending Labor Day party was the stuff of legend.
So as much as you don’t want to admit it, this place his always had a spring break vibe in the summer. I drive up Circuit Ave after dark now at 60 years old, and other then the change in names of the bars and the type of music coming out of them, it’s not that different then it was in 1986.
spot on Jim–
Perhaps Kayla was never young?
I am an Island resident and I think this whole debate is ridiculous. I have watched the show as well as the other Summer House seasons that are not on the Vineyard. The show is not nor does it claim to be a representation of vineyard life or life in any other place where they vacation . It is simply a representation of this group of people and their vacation time spent in Oak Bluffs. The outrage displayed is really silly and that is what reflects poorly on the Vineyard.
Racism.
Could they have a point of information at the beginning for viewers to know that this is a portrayal of a fictional life on an island?
MV has been attracting criminals, rapists, child molesters, drug dealers, gangsters, gun toting imbeciles, bank robbers and even murderers. We have enough businessmen who have imbezzled money from the elderly and unsuspecting.
NOT that we haven’t had plenty of those sorts already here but we don’t need to attract more.
Brenda, most viewers know that this is a fictional portrayal of Island life, like Jaws.
“MV has been attracting criminals, rapists, child molesters, drug dealers, gangsters, gun toting imbeciles, bank robbers and even murderers.”
Should that reality not be shown?
That Island life is beautiful, all the time.
Does reality annoy you?
Brenda– They didn’t put a “point of information”
at the beginning of the Flintstones, or Gilligan’s
Island either.
Do you really think all those bad people are coming
to the island because of an idiotic “reality” show ?
You should move to Florida. They say they don’t have
any crime or communicable diseases. Everyone if free
to have liberty and freedom, except, of course,
people of color, immigrants, people who identify as
LGBTQ or support them and of course people
who choose to drink Bud Light, .
I am sure don’t fall into any of those categories.
Visited OB last week as we have since the 80’s – this last visit was very disturbing. Actually last two years.Not the relaxing MV I’ve grown to love. Long lines, crowded beaches – couldn’t get cell service much less work from home due to overloading. There was one event after another. Fund raising and commercial events from residential homes. Too much! Will visit during another time of year. 😢 I feel sorry for those who have homes on the island.
My family has three homes, we don’t feel sorry.
If we did we would sell out, at huge a profit.
“we’re here to get lit!”
People tend to drink/drug on vacation.
I’ve never seen the show, but I know that the “reality” shows I have seen are far from that. It would be a disservice to the lovely experience that MV offers to pretend otherwise for the sake of what? Profit? There is enough pleasantness, healthy activity, uniqueness, and beauty in MV to preclude any kind of fake portrayal or made up drama. It doesn’t need a tv show. Just let the place be!!!!
Did you enjoy the filming of Jaws?
(the characters were White.)
It portrayed Long Island.
Was it a pleasant experience?
Did they just let the place be?
Did the Island need it?
Do people still come to the Island to see the shark?
This show will attract an undesirable element to visit resulting in deplorable behavior
Roy– yup, we can see that. After a few years of allowing
sales of alcohol while having dinner in a restaurant in V.h
the town has been completely ruined,. I am disgusted with the drunks and homeless people
who are camped out on main street since we allowed
that abomination.
And of course, if a bunch of deplorable actors behave in
deplorable ways, we will all follow suit.
Do you really think that if the town restricts the rights
of a 3 person camera crew to film some of the
buildings and natural scenery on our island it will
somehow preserve the quality of life here ?
Roy– it’s true– we have too many deplorable MAGA
republicans here already-Best not to somehow
“attract” more of them with an idiotic show.
For real, it’s three people out getting b-roll. One camera three people. That’s it. The need to know when and where for concern of the public safety is overboard. They have three days. Say they are all good weather then they can do it easily but bad weather and it gets harder. The attitude that the island doesn’t need more party vibes is over blown. Older people will always complain about young people having a good time. OBCity, is one of two wet towns. Accept that and let’s move on and bring back The AC and get good shows to the island, cause beach road ain’t cutting it. One of my first concerts was at The AC an under 18 show, The Pharcyde. Then they played and 21 plus show right after. I will never for get it. Bring back a concert venue to the island someone please!
This is horrible and totally goes against what The Vineyard is… was….. I must confess that I watched the show just to see if it would exploit the island…. It didn’t the first season but it was cringe worthy and corny…. My fear (as a taxpayer not a vacationer) is that each year or each show that films on the Vineyard will take more and more liberties. The best thing to do is to set a precedent for shows like this to film at another location… just like the movie “The Inkwell” had to….
Jaws was horrible and totally went against what The Vineyard was… is…..
Jaws was pretty cringe worthy and corny….
My fear (as a taxpayer not a vacationer) is that each year or each show that films on the Vineyard will take more and more liberties, like Jaws.
I tried to watch and didn’t get very far. It’s boring, corny, and has all been done before.
Still, there is nothing on this show that doesn’t already happen on the Vineyard. On a regular basis. People come here to party. People drink. Locals and tourists alike. Our restaurants even encourage it.
I don’t think this series will shift that reality one way or the other. Some of these comments are absolutely ridiculous. These folks will attract more murderers and thieves? The wrong element?
Wow – so much judgement over a few people shooting some footage of this beautiful Island. It really doesn’t matter if you like or don’t like the show. It’s irrelevant whether this show, or Jaws, or the 8mm home movies from your childhood represent what you think the Vineyard is or isn’t. All they are asking for is to get a few shots of the Island. As Zeb Weisman wrote: “For real, it’s three people out getting b-roll. One camera three people. That’s it.”
I wouldn’t be an issue if they were White.
Wow! Say the quiet part out loud.
Right you are
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