John Quinones, host of ABC’s “What Would You Do?”, along with his filming crew, were asked (8/23) to stop filming in the downtown area of Greenwich, CT. The show stages ethically challenging situations and follows the reactions of bystanders. The hidden camera series “puts ordinary people on the spot,” according to the show’s website.
“We told them, ‘You can’t film here,’ “Dustin Anderson, the executive assistant to First Selectman Peter Tesei, told The Greenwich Time, describing the filming around Greenwich Avenue of the show as “disruptive.”
Tesei said the show’s crew was allowed to complete its filming Tuesday, but was asked to choose another location for a Wednesday shoot. Tesei said the crew had all the necessary paperwork to film in the area.
Capt. Tim Berry of the Greenwich Police Department said the scene that caused a stir involved an intoxicated adult who needs to be driven by a child.
Valerie Guerrero, a sales manager at Lacoste, said a man came to the front of the store around 2 p.m. and asked store employees to call police. The man reported he had witnessed a scene similar to the one Berry described. Guerrero said the filming “didn’t really affect” business at the store.
Employees at Ritz Camera Center and CVS Pharmacy, both on Greenwich Avenue, said they did not see any problems caused by the filming.
“The concern was that they were set up in front of businesses,” Tesei said. “Having it over two days would have an impact.”
Tesei said the town welcomes film shoots and wants to strike a balance between the needs of the industry and the best interests of local businesses.
“The film industry brings people into the community who are going to shop and dine,” he told the paper.
