Amateur film set draws real police officers in North Vancouver

Lights, camera, permits? 

After an amateur film set drew law enforcement attention this weekend, the North Vancouver RCMP are warning other wannabe productions to follow procedures to avoid frightening the public and attracting police.

According to an Oct. 9th RCMP news release, on Saturday, Oct. 7, at about 5:30 p.m., a security guard called police to report seeing several men wearing body armour and carrying rifles in an underground parking lot in the 1800 block of Marine Drive in North Vancouver.

When numerous officers arrived at the location, they discovered the group was filming an amateur action film. The guns and body armour were props.

Police say the group did not have the necessary permits and did not inform nearby businesses or residents of filming.

“Police take firearms complaints very seriously due to the threat they pose to public and officer safety. We will respond with appropriate resources, tactics, and level of force each time,” said Const. Mansoor Sahak of the North Vancouver RCMP in a news release.

“In this instance, we are glad that no one was seriously injured while responding to the potential threat. However, incidents like these have a negative impact on our ability to respond to other real emergencies that are occurring in the city."

Officers informed the film crew of proper filming procedures — applying to the city for a permit prior to shooting, notifying local businesses, etc. —  and ultimately let them go with a warning.