Residents of Douglaston, Queens, are fed up with Bradley Cooper’s latest film production, complaining that it has disrupted their quiet neighborhood with noise, road blockages, and sleepless nights.
The Oscar-nominated actor and director is behind Is This Thing On?, a film starring Laura Dern and Will Arnett. However, locals claim the late-night shoots and constant crew activity have made life unbearable.
Late-Night Filming and Noise Complaints
Neighbors allege the production has been excessively noisy, with generators running into the early morning hours. Some say the loud hum has continued past 1 a.m. and even 2 a.m.
One resident reported that the film crew’s large vans have clogged streets and blocked driveways for hours. Another local, who has seen multiple productions shoot in the area over the years, said this experience has been the most disruptive.
“I’ve never seen anything like this,” they said, describing how cables were laid across their driveway without permission. They tripped over a box left behind by the crew, adding to their frustration.
Neighborhood Pets and Daily Life Disrupted
Aside from disturbing residents, the film’s activity has also affected their pets. One local said the noise has caused their dog to bark non-stop, making it difficult to keep the household calm.
“This little guy is a barker, and these people are driving him nuts,” the resident said. “There are 80 people running around and yelling all day.”
The situation escalated when a production crew member asked the resident to delay walking their dog. Frustrated by the repeated disturbances, they refused.
Despite the complaints, some had positive interactions with the cast. One local described Dern as “very sweet,” though even her kindness couldn’t stop the ongoing frustration.
Bradley Cooper’s Role in the Film
While Is This Thing On? has been filming in different parts of New York City, including Midtown Manhattan and Forest Hills, Douglaston residents say they have yet to spot Cooper or Arnett on set.
Cooper, who is producing and directing the film, previously described his role as a minor one. He explained that his character is an understudy actor covering all the roles in a play titled The 13 Disciples.
“I just play [Arnett’s] best friend,” he said in an interview earlier this year.
The movie’s plot remains under wraps, but the behind-the-scenes drama is already making headlines.
Representatives for Cooper and the production team have not responded to the complaints.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Jaja’s career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including Business Times and Brigada. As a news editor, she covered a wide range of beats, including business, economy, cryptocurrency, and personal finance. Additionally, she has successfully managed teams of writers producing content on gaming, technology, and entertainment.
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