Compton business owners say they lost thousands of dollars when Kendrick Lamar shot the ‘Not Like Us’ video in his hometown

As an old-time movie buff who has spent countless hours observing the intricate dance between Hollywood and local communities, I can’t help but feel a twinge of sympathy for the small business owners in Compton. The tale of Corina Pleasant, Alma, and their soul food restaurant, Alma’s Place, is one that resonates deeply with me – not just because it involves the world of film, but because it highlights the often overlooked struggles of small businesses trying to make ends meet amidst the glitz and glamour.

On Saturdays, you’d typically find me bustling at Alma’s Place, the hearty soul food joint nestled right beside the Compton courthouse. It’s always a hive of activity on those days.

Approximately an hour after opening on June 22nd, Corina Pleasant, co-owner of the business alongside her mother Alma, observed that no customers were arriving. The parking lot, shared with other nearby small businesses in a shopping mall, was filled with cars and commotion as crowds of people flocked to the courthouse to witness rap artist Kendrick Lamar, who was there to shoot the music video for “Not Like Us.

On that particular day, Alma’s Place and other surrounding businesses claim they suffered significant financial losses. The business owners attribute this loss to city authorities failing to notify them about the upcoming video shoot, leading them to temporarily halt their operations. Now, they are petitioning Lamar, pgLang, or the city to reimburse them for the incurred damages.

Pleasant found it quite disappointing to have both electricity and gas turned on, she explained. ‘I’m using all these resources and not earning any income. In essence, I was working for free, since the minimal earnings I managed to gather were spent on paying my team.’

Given prior notice, Pleasant mentioned that she would have either proactively shut down for the day or prepared a pop-up tent offering a unique menu instead.

She estimates she lost between $1,800 to $2,200 that day. Other business owners in the area told similar stories in testimony to the City Council and interviews with The Times.

In the future, a representative from Compton City announced, they aim to find ways to improve how they communicate about film permits more efficiently with their local community.

The statement emphasized that local enterprises, particularly small ones, form the foundation of our city. Our aim is to maintain a clear channel for conversation and take every possible measure to foster financial development.

Representatives for Lamar and pgLang did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

Since at least June 17, there have been whispers about Lamar filming a music video on the internet, generating excitement for the rapper’s return to his hometown after his high-profile dispute with Drake made headlines.

City officials granted a film permit on June 21 for various spots in the city center: Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial at the courthouse, Compton Courtyard and parking lot, Tam’s Burgers on Rosecrans Avenue, Compton College, Central Avenue, Willowbrook Avenue, and Compton Boulevard.

On the following day, over 700 individuals showed up at the courthouse for inclusion in the video. The nearby parking areas were so full they spilled onto the lawn, as some people had to park their cars there.

As a cinephile, I set up my camera earlier in the afternoon, capturing footage at Tam’s Burgers and other locations. Around 3 PM, I found myself at the courthouse, where a bustling crowd eagerly anticipated my arrival.

At an earlier time than usual, Pleasant closed her restaurant. The shopping center’s parking lot became so crowded with spectators that it transformed into a one-way road, blocking fire lanes, Dumpsters, and trapping vehicles that were already parked. She explained this situation. Many customers, who frequently travel from Riverside and Orange County to eat at Alma’s Place on weekends, turned around and left upon seeing the congestion.

As Pleasant put it, ‘Every day makes a difference.’ It matters when you’re present, and you find yourself idling away your time. It matters when your energy bill soars to $1,000. It matters when the two-week payroll for three employees totals almost $3,000. It matters when you spend $800 on gas. You’re there, with everything humming along, yet you have no tangible results to show for it.

Adelfo Antonio Garcia, one of the proprietors at Sunny Express Gourmet Fast Food, admitted to losing approximately $2,000 that particular day too. However, it seems some of his customers continue to assume he’s shut on Saturdays.

Garcia found the situation discouraging, as his eatery was finding it tough to stay afloat, and the city’s poor communication was intolerable, according to him.

“The people who suffer are the small businesses,” he said in Spanish.

On the ensuing Tuesday, I found myself at a City Council gathering, eager to express my discontent towards the city authorities. In my humble opinion, they urgently required some organization and alignment in their efforts.

She mentioned that three factors influenced her on Saturday during the public comment section, and whenever these three aspects impact her, she responds strongly. Here’s what they are:

According to Kathryn Arnold, a freelance producer and advisor who is not connected to Lamar, there’s no obligation for production companies to reimburse affected businesses. Yet, it’s worth noting that some filmmakers may choose to offer compensation as a gesture of goodwill.

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I firmly believe that clarity in communication is key to success. It’s never enjoyable to be taken aback unexpectedly, just as no one appreciates being left in the dark about something crucial.

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2024-09-14 13:31