NEW YORK – Will Smith's tricked-out trailer was sent packing Wednesday after complaints from residents in the neighborhood where his new film is being shot.
The location shoot for "Men in Black III" has clogged the narrow streets of Manhattan's Soho district for several days. But among the two dozen trucks and trailers deployed there, the most prominent was the luxury apartment-on-wheels occupied by Smith.
The double-decker digs were larger than many Manhattan residences and had locals up in arms about its size, noise and fumes.
"I love Will Smith, but this is about survival," said Anessa Rahman, co-owner of an antiques store located a few steps from the curbside spot where the actor's trailer had been parked.
The trailer, along with the rest of the crowded Hollywood convoy, was putting a dent in her business, she said.
Wednesday afternoon, the megatrailer was removed by Columbia Pictures.
"This trailer has been used many times in this city by different studios on various movies over the years, and while its use has never been an issue before, we regret any inconvenience it may have caused," Columbia Pictures spokesman Steve Elzer said.
Rahman said she was grateful to see the trailer pulled away.
But Shoja Azari wasn't so easily placated.
Azari, an independent filmmaker who lives and works in the thick of the "Men in Black" shooting site, called the movie unit "rowdy."
"They treat the whole neighborhood like it's a studio, like it's their backyard," he said. "It's crazy."
The film, the third installment in the sci-fi comedy series about agents who monitor alien activity, is scheduled to continue shooting in the area through Friday.
No word on where Smith will be cooling his heels now between scenes.
Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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