This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Can't Make LAUSD Look Good? Then You Can't Film in Their Schools.
Oliver working with kids in Huntington, West Virginia, in the first season of his show (ABC / Holly Farrell)
Chef and food revolutionary Jamie Oliver has had his filming permit revoked for shooting segments of his ABC reality show "Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution" at the Los Angeles Unified School District's charter West Adams Prep, reports the LA Times. Oliver made his way into West Adams after being initially categorically denied access to the LAUSD last year.
Oliver believes that he is being shut out, because he can't be sure the district is going to be portrayed favorably:
"My filming permit was terminated because I can't promise that the LAUSD [will] look good," he said, according to a transcript of his speech. "They fail to see me as a positive, and they fail to see the TV as an incredible way to spread the word, to inspire people, to inform parents, to see other teachers doing pioneering things."
The LAUSD, to some extent, agrees with Oliver: "Officials with both the school district and the production said the dispute stemmed in part from concerns over how the district would be portrayed." A spokesman added that they had previous bad experiences with other reality shows filming on their campuses; they cite a $100,000 unfinished paint job at Hollenback Middle School left behind by the NBC series "School Pride" last year. The LAUSD also says that they "aren't interested" in a show that involves a lot of conflicts, as Oliver's first season of "Revolution" did in West Virginia.
The District is also leery of the show not giving their food services a chance to demonstrate what they say are positive changes to their meal programs, though, locally, a strong grassroots movement remains at work to ask the LAUSD to be even more mindful of their business of food service, and to make further improvements. A strong grassroots movement is also in placeto help Oliver get into the LAUSD's schools.
Another reality production, MTV's "Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Factory," also lost their permit this week; they had been planning to film at Le Conte Middle School in Hollywood.
Previously:'Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution' Making Waves in LA
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
