Drive-By Shooting Disrupts N.W.A. Movie Filming

The N.W.A. biopic Straight Outta Compton just got a bit too real, as a drive-by shooting disrupted filming by passing right in front of the movie crew.

Reportedly, gunfire broke out just outside the Compton Courthouse last week after neighborhood residents flashed gang signs at a passing car. While the gunmen were not targeting the crew, the bullets came perilously close to striking some members of the production. One civilian was hit and collapsed near the set, although the injured party was treated for injuries and survived the incident.

The shooting is currently under investigation by the L.A. County Sheriff's Department, although they are hesitant to confirm that the shooting was actually gang related, despite eyewitness reports that suggest gang involvement.

That said, filming is expected to continue in Compton this week, despite ongoing concerns about safety. I suppose the people in charge simply figure that the film has to get done sooner or later, so it might as well be sooner. I'm sure everyone would rather be out of Compton as quickly as possible, and completing shooting allows that. Although I do wonder if rushing through production might harm the quality of the finished product. But safety really ought to come first in this matter, even if some might feel that the creation of any worthwhile art involves risk (a sentiment I don't disagree with, but seriously, I imagine filmmakers would rather not be shot at).

Via: TMZ

Credit: Todd MacMillan/Universal Pictures