You Need to Restrain Your Dragon: According to the L.A. Times a businessman has been arrested and is being held on a million dollar bail for affixing an illegal, eight-story “supergraphic” to the building he partially owns. The billboard promoted Dreamworks Pictures’ How to Train Your Dragon. The building in question is the historic Hollywood First National Building on the corner of Highland and Hollywood Blvd, the eastern backdrop for the Academy Awards.

How to Train Your Dragon Supergraphic

The Times goes on to tell that supergraphics, large digital displays or vinyl billboards posted on the sides of buildings, an advertising practice that has gone on for years, were banned as part of a citywide ordinance last August. Just last week the city attorney filed a lawsuit involving over a dozen supergraphics scattered across the city. In seeming defiance of that filing a few days later the vinyl wrap was attached to the 1928 building.

Officials cited several concerns over public safety as the main reason for removing unpermitted supergraphics because the huge sheets of vinyl could fall on cars and people if not properly secured. Since the signs lack proper permitting and inspection they have not been certified as safe. Officials also noted that supergraphics often cover many windows, making it difficult for firefighters to enter during an emergency.

The incidental coverage and impressions from the Academy Awards ceremony may have prompted the gamble as some industry experts estimate that over $100,000 may be made for a month’s worth of supergraphic exposure.

Regardless the supergraphic has been removed.

Two Views Looking North Up Highland