Hollywood East: Pennsylvania’s $9.2M Film Tax Credits Ignite a Job Boom and Economic Surge!

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HARRISBURG, PA — In a significant boost to Pennsylvania’s film industry, the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) has announced the allocation of $9.2 million in film tax credits. This financial incentive is aimed at supporting the production of 11 new projects across the Commonwealth, expected to create nearly 2,200 jobs and inject over $36.7 million into regional and statewide economies.

The Pennsylvania Film Production Tax Credit program, a strategic initiative to attract and retain film productions in the state, offers a 25 percent tax credit to productions that invest at least 60 percent of their total budget within Pennsylvania. Eligible projects include feature films, television productions, and commercials intended for a national audience.

Gino Anthony Pesi, Pennsylvania’s Film Commissioner, emphasized the importance of this program in enhancing the state’s competitiveness in the film industry. “Production companies of all sizes recognize the incredible locations, people, and amenities we have in Pennsylvania, and our Film Production Tax Credit program makes us more competitive in attracting them,” Pesi stated. He highlighted the dual focus on attracting high-profile productions and nurturing local talent, noting that reinvesting in Pennsylvanians fosters creative communities statewide.

Among the notable projects benefiting from the tax credits is Netflix’s series “Tires” (season two), starring Mechanicsburg native Shane Gillis. Set for production in Philadelphia, Netflix received $5.5 million in tax credits for this project, which is anticipated to contribute $22 million to the local economy while creating 886 jobs.

Sight & Sound Productions’ feature film “A Great Awakening” is another beneficiary, receiving over $2.6 million in credits. This Pennsylvania-based company will generate an estimated $10.4 million for regional economies, supporting 846 jobs in the process. Joshua Enck, President and Chief Creative Officer of Sight & Sound, expressed pride in filming across diverse locations in Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia and Lancaster County, as well as their own facilities in Strasburg.

Smaller production companies are also gaining from the program. The Pennsylvania Film Producer Reserve, encompassing 10 projects by local producers, was awarded over $1 million in tax credits. These projects, ranging from feature films to documentaries, will bolster local economies in 11 counties and support 443 jobs. Chayne Gregg, Executive Producer at FreshFly Productions, affirmed the impact of these credits: “The film tax credits enable us to continue to pursue Pennsylvania-based projects… If the project is a success, it will support our company, which, in turn, employs people based in Pennsylvania.”

Sharon Pinkenson, Executive Director of the Greater Philadelphia Film Office, commended the program’s role in supporting both major and independent projects. “It’s especially gratifying when one of the companies for which we serve as a fiscal sponsor, such as FreshFly, applies and receives support from the PA film tax credit,” she remarked, underscoring the economic benefits and job creation spurred by these incentives.

The Pennsylvania Film Office‘s strategic investment through tax credits is a testament to its commitment to cultivating a thriving film industry, reinforcing the state’s position as a desirable location for both domestic and international productions.

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