Governor Rendell Says Filmmakers Will Invest $37 Million Into Pittsburgh Region Due to Film Tax Credit Program

Governor Rendell Says Filmmakers Will Invest $37 Million Into Pittsburgh Region Due to Film Tax Credit Program

HARRISBURG, Pa., Dec. 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Edward G. Rendell announced today that film production companies have pledged to invest more than $37 million into Pittsburgh area productions since the film tax credit program became available in July.

"Due to the film tax credit program that we started, filmmakers will create jobs while investing $37 million into the Pittsburgh region. In addition to the direct impact on local suppliers and film crew, this investment will have a ripple effect for everyone, from hotels and restaurants to the local drycleaner all will see additional business," Governor Rendell said. "It should be clear we are not trading tax dollars for 15 minutes of fame, these are jobs that Pittsburgh would never have seen without the tax credit program."

In July, Governor Rendell created the "Creativity in Focus" program to provide tax credits to film and television productions who agree to spend at least 60 percent of their total production cost in Pennsylvania. To date, $28.9 million of the $75 million available has been committed statewide.

"We must compete on an international stage to generate more jobs in the television, movie, and commercial production industry in Pennsylvania," the Governor said. "It is estimated that 520 jobs will be generated in the Pittsburgh region by the productions which have been approved to receive tax credits."

To date, these productions include:

-- "Adventureland" by Hats Off to Larry Productions Inc., which will invest $9.9 million and receive $2,475,000 in tax credits;

-- "Freedom House" by Reliant Pictures LLC, which will invest $18.4 million and receive $4,623,376 in tax credits;

-- "The Bridge to Nowhere" by Smithfield Street Productions, which will invest $1.6 million and receive $412,561 in tax credits;

-- "Donor" by Smithfield Street Productions, which will invest $2.9 million and receive $737,788 in tax credits;

-- "Homecoming" by Animus Films LLC, which will invest $1.6 million and receive $413,453 in tax credits; and

-- "Tremble" by Smithfield Street Productions, which will invest $2.8 million and receive $701,042 in tax credits

The Pennsylvania Film Office, as a part of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, is committed to coordinating efforts statewide to make every project filmed in Pennsylvania a success. From scouting, to maintaining a crew base, to coordinating statewide industry resources, the Pennsylvania Film Office offers services to cater to the unique needs of any film production. For more information, please visit filminpa.com.

The Rendell administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses. To find out more about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his weekly newsletter, visit www.governor.state.pa.us.

CONTACT:
Chuck Ardo
717-783-1116

Michael Chapaloney
717-720-1301

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Pennsylvania Office of the Governor

CONTACT: Chuck Ardo, +1-717-783-1116, or Michael Chapaloney,
+1-717-720-1301, both of the Pennsylvania Office of the Governor

Web Site:

http://filminpa.com/
http://www.state.pa.us/

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