Why Shoot In Philadelphia?

While I am actively considering opening a film production business in Philadelphia, PA, I’m gathering all the necessary information about the area, trends in the industry, market statistics and so on. I’ve found some quite beneficial results as well as a lot of what the city offers to filmmakers and being a native Philadelphian I thought it’d only be right spread the word of the thriving film industry that the city of brotherly love possesses.

Most filmmakers seek out good incentives for in a city or state when deciding to shoot a production and the Pennsylvania Film Production Tax Credit program offers a 25% tax credit to films, commercials, television series that spend 60% of their budget in common wealth. Not only that but the city of Philadelphia offers what they call “fee-free locations” where depending on when a production is set to shoot, certain locations around the city can be used free of charge. Moreover, two police officers are provided for traffic control and additional security for public shoots. They even offer free security assessments for the locations to be shot on to ensure optimum safety precautions and provide tips on how to safeguard production equipment from potential power issues, and to make sure the crew works in a that safest environment as possible. The Philadelphia film office even started a going green campaign in 2008 to help productions reduce waste and diminish their impact on the environment. They provide sets and resources from recycle materials to be utilized for the productions.

These are just several of the best services offered when shooting and Philadelphia which also makes it a better location to shoot for up and coming production companies or indie filmmakers since what they provide saves money in the overall production and allows more of the budget to be put towards other factors for the film. I highly recommend shooting in Philadelphia and checking out their film office for various other resources they provide.

References

Collier, J. (2012). About the PA Film Production Tax Credit Program

             Retrieved September 9^th, 2012, from http://www.film.org/Philadelphia/public/gpfo/taxcredits/18

Sirlin, N. (2011). Love Statue [image]. Retrieved September 9^th, 2012, from http://www.fodors.com/world/north-america/usa/pennsylvania/philadelphia/