The film industry is an economic engine for Pennsylvania, directly employing tens of thousands of workers and supporting countless local businesses. But beyond the immediate economic benefits, every production filmed here raises our state’s visibility and brings pride to the residents who recognize the spotlight on their hometowns. And as we’ve seen with so many Pennsylvania landmarks made famous by television and film, this industry is our best source of marketing and a key driver for tourism, generating economic impacts and creating jobs for many years after the filming ends.
 
According to the PA Department of Community and Economic Development, since the inception of Pennsylvania’s Film Production Tax Credit in 2007, through the end of FY 2023-24, a total of 592 projects have been approved for tax credits – which in turn have injected over $4 billion in direct expenditures into our state’s economy. Projects across the state have benefited from the Film Production Tax Credit, including Creed (Philadelphia, Delaware), Concussion (Allegheny), Southpaw (Indiana, Washington, Allegheny), Unstoppable (Allegheny, Blair, Beaver, Cameron, Centre, McKean), Home (Lancaster), and I Am Not Okay With This (Fayette). Every filming project attracted to Pennsylvania brings jobs and generates economic activity in host communities, bringing local and state benefits.
 
The countless economic benefits of film production have heightened competition among states looking to attract film making. Because the state’s current tax credit level is capped at $100 million, projects are turned away each year due to lack of funding. An untold number of film products – even projects that are set in Pennsylvania but filmed elsewhere – are lost to other states that are enjoying the economic advantages of this industry.
 
We can bring those productions back to Pennsylvania, which is why I intend to introduce legislation to expand the limit for the Film Production Tax Credit to $125 million. By increasing this cap, we would take an important step in meeting the needs of the film and television production industry which wants to film in Pennsylvania but is kept away by insufficient funding for this program.
 
Greater availability of these tax credits will bring more projects to the state, leading to more jobs and economic impact, more opportunities for tourism, and more hometowns spotlighted for the world to see and for us to take pride in. Please join me in cosponsoring this legislation.
 

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 1510 (Apr 28, 2025): P.L.6, No.2