Movies Made In Philly! (Philadelphia, Harrisburg: wages, organic, taxes)

[Lenses & Lights.]

Yeah, I know but honestly you can't count on one hand how many major flicks have been shot in the city over the past 5 years. I'm not happy about that, considering how many crew people could really use the work.

[mslhu]

Originally Posted by Lenses & Lights.

..Tor-Onto..As Philly!!?? Aw c'mon now. Whacha doin out there Sharon?

Don't blame Sharon, she has to make use of the hand that she's dealt. Pennsylvania has a miniscule budget dedicated to tax breaks for films. Once the money is used up for the year, they can't give any more. The city has lost out on lots of movies filmed there because of the lack of tax credits available.

https://billypenn.com/2017/06/01/phi...e-tax-credits/

[PHLondoner]

Philly's local union has almost identical rates to NYC IATSE - which means there's not a ton of cost savings without the tax credits (which are a pain in the ass to get). So a lot of the production and tax credit dollars have flown West to Pittsburgh which has, as I understand it, a cheaper crew union (for obvious reasons).

Philly workers loved getting NYC rates when tons of stuff was shot here when the tax credits were unlimited, but now that that well has dried up it would behoove them to find lower rates that are more in line with the area and cost-of-living.

I love Philly, but if you are shooting a "big city" motion picture and the cost of shooting in Philly and NYC is basically negligible... most productions are obviously going to choose NYC...and that's what's happening.

[mslhu]

When were "tons of stuff shot here" while "tax credits unlimited"? The credits became law in 2004 and were capped and always have been. Unless there is some history I'm missing.

[cpomp]

https://www.phillymag.com/news/2018/...ght-shyamalan/

Glass trailer looks good.

[kyb01]

Originally Posted by Lenses & Lights.

Yeah, I know but honestly you can't count on one hand how many major flicks have been shot in the city over the past 5 years. I'm not happy about that, considering how many crew people could really use the work.

I'm pretty sure PA legislature yanked funding to help finance movie/tv production in the state. Another example of the yahoos in charge in Harrisburg.

[DavePa]

The State legislator is to oversee the WHOLE State's interest. There is a little city called Pittsburgh in PA too .... that surely wants a share and numerous smaller regions. Bad enough Public School budgets got slashed in previous years and State Colleges almost were to lose it all. So it reasons a Film budget handout would be one too.

The Film industry also wants a City that will .... bend over backwards to pull every string in permits and blocking streets for film crews. This isn't any easier in Philly over NYC. A very tight street grid doesn't help. But a CITY with a reputation of aggressively luring some .... itself is the primary in getting even one blockbuster film to highlight their city. Even if on film its core gets destroyed in it ....

Atlanta is aggressive and cheap, Toronto has been for years and Chicago has a city film board that is very aggressive and Mayor pulling every string. But not cheap. It was lucky to get TV product in there by NBC and having a Rockefeller Center clone-like NBC building there without the iconic plaza.

Where is Comcast's clout? Since it is owner of NBC, for more film and TV in Philly. Having its headquarters in the city ?

[kyb01]

Originally Posted by DavePa

The State legislator is to oversee the WHOLE State's interest. There is a little city called Pittsburgh in PA too .... that surely wants a share and numerous smaller regions. Bad enough Public School budgets got slashed in previous years and State Colleges almost were to lose it all. So it reasons a Film budget handout would be one too.

The Film industry also wants a City that will .... bend over backwards to pull every string in permits and blocking streets for film crews. This isn't any easier in Philly over NYC. A very tight street grid doesn't help. But a CITY with a reputation of aggressively luring some .... itself is the primary in getting even one blockbuster film to highlight their city. Even if on film its core gets destroyed in it ....

Atlanta is aggressive and cheap, Toronto has been for years and Chicago has a city film board that is very aggressive and Mayor pulling every string. But not cheap. It was lucky to get TV product in there by NBC and having a Rockefeller Center clone-like NBC building there without the iconic plaza.

Where is Comcast's clout? Since it is owner of NBC, for more film and TV in Philly. Having its headquarters in the city ?

They own Universal, legacy/legendary, film studio. So there is a point hidden in your post about Comcast.

And, fwiw, Phila. has stood in for New York in some features.

[Hannah5555]

IMDB has a great database for checking filming locations.

https://www.imdb.com/

[DavePa]

Originally Posted by kyb01

They own Universal, legacy/legendary, film studio. So there is a point hidden in your post about Comcast.

And, fwiw, Phila. has stood in for New York in some features.

Still Comcast stake in NBC is high. Even Rockefeller Center, NYC .... is now the Comcast Center or alternative new name of - 30 Rock. It still houses the NBC Television headquarters with key locations in LA (of course) and Chicago, but not the building.

I clearly know some locations have stood in for NYC in Philly. It is the city most in this forum accept likeness too and being like to a cheaper alternative for a Urban lifestyle. Toronto and other cities have Been used too as cheaper filming locations.

Wasn't my point. The CITY itself ... even without Harrisburg's funds and Comcast huge reach in the Television market with NBC holdings and interest. Clearly can do most for luring more productions to Philly. I do not buy blaming Harrisburg for every funding issue blamed the city gets held back for. Clearly Philly should be more a stand-in for mighty NYC.

For transit .... it was Federal dollars Philly lost out on .... that seems Philly did not seek? But NYC, LA and Chicago secured before Obama left office for meeting criteria for matching funds they sadly had to add taxes for to then secure matching Fed funds. It is a big key to these cities transit upgrades going on that Trump did not stop. With LA its expansions.

I just know the most aggressive city governments. Gained more Hollywood interest too and not cost alone. Every city should be cheaper to film in and easier .... then NYC. Corrupt city governments find ways to make some deals. Why I said bend over backwards to secure. Too important in the game of city recognition even globally.