The Kill Point Season Premiere Party

The Pittsburgh Film Office along with local crew members, actors and the general public celebrated the season premiere of the Spike TV series The Kill Point.  The premiere party took place on Sunday, July 22, 2007 at Altar Bar in the Strip District.  Close to 300 people turned out to see the City of Pittsburgh on the big screen during the two-hour season premiere and feasted on Kill Point themed drinks and complimentary appetizers from Ugly. 

Rally in Harrisburg for HB 1528 & HB 1529!!!

You can still help increase film production in Pennsylvania!  Your support is needed on HB 1528 & HB 1529!

On Tuesday, June 26, 2007, a group of filmmakers and crew, actors, business leaders and concerned legislators including Senator Jim Ferlo and Representative Mike Sturla held a rally on the Capitol steps in Harrisburg to stress the importance of passing HB 1528 & HB 1529 and the impact on the future of filmmaking in Pennsylvania.

Russ Streiner, Chairman of the Pittsburgh Film Office Board of Trustees, also spoke about the importance of this bills in southwestern Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania legislators are preparing to vote on critical legislation that will transform the film, TV and video industry in the state of Pennsylvania.  If passed this legislation will institute a 25% Film Production Tax Credit Program in the Commonwealth and increase the cap on the current Film Production Grant Program.

Pennsylvania currently offers a 20% Film Production Grant for production expenses incurred on projects spending at least 60% of their total budget in the Commonwealth.  This grant is currently available for feature films, television pilots or each episode of a television series.  No more than $10 million per year can be awarded.  The problem is that last year $10 million became available on July 1st, but by July 22nd all allocated grant money had been claimed.  There is an overwhelming need to expand this program so the Commonwealth can compete with other states!

House Bill 1528:

Creates a Film Production Tax Credit Program that provides for a fully refundable 25% tax credit with NO ANNUAL CAP for all projects budgeted at $2 million or more.  This program targets major feature films, television series and commercial production.

House Bill 1529:

Increases the current 20% Grant Program's annual cap to $15 million for projects budgeted under $2 million.  This program targets independent filmmakers.

To qualify for each of these programs, filmmakers will need to spend at least 60% of their total production budget on the ground in Pennsylvania.

Stay tuned for more updates on this important legislation...!

Kingpin 10th Anniversary Celebration

Thanks to everyone who attended the Kingpin 10th Anniversary Party!  The event was held on Wednesday, August 9, 2006 at Lucky Strike Lanes (Galleria at Pittsburgh Mills) and was a huge success.  During the night guest bowled while Kingpin played on the large screen TVs. Jim Weimer, winner of the costume contest, even came in full Amish regalia.  A raffle was in place all evening where guest could win gift certificates to local restaurants, free bowling and the grand prize of a bowling pin autographed by the directors of Kingpin, Peter and Bobby Farrelly! 

2006 All-Star Game Beer Tent Fundraiser

The Pittsburgh Film Office and the Clark Bar & Grill co-sponsored a Miller Light beer tent during the 2006 All-Star Game at PNC Park.  Guest enjoyed the music of "Friends of Elvis" while sampling delicious food from the Clark Bar & Grill. 

Sundance Film Festival

The Pittsburgh Film Office enjoyed a strong presence at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah.  The festival ran from January 19-29, 2006.

Dawn Keezer, director of the Pittsburgh Film Office, was on hand to market Southwestern Pennsylvania to filmmakers.

The black-and-gold was also present because the film office hosted a play-off game party in honor of the Steelers!  Acclaimed actor, Timothy Hutton stopped by to wave his Terrible Towel!

AFCI Locations Tradeshow 2006

The Pittsburgh Film Office attended the 21st annual AFCI Locations Trade Show in Santa Monica, CA from April 7-9, 2006.  AFCI (Association of Film Commissions International) hosts the annual show in which 300 film commissions worldwide are on hand to talk with location managers, producers, directors and executives about their upcoming film projects.

The Locations Trade Show was very successful this year.  AFCI welcomed more than 3,000 visitors.  The Pennsylvania booth received 2nd Place for Most Informative.  The Pittsburgh Film Office was proud to receive two marketing awards this year.  The PFO won 1st place for the PFO T-Shirt and 2nd Place for our direct mail postcards.

Next year's AFCI Locations Trade Show will be held in April 2007!