#2020Donate
Dear Pittsburgh Film Lovers, YOU can make a difference today with the gift of your support by joining the Pittsburgh Film […]
POSTED ON: December 31, 2020 #2020Donate
Dear Pittsburgh Film Lovers,
YOU can make a difference today with the gift of your support by joining the Pittsburgh Film Office #2020Donate and close out 2020 with a bang!
Donate Now!
With your support, we can impact our community in a lasting way!
We are calling all Pittsburgh area film lovers to support the economic initiatives of the Pittsburgh Film Office and continue to bring jobs and economic impact to the southwestern Pennsylvania region!
These are challenging times for all. Now more than ever, our community needs us! And we need YOU!
YOUR FINANCIAL GIFT contributes to bringing film productions to the Pittsburgh region! Recent productions that support local businesses and help local crew members create family-sustaining careers:
Available NOW!
- HAPPIEST SEASON streaming on Hulu
- I’M YOUR WOMAN streaming on Amazon Prime
- MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM streaming on Netflix
Ways to support the Pittsburgh Film Office: Donate any amount to help support the Pittsburgh Film Office
Donate $50 or more and receive Friends of the Film Office (FOFO) membership (regularly $60) for invitation only film premieres, events, news and more!
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for exciting updates!
SHARE this message with friends and family to encourage them to join the movement!
Please join us in making a year-end donation here TODAY!
OR
Mail your check to:
Pittsburgh Film Office
535 Smithfield Street, Suite 500
Pittsburgh, PA 15222.
We will send you a receipt for your tax deductible contribution.
❤️🎬🍿📽
For the love of film,
The Pittsburgh Film Office
Overview
During a recording session, tensions rise between Ma Rainey, her ambitious horn player and the white management determined to control the uncontrollable "Mother of the Blues"
Overview
In this 1970s set crime drama, a woman is forced to go on the run after her husband betrays his partners, sending her and her baby on a dangerous journey.
Overview
Meeting your girlfriend's family for the first time can be tough. Planning to propose at her family's annual Christmas dinner - until you realize that they don't even know she's gay - is even harder. When Abby (Kristen Stewart) learns that Harper (Mackenzie Davis) has kept their relationship a secret from her family, she begins to question the girlfriend she thought she knew.
Rotten Tomatoes: “Ma Rainey” First Film Reviews
MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM FIRST REVIEWS: CHADWICK BOSEMAN DELIVERS KNOCKOUT FINAL PERFORMANCE CRITICS SAY THE LATE ACTOR AND VIOLA DAVIS […]
POSTED ON: November 23, 2020 Rotten Tomatoes: “Ma Rainey” First Film Reviews
MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM FIRST REVIEWS: CHADWICK BOSEMAN DELIVERS KNOCKOUT FINAL PERFORMANCE
CRITICS SAY THE LATE ACTOR AND VIOLA DAVIS ARE MAGNETIC, LEADING A STRONG ENSEMBLE IN A VISUALLY SUMPTUOUS ADAPTATION OF THE AUGUST WILSON PLAY THAT SHOULD EARN THEM AWARDS RECOGNITION.
by Christopher Campbell | November 20, 2020 | Rotten Tomatoes
Everyone is talking about Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom for one reason above all: the Netflix Original features the final performance by Chadwick Boseman, who shockingly died of cancer over the summer. And as the first reviews arrive for the biographical drama, based on August Wilson’s 1982 play of the same name, Boseman continues to receive the majority of attention, mostly in the form of praise for his last work. But there are other reasons to look forward to the movie, including Viola Davis’ performance as the titular “Mother of the Blues” as well as Wilson’s powerful writing and some unforgettable moments as directed by George C. Wolfe.
Here’s what critics are saying about Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom:
LET’S GET RIGHT TO IT: HOW IS BOSEMAN’S FINAL PERFORMANCE?
Boseman is a revelation.
– Fionnuala Halligan, Screen International
On a whole other level here… Watching him in this film is an absolutely hypnotic experience.
– Joey Magidson, Awards Radar
Boseman’s performance really is the stuff of acting legend…[he] will make you feel like screen actors rarely are able to do.
– J. Don Birnam, Splash Report
The confidence and composure of the icons he has played before has melted away into a kind of nervous insecurity we’ve never seen in the actor.
– Peter Debruge, Variety
There are times where you have to remind yourself to breathe watching his performance.
– Matt Goldberg, Collider
Ma Rainey is a hilarious film, and Boseman, through his coy smile, and displaying his full range, is equally hilarious in it.
– Robert Daniels, IGN Movies
What a glorious performance to go out on.
– Peter Bradshaw, Guardian
It’s no stretch to say his last performance may be his finest.
– Odie Henderson, RogerEbert.com
DOES BOSEMAN’S DEATH CAST A SHADOW OVER THE ACHIEVEMENT?
We should have been just getting started with him. Sadly, this will have to stand as the crowning performance of his career.
– Joey Magidson, Awards Radar
Chadwick Boseman’s astonishingly dynamic and charismatic performance reminds us of a promising future that can no longer come to pass. I can hardly think of a more fitting final act for his career than this.
– Shane Slater, Film Actually
It’s an Oscar-worthy performance in what should have been a long career filled with Oscars.
– Matt Goldberg, Collider
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom is such a difficult movie to watch. While watching, it’s impossible not to face facts: this is it… turns out Boseman did have one last gift for us.
– Mike Ryan, Uproxx
Boseman would cast a huge shadow over the film even if he hadn’t tragically passed away earlier this year at the age of 43.
– Alonso Duralde, The Wrap
Even if Boseman were alive, his name would still certainly be on the shortlist for an Oscar nomination.
– Gabriella Geisinger, Digital Spy
HOW IS VIOLA DAVIS?
Davis as the titular Ma Rainey gives one of the performances of her career.
– Gabriella Geisinger, Digital Spy
It is one of the best performances of Davis’ career — a career already filled with many such depictions.
– J. Don Birnam, Splash Report
The most engrossing, inspired transformation of her career.
– Eric Kohn, IndieWire
Her performance is both otherworldly and all too human.
– Oliver Jones, Observer
It’s a delectably grand performance.
– Odie Henderson, RogerEbert.com
As Ma Rainey, Davis confirms how wide-ranging her talent is.
– Fionnuala Halligan, Screen International
IS THE REST OF THE CAST GOOD?
The supporting cast deserves acclaim for their work.
– Matt Goldberg, Collider
While Boseman and Davis are the stars, don’t sleep on Colman Domingo and Glynn Turman, who are excellent in their supporting parts.
– Joey Magidson, Awards Radar
Domingo gives the character a quiet authority that is essential to the band dynamic and elevates not just Boseman but Davis’ performance as well.
– Jason Guerrasio, Insider
Much will be made of Boseman and Davis’ work here, but Turman’s excellent work is also worthy of notice.
– Odie Henderson, RogerEbert.com
The great Glynn Turman. This is the supporting performance that will get the awards attention… This is Turman’s moment even more than it is Boseman’s.
– Roger Friedman, Showbiz 411
HOW IS THE FILM AS AN ADAPTATION?
You can feel the full force of Wilson’s play barrel down from the stage and into your living room.
– Oliver Jones, Observer
This Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom feels not just adapted but accelerated, as if it were racing to meet the deadline its own characters keep putting off.
– Justin Chang, Los Angeles Times
Ruben Santiago-Hudson, who adapted the play for the screen, honors Wilson’s eloquent and vernacular dialogue, which includes moments of wit.
– Caryn James, BBC.com
Taking a play and turning it into a film has inherent challenges… The ability it shows to overcome that potential challenge makes it a superior work to the already well done Fences.
– Joey Magidson, Awards Radar
Wolfe and screenwriter Ruben Santiago-Hudson have put the play into the movie, rather than vice versa.
– Eric Kohn, IndieWire
DOES IT TRANSCEND ITS STAGE PLAY ORIGINS?
Ma Rainey feels fresh as a film.
– Fionnuala Halligan, Screen International
While you can “feel” the stage origins, over time, that stuff kind of dissipates when the performances are so good.
– Matt Goldberg, Collider
There is a static quality to some of the back and forth, but… the contained staginess of the movie comes off as welcome, intimate and, in the hands of these boldly empathetic performers, quite thrilling.
– Oliver Jones, Observer
[Santiago-Hudson] and Wolfe do what they can to open up the play but the movie still remains, in a good way, stagey. There’s no way around it.
– Roger Friedman, Showbiz 411
The characters move through space as if they were blocked for the stage, and it’s slightly distracting to watch.
– Gabriella Geisinger, Digital Spy
Wilson’s dialogue is very “written” sounding, very theatrical, and it almost feels like the entire ensemble are acting on a podium rather than attempting to deliver a legitimate feature film.
– Jordan Ruimy, World of Reel
HOW DOES THE FILM LOOK?
Right away, it was hard not to notice how striking the imagery of this film is throughout.
– Aaron Neuwirth, We Live Entertainment
Tobias Schilesser, who typically shoots action or showy movies alongside the likes of Peter Berg and Bill Condon, delivers a radiant cinematography.
– J. Don Birnam, Splash Report
Tobias A. Schliesser’s vibrant cinematography works wonders in up close, but has a flatter quality in some of the interstitial moments between the big set pieces.
– Eric Kohn, IndieWire
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom premieres on Netflix on Friday, December 18, 2020.
COVID-19 SAFETY AND RE-OPENING IN SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
LAST UPDATE: January 4, 2021 Please check back as updates will be […]
POSTED ON: August 31, 2020COVID-19 SAFETY AND RE-OPENING IN SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
LAST UPDATE: January 4, 2021 Please check back as updates will be posted here as new information is received.
The Pittsburgh Film Office believes the highest priority to maintain our state’s film industry amid the COVID-19 Pandemic is the safety of the Pittsburgh region’s filmmakers, crew members, talent, vendors, location owners, and communities. In accordance with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s three-phased approach to safely reopen the economy, we will be following the PA Health Department, the CDC, and the film industry union guidelines. In addition, the Pittsburgh Film Office is releasing additional related resources for filmmakers, to allow for a safe return to work with our local crew.
As of Friday, June 5, 2020, Allegheny County, Armstrong County, Beaver County, Butler County, Fayette County, Greene County, Lawrence County, Somerset County, Washington County, and Westmoreland County will open in the Green/Phase Three of a three-phased approach to re-open the Pennsylvania economy.
The Pennsylvania Plan for Reopening:
This statewide plan is:
- Based on scientific modeling from public health experts and Carnegie Mellon University.
- Intended to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
- Intended to protect Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable citizens from the threat of COVID-19.
- Intended for businesses and individuals to utilize in conjunction with guidance from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
COVID-19 SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR FILM PRODUCTION
Guilds, Unions, Companies, and Studios will have safety procedures created with the working environment and scope of a film, television, or commercial production in mind, and may be more restrictive than the state-wide plan. As film productions make decisions about operations while the pandemic persists, they may consider incorporating suggestions from multiple sources. The following documents included below are examples of what the Pittsburgh Film Office believes to be strong direction in maintaining a safe working environment in the film industry. We aim to share the most comprehensive guidelines available to bring back a thriving and healthy film industry in Southwestern Pennsylvania.
Guidelines by the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers: Industry-Wide Labor Management Safety Committee Task Force
Guidelines by Camelot Communications: suggested for commercial filming
Guidelines by SAG-AFTRA, IATSE, and TEAMSTERS
The following information has been provided to the Pittsburgh Film Office:
Filming would fall under NAICS 512110 – motion picture and video production which is defined as: industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in producing, or producing and distributing motion pictures, videos, television programs, or television commercials.
On the Governor’s Life Sustaining Business list, they would fall under NAICS 512110: DCED List of Life-Sustaining Businesses
- RED/Phase One: No filming
- YELLOW/Phase Two: Some filming allowed if attached guidelines are followed
- GREEN/Phase Three: filming allowed while following the PA Health Department, CDC, and film industry guidelines
FILMS & EVENTS PERMITTING
For the latest information on film permitting in the Southwestern PA region, and guidance on permitting, please contact the PITTSBURGH FILM OFFICE by email at [email protected] or telephone, 412-261-2744. You many also visit our permits page on the Pittsburgh Film Office website.
The following counties are in the GREEN/Phase Three:
Allegheny County, Armstrong County, Beaver County, Butler County, Fayette County, Greene County, Lawrence County, Somerset County, Washington County, and Westmoreland County
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON COVID-19 IN PENNSYLVANIA AND THE PITTSBURGH REGION
Updates on COVID-19 from the Mayor of Pittsburgh
Further information on Pennsylvania’s COVID-19 cases can be found on:
Pennsylvania Health Department
Allegheny County Health Department
LOCAL RESOURCES FOR COVID-19 TESTING
UPMC Testing
COVID-19 Test Site Finder
COVID-19 MOBILE TESTING | CONCIERGE TESTING SERVICES
R J Lee Group:
Carl W Pro, PMP RMP
Director, Strategic Business Development and Project Management
724.325.1776 Office
724.387.1965 Direct
412.452.1429 Mobile
[email protected]
RJ Lee Group is a Pittsburgh based company offering mobile/onsite testing
Total Wellness:
Megan Potter
National Account Executive
402.548.4282 Direct
888.434.4358 x138 Office
[email protected]
Total Wellness is a national company that uses local resources for on-site testing
TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS + SELF-QUARANTINE PROTOCOLS
COVID-19 Information for Travelers from the PA Department of Health
For the latest information on travel guidelines from the CDC
SOCIAL DISTANCING + PERSONAL PRACTICES
Pittsburgh Film Office strongly encourages each production to continually check the CDC’s recommendations for personal practices and social distancing.
As a note, groups of people who share a space within a building in the ordinary course of operations, such as in an office building, classroom, production floor or similar regularly occurring operation of a business or organization, are not “events or gatherings.”
We understand how difficult these uncertain times have been for you are your families and how eager you are to return to work. We are here to support you and are looking forward to film production resuming in our region!
We hope all filmmakers will follow the health guidelines we have shared to keep our local film industry healthy and working. Our office will continue sharing health information and filming guidelines as they become available on our website. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Pittsburgh Film Office by email, [email protected] or by telephone, 412-261-2744.
Additional Links:
Pitch-Burgh: The Screening!
The Pittsburgh Film Office and Pittsburgh Film and Media Educators Alliance are excited to present the virtual event, PITCH-BURGH – […]
POSTED ON: August 18, 2020 Pitch-Burgh: The Screening!
The Pittsburgh Film Office and Pittsburgh Film and Media Educators Alliance are excited to present the virtual event, PITCH-BURGH – THE SCREENING, Friday September 18th at 5pm via Zoom Meeting!
Please join us to view a selection of student works created this year! As a follow-up to the successful Pitch-Burgh event at the beginning of the year, Pitch-Burgh The Screening gives students from different universities in the Pittsburgh area the opportunity to come together and showcase their completed projects. Come join in and hear their experiences and stories from creating their films! Kevin Smith of the University of Pittsburgh will be hosting the event and leading the discussion. The Zoom call will begin at 5:00pm on Friday, September 18th.
Pitch-Burgh – The Screening
Friday, September 18th, 2020
5:00pm
Hosted by Kevin Smith, Screenwriter and Director of Undergraduate Studies – Broadcasting and Senior Lecturer at the University of Pittsburgh
Join the Screening on Zoom
https://pitt.zoom.us/j/96617911621
Meeting ID: 966 1791 1621
Please RSVP to [email protected] for the passcode to join in! The meeting is passcode protected and you will need it to join the call.
Films:
“Perception” – Kayla Lukitsch
“A Role to Play” – Matthew Knight
“Cheers COVID-19: Boxing Rage” – Derrick Ostolaza
“House Fly” – Sarah Gabany
“Stand Above the Hate” – Timante’ Morris
“Shortest of Stories” – Jennifer Springel
“Fear the Outside” – CCAC Students
“The Social Distance Film” – CCAC Students
“A Gentleman” – Amina Hawes
Overview
A simple Jewish man named Herschel Greenbaum works in a pickle factory in Brooklyn. One day he falls into a vat of brine and stays there, perfectly preserved, for 100 years. He comes back to life and goes to stay with his great-great-grandson, Ben, in contemporary Brooklyn.
Filmed in Pittsburgh: ‘An American Pickle’ is on HBO Max Today!
An immigrant worker at a pickle factory is accidentally preserved for 100 years and wakes up in modern day Brooklyn. […]
POSTED ON: August 6, 2020 Filmed in Pittsburgh: ‘An American Pickle’ is on HBO Max Today!
An immigrant worker at a pickle factory is accidentally preserved for 100 years and wakes up in modern day Brooklyn.
COVID-19 Mobile Testing | Concierge testing services
R J Lee Group: Carl W Pro, PMP RMP Director, Strategic Business Development and Project Management 724.325.1776 Office 724.387.1965 Direct […]
POSTED ON: July 15, 2020COVID-19 Mobile Testing | Concierge testing services
R J Lee Group:
Carl W Pro, PMP RMP
Director, Strategic Business Development and Project Management
724.325.1776 Office
724.387.1965 Direct
412.452.1429 Mobile
RJ Lee Group is a Pittsburgh based company offering mobile/onsite testing
Total Wellness:
Megan Potter
National Account Executive
402.548.4282 Direct
888.434.4358 x138 Office
Total Wellness is a national company that uses local resources for on-site testing