NOTICE: Part of Pitcairn Road, Stroschein Road to Close Friday 6/18/2021

PITTSBURGH – The Department of Public Works announced today that it has granted a permit to Fidelis Productions, LLC to close Pitcairn Road between the Sugar Camp Park entrance in Pitcairn Borough and Tilbrook Road in Monroeville as well as Stroschein Road between Pitcairn Road and Wyngate Drive in Monroeville. The closures will occur from 7 p.m. to 4 a.m. on Friday, June 18, 2021. They are required for a film shoot. Residents who live within the closure areas will have access to their homes at all times. Pitcairn Road traffic will be detoured using Wall Avenue, Broadway Boulevard (Route 130), Brinton Road, Rosso Drive, and Tilbrook Road. Stroschein Road traffic will be detoured using Wyngate Drive and Monroeville Boulevard.
For more information, contact John Adkins at 412-352-6465 or [email protected].

Showtime series ‘Rust’ to shut down street in Strip District for filming Tuesday

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Joshua Axelrod

An office building in the Strip District will serve as a filming site for Jeff Daniels’ Showtime series “Rust” on Tuesday, with one street nearby being shut down during production.

The City of Pittsburgh Office of Special Events confirmed to the Post-Gazette that Showtime had been granted a permit for filming Tuesday at the Burns White Center on 26th Street in the Strip District. “Rust” is the only announced movie or TV show in town currently filming, according to Pittsburgh Film Office director Dawn Keezer.

As part of Tuesday’s filming, the portion of 26th Street that extends from where it intersects with Railroad Street to the point it dead ends at a trail along the Allegheny River will be closed from 5:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. for parking and staging equipment during the Burns White Center shoot, according to the Office of Special Events.

All of the filming will take place inside the Burns White Center, so the Office of Special Events doesn’t anticipate any noise or lighting-related disruptions, especially to those living in the nearby Yards at 3 Crossings apartment complex. The Office of Special Events did specify that “any impacted residents will be accommodated.”

Jeff Daniels stars as former FBI director James B. Comey in “The Comey Rule.”
Joshua Axelrod
Jeff Daniels’ Showtime series ‘Rust’ to film Thursday in Ross
“Rust” was supposed to film in and around the Steel City beginning in March 2020 but was forced to delay a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Production is back up and running now though, and this is at least the second time it has gotten permits for road closures after it did so for an April shooting day in Ross.

Its 10-episode first season will star Daniels, Bill Camp and Maura Tierney, among others. Daniels is playing Del Harris, the police chief of a small Western Pennsylvania town who is put in a tough position when the son of the woman he loves is accused of murder.

First Published May 3, 2021, 1:51pm

Link to Source

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: MAY 25, 2021
Please check back – Updates posted 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

CDC on COVID-19 Prevention

LOCAL RESOURCES FOR COVID-19 TESTING

UPMC Testing
COVID-19 Test Site Finder

MHS Labs:

Gina Pferdehirt
412-930-4135
[email protected]
https://mhslabs.net/

Connected Health:

Betty Rich
724-933-4305
[email protected]
https://www.connectedhealthpgh.com/

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:

Plan For Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania COVID-19 Safety Guidance for Businesses

Become a Friend of the Film Office Your support brings more production to southwestern Pennsylvania! $1 billion and counting so far!

NOTICE: Part of Pitcairn Road, Stroschein Road to Close Friday 6/18/2021

Showtime series ‘Rust’ to shut down street in Strip District for filming Tuesday

2021 JFILM Festival

NOTICE: Part of Thompson Run Road in Ross to Close on Thursday 4/22/2021

#2020Donate

Rotten Tomatoes: “Ma Rainey” First Film Reviews

COVID-19 SAFETY AND RE-OPENING IN SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA

Films From The COMMUNITY

NOTICE: Part of Pitcairn Road, Stroschein Road to Close Friday 6/18/2021

Showtime series ‘Rust’ to shut down street in Strip District for filming Tuesday

2021 JFILM Festival

NOTICE: Part of Thompson Run Road in Ross to Close on Thursday 4/22/2021

#2020Donate

Dear Pittsburgh Film Lovers,

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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.

LET’S GET RIGHT TO IT: HOW IS BOSEMAN’S FINAL PERFORMANCE?

DOES BOSEMAN’S DEATH CAST A SHADOW OVER THE ACHIEVEMENT?

HOW IS VIOLA DAVIS?

IS THE REST OF THE CAST GOOD?

HOW IS THE FILM AS AN ADAPTATION?

DOES IT TRANSCEND ITS STAGE PLAY ORIGINS?

HOW DOES THE FILM LOOK?

COVID-19 SAFETY AND RE-OPENING IN SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA

LAST UPDATE: MAY 25, 2021 Please check back – Updates posted as new information is received.

COVID-19 SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR FILM PRODUCTION

FILMS & EVENTS PERMITTING

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON COVID-19 IN PENNSYLVANIA AND THE PITTSBURGH REGION

LOCAL RESOURCES FOR COVID-19 TESTING

COVID-19 MOBILE TESTING | CONCIERGE TESTING SERVICES

TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS + SELF-QUARANTINE PROTOCOLS

SOCIAL DISTANCING + PERSONAL PRACTICES

Additional Links:

Films From The COMMUNITY

LAST UPDATE: MAY 25, 2021
Please check back – Updates posted as new information is received.