Philadelphia Region Will See $68 Million Investment From Filmmakers Due to Film Tax Credit Program, Governor Rendell Says

Philadelphia Region Will See $68 Million Investment From Filmmakers Due to Film Tax Credit Program, Governor Rendell Says

HARRISBURG, Pa., Dec. 21 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Since Pennsylvania's film tax credit program started in July, studios have committed to invest more than $68 million into Philadelphia area movie and television productions, Governor Edward G. Rendell announced today.

"Filmmakers are creating jobs while investing more than $68 million into the Philadelphia economy because of the film tax credit program we created. This investment stretches beyond the local suppliers and film crew. Its ripple effect will be felt by many other businesses, from hotels and restaurants to the local drycleaner all will see additional business," Governor Rendell said. "Through the tax credit program, we are attracting jobs that could have gone anywhere and we are doing so at no cost to the people of Pennsylvania."

In July, Governor Rendell created the "Creativity in Focus" program to provide tax credits to film and television productions who agree to spend at least 60 percent of their total production cost in Pennsylvania. To date, $28.9 million of the $75 million available has been committed statewide.

"It is necessary for the commonwealth to compete on the global stage to attract television, movie, and commercial productions. Today, more than ever, filmmakers are not just choosing between domestic locations, they are looking internationally," Governor Rendell said. "Due to the tax credits that have been committed in the Philadelphia region, it is estimated that some 960 jobs will be generated."

To date, productions include:

-- "Billy's World" by WWA Productions LLC, which will invest $9.7 million and receive $2,425,000 in tax credits;

-- "Bottleworld" by Bottleworld LLC, which will invest $1 million and receive $251,292 in tax credits;

-- "Our Lady of Victory" by Our Lady of Victory LLC, which will invest $6.4 million and receive $2,059,820 in tax credits;

-- "Rip & Renew" by Nancy Glass Productions, which will invest $702,648 million and receive $175,662 in tax credits;

-- "Save My Bath" by Nancy Glass Productions, which will invest $774,478 million and receive $193,619 in tax credits;

-- "Spice Up My Kitchen" by Nancy Glass Productions, which will invest $1.6 million and receive $400,127 in tax credits; and

-- "The Happening" by Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, which will invest $48.2 million and receive $12 million in tax credits

The Pennsylvania Film Office, as a part of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, is committed to coordinating efforts statewide to make every project filmed in Pennsylvania a success. From scouting, to maintaining a crew base, to coordinating statewide industry resources, the Pennsylvania Film Office offers services to cater to the unique needs of any film production. For more information, please visit filminpa.com.

The Rendell administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses. To find out more about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his weekly newsletter, visit www.governor.state.pa.us.

   CONTACT:   Chuck Ardo   717-783-1116    Michael Chapaloney   717-720-1301  

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Source: Pennsylvania Office of the Governor

CONTACT: Chuck Ardo, +1-717-783-1116, or Michael Chapaloney,
+1-717-720-1301, both of Pennsylvania Office of the Governor

Web Site: http://filminpa.com/
http://www.governor.state.pa.us/

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Profile: International Entertainment