Philadelphia is the sixth largest city in the United States. With its beautiful parks, city skyline, great people, extensive historical background, the City of Brotherly Love has plenty to offer and show. With an approximate population of 1.6 million people and growing every year, what happened to the film industry of Philadelphia? Does Philadelphia even have a film industry at all?

To answer the questions, yes there is a film industry here in Philadelphia. Although it is small, there are plenty of short films being filmed all over the city as of now.

Why are there not much big named film productions being filmed in the Philadelphia area, compared to Los Angeles or Atlanta? To answer this question is because of money. The film industry locates the cities that are willing to spend the least. Film production is big business and the basic rule of economics come into play here. Whoever is willing to film the cheapest, gets the filming permit.

Another reason is movie-tax credits. Former Governor Ed Rendell signed into law a Movie-Tax Credit program back in 2007 and designated “$75 million dollars, 25 percent tax credit to TV shows and movies that spend at least 60 percent of their budget in the Commonwealth.” (Philly Mag, 2016) The idea was, the government would invest in the film industry, and in return, the film industry would reward the city by providing jobs, movie fame and publicity to boost the city’s tourism. “In Hollywood, where generous, dependable tax-credit programs have become a huge factor for directors and producers choosing where to shoot their films.” (Philly Mag, 2016) With competition from California, New York, and Georgia, Pennsylvania seems to be struggling with their movie tax-credit funding falling from $75 million to $62 million, so that can also be a turn-off for filmmakers and investors.

The film, National Treasure (2004, above) filmed live on location in downtown Philadelphia, as well as in Old City. I recommend watching National Treasure (2004) if you haven’t seen it yet, because just like the Rocky and Creed franchises, they display what this great city has to offer and you may get to learn some history about our Founding Fathers, as well as an interesting twist about our history. Or here’s a beautiful still from Independence Hall in Old City in Philadelphia from the film Shooter (2007, below) of a former marine sniper Bob Lee Swagger (Mark Wahlberg) accused of shooting the President and being hunted by the authorities.

Competition is not only how economics is, but the American way. It is very unfortunate that whoever is willing to pay the least. With competition from Pittsburgh, Philadelphia will definitely have to give something more appealing to beat other cities in attracting filmmakers, not only from Hollywood but from all over the world. Philadelphia has plenty to offer. From the beautiful downtown area to the great people, to be the first Capital city back in the 1700s and also being the birthplace of the United States.

Sources

https//film.org/filming-in-philly/

(https://www.phillymag.com/articles/2016/06/25/lights-camera-inaction/#7EYXvquMWpqbj9ik.99)

https://www.movieloci.com/2865-National-Treasure?snapshot=34389