FAQ

What does the Greater Erie Film Office do?

  • We promote our region as a premier filming destination for productions. Our main goal is to attract motion picture, television, and commercial productions to our area and hire our local crews and support services. The Greater Erie Film Office (GEFO) is accredited by the AFCI as the certified Film Commission in our region.
  • In addition, we help productions navigate our local and state-run incentive programs and liaise between productions, our municipalities, and the community.
  • GEFO works under the umbrella of the Film Society of Northwestern Pennsylvania, and as such, we strive to elevate Erie’s film industry and empower regional filmmakers.

What is the difference between the Film Society of NWPA and the Greater Erie Film Office?

GEFO is the production arm of the Film Society of NWPA, whose mission is to foster patronage for the art of film in the Erie region. The Film Society of NWPA is heavily involved in film events and community engagement. More information can be found at filmsocietynwpa.org.

I am an actor, how do I get cast in a production?

We do not function as a casting agency and do not list or promote any actors, extras, or background artists. We only list casting calls on our Facebook page.

I am a filmmaker, will you help me make my movie?

  • GEFO offers a variety of free services to productions. We create location packages based on your production’s script and provide an initial scout to show off the region's best locations. We can also recommend local crew and support services to productions.
  • GEFO does not function as a production company, studio, or investor. We do not assist with the funding of any production. However, we can assist in the application process of the Pennsylvania Film Tax Credit for qualifying productions.
  • To get started, complete our Production Interest Form to let us know more about the project you are working on.

Do I need a permit to film in the Erie region?

  • No. Permits are not currently required to film in the City of Erie or its surrounding townships unless your production requires the closure of streets or will disrupt day-to-day business.

  • If filming on private property, it is best practice to obtain permission from the property owner in writing, most commonly in the form of a location release form. If you don’t have one, contact GEFO for a location release form template.
  • If you are unsure whether you need permission or not, call our office at 814.580.6608, for more information.

I want to film on the peninsula at Presque Isle State Park. What do I need to know?

  • Presque Isle State Park is a 3,200-acre sandy peninsula that arches into Lake Erie. Presque Isle offers its visitors a beautiful coastline and many recreational activities, including swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, bicycling, and in-line skating.
  • Entry into the park and beaches is free from sunup to sundown. To bring your film shoot onto the peninsula, advance notice must be given to the DCNR with the production details and a permit must be obtained. Contact us for more information, call 814.580.6608 or send an email.

How do I film at one of the locations on ReelScout?

The Greater Erie Film Office does not manage any properties. If you are considering filming in the Erie Region, the ReelScout locations database showcases our diverse looks and landscapes. While contact information is commonly listed in ReelScout entries, some may choose not to list their information publicly. If the owner permits us, we can give out contact information to inquiring productions.

How do I get a production to film at my house, business, or property?

Erie is known for its wide range of location types and ‘film friendly’ community. To showcase your locations to interested producers, GEFO utilizes ReelScout, a web-based digital film library to host listings of our area’s film-friendly locations.

If you’d like to add your location to the database, please contact GEFO.

A production wants to film at my house, business, or property. Can I charge a fee?

You can decide whether or not you want to charge a location fee to use your private property. It is expected that location fees can vary depending on the size of the property, the production’s needs, schedule, and the footprint the production has on your property.

It is typical for a production to make the first offer if the location is of interest. If you are unsure or have questions about what it’s like to work with a production, please call our office at 814.580.6608 and we will be happy to walk you through the process.

What projects have been filmed in the Erie region?

The library of Erie region productions is constantly growing. Check out the Made in Erie page.

How do I apply for the Pennsylvania Film Production Tax Credit (FPTC)?

Applications may be filed no sooner than 90 days prior to the start date of principal photography in the Commonwealth. The applications are then reviewed within a 90-day period. There are four reviewing cycles each year for the FPTC.

We’ve listed these yearly dates and additional information on our Incentives page.