Greater Erie Film Office Market Study Finds $16.4 Million Impact of Film Industry
ECONOMIC IMPACT REPORT SHOWS INCREASED OPPORTUNITY FOR FILM INDUSTRY IN NWPA
Erie, PA (June 29, 2022) - An economic impact analysis commissioned by Greater Erie Film Office found the impact of the film industry in Northwestern Pennsylvania totaled $16.4 million in 2020. The study further concluded that the economic activity generates $1.4 million in state and local tax revenue and supports and sustains 86 film industry-related jobs.
The study points to growth potential for film and television production due to the 25% PA State Tax Credit, up-and-coming industry talent from local universities, and proximity to major markets.
“The Greater Erie Film Office continues to help drive economic development by growing the film industry in the Northwestern Pennsylvania region,” said Erika Berlin, Executive Director, Film Society of Northwestern Pennsylvania. “Given the recent news, we are attracting noteworthy films starring Academy Award nominees to the area. The research clearly shows what we have always known – there is bountiful opportunity in our market – Clearly, Northwest PA should be taking advantage of Pennsylvania’s film tax credit to continue to attract more films to the area. What an exciting time for Erie.”
Across Northwestern Pennsylvania, businesses and individuals are working in the film industry. From the independent film sector to major productions, there is no shortage of creativity and talent attracting and cultivating local film and tv production. Films — one of the key driving economic forces — are being made in the region.
The study was conducted by Parker Philips, Inc., a nationally recognized consulting firm specializing in economic impact analysis.
“The Greater Erie Film Office and film industry professionals in Northwestern Pennsylvania have been steadily growing this industry segment on a shoestring budget,” said Nichole Parker, President and Co-Founder, Parker Philips. “The baseline impact demonstrates that this segment has gained traction and that filmmakers want to come to the region to access locations and talent.
“As Erie, PA continues its renaissance, supporting the creative economy and the GEFO, is a sound investment as making films in Erie has real potential to become an engine of economic growth for the region.”
STUDY RESULTS
The study profiles the economic activity being generated by businesses in the region’s film industry. An economic contribution analysis shows companies and organizations are making a meaningful economic impact on the region in terms of economics and cultural value add.
Among the findings in the study:
- The $16.4 million total economic impact of film industry segment in 2020, which includes $8.9 million direct, $4.5 million indirect, and $2.8 million induced spending.
- The operations of the system supported or sustained a total of 86 jobs.
- Through its local spending and the jobs it supported or sustained, the film industry generated $1.7 million in state and local taxes.
The study measured the economic contribution of this industry utilizing specific North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes to determine the baseline impact of the industry segment in 2020.
FILMMAKING IN PENNSYLVANIA
Pennsylvania is one of the most welcoming states in the country for film production. The PA Film Tax Credit is a 25% transferable tax credit when 60% of the total budget is spent in PA. Right now most of those tax credits are awarded to productions supported by the Pittsburgh and Philadelphia film offices.
Northwestern Pennsylvania has the opportunity to take advantage of those tax credits by empowering local filmmakers, retaining talent, and attracting productions to the region and engaging workers with all levels of skills and talents.
GREATER ERIE FILM OFFICE
The Greater Erie Film Office has been working diligently for the past 9 years to connect regional filmmakers, assist visiting film and television productions from all over the country with crew, locations, and equipment, and building partnerships with universities, government, and private businesses. The study’s results are a strong indicator that funding for Greater Erie Film Office will allow the organization to more effectively staff, advocate, and lobby for the economic interests of filmmakers.
The Greater Erie Film Office is a program of the Film Society of Northwestern Pennsylvania, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to Elevate Erie’s film industry, Empower regional filmmakers, and Foster Patronage for the art of film. For more information about the Greater Erie Film Office, visit filmerie.com.
STUDY FUNDERS
The study was generously funded by the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority (ECGRA), Erie County, and VisitErie.
CONTACT
Erika Berlin | Executive Director | Film Society of Northwestern Pennsylvania | eberlin@filmsocietynwpa.org | 814-580-6608
