In early 2009, the State of Pennsylvania was facing a severe budget deficit for the upcoming year. Despite the success of the Film Production Tax Credit, some Pennsylvania lawmakers felt that the money allocated to this program could be put to better use elsewhere. 
Following the announcement of the plan to cut the Film Production Tax Credit, a group of dedicated, Pennsylvania based industry professionals banded together in an attempt to reverse this decision. The group acted as a collective voice for the thousands of people employed by the production industry in Pennsylvania. Their aim was to raise awareness in Harrisburg and, specifically, to explain exactly what the loss of the tax credit would mean for the statewide production industry. The businessmen and women that comprised this group included representatives from:

Shooters, Inc. Haddad’s, Inc. Norristown Studios Tax Credits, LLC David Bowers & Associates Heery Casting

Enterprise Holdings, LLC Sun Centre Studios MVM Grants Studio Center at Logan Square Cort

Step one in their fight to retain the tax credit was to hire a lobbyist who could educate the Pennsylvania State Senators as to how much the program benefited the Commonwealth. This meant explaining that the tax incentive was not merely a handout to “Hollywood Movie Producers”, but rather a way to ensure millions of dollars for the State, as well as thousands of industry jobs for Pennsylvanians. However, in explaining just how important the film industry had become to Pennsylvania, the group became acutely aware of the fact that our industry, and all that we bring to the state, was not fully understood by those in charge. Thankfully, the contributions of our industry were clearly evident and importance of the tax credit being left intact became apparent to industry and legislative leaders. The Pennsylvania Film Production Tax Credit was then reinstated and treated the same as other Pennsylvania tax credits designed to grow jobs.

When our group returned from Harrisburg, we were thrilled that we were able to successfully provide a voice of our industry. However, we remained aware that our victory did not guarantee the same would happen in future years. This is when we decided that we had to continue the work we had started and expand our group to include all those who work in, or support the Pennsylvania film and television industry in any way. Thus was born the Pennsylvania Film Industry Association!

By joining the PaFIA, you are lending your voice to the effort that will help ensure that Pennsylvania remains one of the top production destinations in the United States. As our membership grows, so too does the likelihood that our contribution to the State of Pennsylvania will never again go unnoticed. Through our presence online, at statewide events and screenings and through you, our membership, we will make our voice heard and film and television production will continue to be one of the fastest growing industries in the State of Pennsylvania!