by Reading Film Office
On Monday, May 6, the Capitol Rotunda in Harrisburg was filled with film industry representatives from across the state to advocate for a $300 million film tax credit to preserve Pennsylvania’s long history in film. Sponsored by the Pennsylvania Film Industry Association (PAFIA), the Greater Philadelphia Film Office, and the Pittsburgh Film Office, the event kicked off a weeklong effort to emphasize the need for the increase.
Cammie Harris, Executive Director of the Reading Film Office (RFO), delivered a passionate speech, shedding light on Reading and Berks County’s role in Pennsylvania’s film landscape. “When people think about Pennsylvania films, they often point to films made in Philadelphia or Pittsburgh, but the film industry is so much broader than that,” stated Harris. She noted that Reading | Berks County, the fourth largest city in PA, is known for its vibrant art scene, which includes a talented community of filmmakers. Harris further emphasized that an increase in the rebate enables the Reading Film Office to attract larger-budget films, enhance work opportunities, and increase tourism and spending within the region.
Joined in attendance were representatives from film offices across the state, including Central PA, Erie, Northwest Pennsylvania, the Poconos, and Wilkes-Barre Metro, Harris underscored the collective effort to promote Pennsylvania as a premier destination for film and media productions. “By working with storytellers, we lift the voices of the diverse community we serve,” Harris remarked. “Our respective offices recognize the economic growth that can come from our communities with increased film productions.”
Harris highlighted the need for action, citing Pennsylvania’s decreasing of competitiveness to neighboring states and international jurisdictions. “We are competing domestically with other large cities and states which have their own incentive programs, many of which far exceed the current $100 million tax credit offered in Pennsylvania,” noted Harris. “Increasing the film tax credit to $300 million keeps us on a level playing field with some of those jurisdictions and ensures that Pennsylvania remains competitive.” The call for an increased film tax credit rebate reflects a unified commitment to fostering economic growth, job creation, and cultural enrichment across the Commonwealth.
The Reading Film Office (RFO) serves as the hub for film and media production in Berks County, Pennsylvania. Committed to promoting the region as a film-friendly location, RFO provides comprehensive support and resources to local and visiting productions. Through strategic partnerships and advocacy efforts, RFO strives to foster economic growth, cultural enrichment, and community engagement across Greater Reading and beyond. For more information, visit readingfilm.org.
Cammie Harris is the CEO and Executive Director of the Reading Film Office (RFO), where she leads efforts to cultivate a vibrant film and media industry in Berks County, Pennsylvania. With a passion for storytelling and community empowerment, Harris is dedicated to showcasing the diverse talent and landscapes of Reading and its surrounding areas. Her advocacy for increased film tax credits reflects a steadfast commitment to driving economic growth and opportunity for local filmmakers and residents alike.
