
FAQ
What does the Central Pennsylvania Film Commission Do?
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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 Central Pennsylvania Film Commission (CPFC) is accredited by the AFCI as the certified Film Commission in our region.
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In addition, we help productions navigate our local and state-run incentive programs and liaise between productions, our municipalities, and the community.
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CPFC works under the umbrella of the Film, Arts, Culture, & Tourism Specialist (FACTS), striving to heighten Central Pennsylvania’s film industry and empower filmmakers within the region.
What is the difference between the Film, Arts, Culture & Tourism Specialist (FACTS) and the Central Pennsylvania Film Commission?
CPFC is the production arm of the FACTS, whose mission is to attract economic development and industry for the art of film in the Central Pennsylvania region. FACTS is heavily involved in educational programming and community engagement. More information can be found at FactsPA.com
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 review cycles each year for the FPTC.
Find the dates and additional information on Incentives here.
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Do I need a permit to film in the Central Pennsylvania region?
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No. Permits are not currently required to film in Central Pennsylvania unless your production requires the closure of streets or will disrupt day-to-day business.
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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 CPFC for a location release form template.
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If you are unsure whether you need permission or not, call our office at 717-298-0117, for more information.
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I am a filmmaker, will you help me make my movie?
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CPFC 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.
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CPFC 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.
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To get started, complete our Production Interest Form to let us know more about the project you are working on.
How do I film at one of the locations on ReelScout?
The Central Pennsylvania Film Commission does not manage any properties. If you are considering filming in the Central Pennsylvania 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.
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How do I get a production to film at my house, business, or property?
Central Pennsylvania is known for its wide range of location types and ‘film-friendly’ community. To showcase your locations to interested producers, CPFC utilizes ReelScout, a web-based digital film library to host listings of our area’s film-friendly locations.
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If you’d like to add your location to the database, please click here.
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.
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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 717-298-0117 and we will be happy to walk you through the process.
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.