On Thursday, October 31, the House Democratic Policy Committee hosted a hearing on the Film Tax Credit at the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia. Philadelphia Representative Maria Donatucci and Joe Ciresi were the local “hosts” of the hearing.

The Pennsylvania Film Industry Association (PAFIA) was invited to testify, and PAFIA’s very own Mike McCann was part of a panel. M. Night Shyamalan also provided testimony and spoke to how the decisions are being made about filming locations. He shared information about programs in Georgia and other states.

Mike McCann was fantastic and the hearing went well. Mike advocated for more certainty and predictability, which an increase to the annual allocation to the program would provide.  The House Democratic members who attended were very enthusiastic about increasing the cap.

The following House members attended:

Rep. Maria Donatucci
Rep. Joe Ciresi
Rep. Mike Sturla
Rep. Tim Briggs
Rep. Mark Longietti
Rep. Dan Williams
Rep. Steve McCarter
Rep. Movita Johnson-Harrell
Rep. Margo Davidson
Rep. Mary Jo Daley
Rep. Steve Malagari
Rep. Kristine Howard
Rep. Mike Driscoll

In addition to M. Night and Mike McCann, Carrie Lepore from the Pennsylvania Film Office, the Motion Picture Association of America, and others testified in favor of the credit and the economic benefits to the state and local communities where productions are shot.

The House and Senate returned to Harrisburg on Monday, November 18^th for the week. Both chambers are then scheduled to reconvene in December. The House and Senate have not been in session very much this Fall, so things have been fairly quiet.