Lackawanna County Commissioners form film commission, offer tax credit to filmmakers
From a press release:
In an effort to capitalize on Lackawanna County’s rich history, architecture, and natural beauty as assets to accommodate movie production, County Commissioners Bill Gaughan and Matt McGloin plan to establish the Lackawanna County Film and Multimedia Commission.
The commissioners introduced an ordinance at their regular meeting yesterday to establish the commission. Bob Savakinus, a documentary filmmaker from Carbondale who has championed the idea, addressed the board at the 10 a.m. meeting in the Lackawanna County Government Center in downtown Scranton.
According to Gaughan and McGloin, the objective is to create a mechanism to help attract film productions to boost the economy and the county’s profile. The commissioners will not commit any public funds to the commission or to any particular production that occurs in Lackawanna County.
The ordinance establishes a nine-member commission to be appointed by the county commissioners. Its job will be to build a database of potential film locations to assist producers, develop a marketing plan, showcase local talent through film festivals and other events, and generally strive to meet producers’ needs.
Pennsylvania’s government offers a tax credit of up to 25 percent of the amount that a film producer spends in the state if at least 60 percent of the film’s total budget is spent in Pennsylvania.
“We have a lot to offer filmmakers of all kinds in terms of locations, cost, and proximity to major film centers, especially New York,” Gaughan said of the effort.
“This also meshes well with the impending reestablishment of passenger rail service between Scranton and New York.”
“The establishment of the new Lackawanna County Film Commission marks a significant step towards showcasing our region’s potential as a cinematic destination,” McGloin added.
“Notably, this initiative incurs no cost to the county, highlighting a commitment to leveraging our natural landscapes, historical sites, and vibrant communities to attract film projects by promoting our area as a prime location for filmmakers. The commission aims to stimulate economic growth and enhance cultural exchange. This proactive approach underscores a collective endeavor to position Lackawanna County prominently on the filmmaking map, harnessing the power of visual storytelling to amplify our unique identity and allure.”
