Pennsylvania’s film industry is making a strong case for expansion as it continues to attract major productions, bolster local economies, and provide thousands of jobs. With high-profile projects like Mayor of Kingstown pumping millions into the state, industry leaders are urging lawmakers to triple Pennsylvania’s film tax credit to remain competitive with neighboring states.

The Pennsylvania Film Office recently allocated a $30 million film tax credit to Mayor of Kingstown, the hit Paramount+ series starring Jeremy Renner, now in production for its fourth season in Pittsburgh. Since setting up shop in Pennsylvania, the show has generated over $100 million in local economic activity and created more than 2,600 jobs. State officials see this as further proof that the tax credit program—currently set at $100 million annually—is a powerful driver of economic growth.

Film Commissioner Gino Anthony Pesi emphasized the wide-reaching benefits of the program, pointing out that productions go beyond just hiring local crew. From set construction to hotel stays, restaurants, transportation, and equipment rentals, productions create a ripple effect that benefits multiple sectors. Dawn Keezer, Executive Director of the Pittsburgh Film Office, echoed this sentiment, calling the tax credit a “game-changer” that has helped the region’s film and television industry contribute over $2.5 billion to the economy.

However, industry advocates argue that Pennsylvania’s tax credit cap of $100 million is no longer enough to sustain the momentum. In recent years, states like New York, New Jersey, and Ohio have aggressively raised their incentives—New York now offers $710 million per year, New Jersey recently increased its program to $450 million, and Ohio doubled its tax credit to $80 million. With Pennsylvania’s current allocation already maxed out, productions that might otherwise shoot in the state are being forced to look elsewhere.

The push to increase Pennsylvania’s tax credit to $300 million has gained traction among industry leaders and local officials, who see it as a necessary move to remain competitive. Mayor Ed Gainey of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato have voiced support for the expansion, arguing that film production is a vital economic engine that creates high-quality jobs and supports small businesses. Without additional funding, they warn, Pennsylvania risks losing productions to neighboring states that are more aggressively courting film and television projects.

Beyond major studio productions, Pennsylvania has also positioned itself as an attractive destination for independent filmmakers. The Pennsylvania Film Producer Reserve recently awarded $1.07 million in tax credits to smaller projects, including feature films, historical docuseries, and sports documentaries. By backing both large-scale Hollywood productions and independent projects, Pennsylvania is creating a diversified industry that supports filmmakers at every level.

With demand for production space at an all-time high, Pennsylvania’s soundstages and studio facilities are also feeling the pressure. Pittsburgh and Philadelphia have emerged as major filming hubs, but the state’s infrastructure will need to grow to accommodate the surge in productions. Industry leaders are calling for more investment in soundstages, virtual production facilities, and workforce training programs to ensure that Pennsylvania remains a go-to destination for filmmakers.

As the debate over expanding the tax credit intensifies, Pennsylvania’s film industry finds itself at a crossroads. If lawmakers approve the proposed increase to $300 million, the state could solidify its position as a top-tier production hub, capable of competing with the likes of New York and Georgia. With Hollywood increasingly looking beyond California for cost-effective, production-ready locations, Pennsylvania has a golden opportunity to become a dominant player in the entertainment industry. The only question is whether state officials will seize the moment.