reported by Brian Scott, CyberScreenwriter.com

Governor Edward G. Rendell announced today the film tax credit program is attracting film productions to communities across the commonwealth, including $8.2 million in investments outside of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

"Due to the film tax credit program, we have been able to attract productions even to some of the most rural areas of the commonwealth," Governor Rendell said. "When is the last time McKean County was the location of a $4 million film production? This is an incredible experience and economic opportunity for our communities."

In July, Governor Rendell created the "Creativity in Focus" program to provide tax credits to film and television productions who agree to spend at least 60 percent of their total production cost in Pennsylvania. To date, $28.9 million of the $75 million available has been committed statewide.

"In addition to the 115 jobs that are estimated to be generated, this investment will have a ripple effect for everyone, from hotels and restaurants to the local drycleaner all will see additional business," Governor Rendell said. "It should be clear we are not trading tax dollars for 15 minutes of fame, these are jobs that our communities would not have seen without the tax credit program."

The Pennsylvania Film Office, as a part of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, is committed to coordinating efforts statewide to make every project filmed in Pennsylvania a success. From scouting, to maintaining a crew base, to coordinating statewide industry resources, the Pennsylvania Film Office offers services to cater to the unique needs of any film production. For more information, visit filminpa.com.