Budget Impasse Has Filmmakers Saying "That's A Wrap" To Pennsylvania
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Pennsylvania's budget impasse is starving more than schools, social service agencies, and agriculture -- the state's film industry is also taking a hit.
"Until there's a state budget, there are no tax credits," says Greater Philadelphia Film Office Executive Director Sharon Pinkenson.
Pinkenson says tax credits are essential for luring studios looking for locations.
"Filmmakers are very aware of who has tax credits all over the country and all over the world, and they make their financial decisions based on where they're able to finance their projects," she says. "Therefore, Philadelphia and Pennsylvania were overlooked by filmmakers, because there was no point in wasting their time."
And that, Pinkenson says, means productions will take their jobs for actors, electricians, carpenters, caterers and others to another state.
"It has an enormous effect," she says, "and a lot of people lose their businesses over it."
No lights, no camera, no action.