Greater Reading Film Commission

Why Reading?

Greater Reading already has a reputation as a cultural and artistic destination with its Pennsylvania Dutch and Lenape roots. It also is the center of many historic sites dating back to the 1700s, from Conrad Weiser, Daniel Boone and Abe Lincoln all enjoying what the area had to offer. With lush countryside and a beautiful, historic city, Reading offers any type of location you could be interested in. Once known for its railroad and its manufacturing industry, there are many spaces that still have that look and feel of the 1940s and the days of trolleys, mafia and old world glamour. Yet in comparison, many of its amenities have the charm of a vibrant, contemporary area.

Travel a few miles and you can be in a historic town with the old main street look and feel. The area is known for its outdoor recreational areas with hundreds of acres of parks, forests, lakes and a river that runs right along the city proper.

We have created a space that is vibrant and attractive to media artists and professionals in the local and global marketplace. They view Greater Reading as a fresh, economical and versatile location and home for TV, film and digital media projects; and, incubate and mentor future film talent. We are only 2 hours from New York City and 1 hour from Philadelphia allowing us to use their talent in a location that is less costly.

The ultimate outcome is that through these efforts, the quality and prosperity of the cultural and economic life of the Greater Reading region would flourish.

Government Incentives for Filmmakers

To grow a TV/film industry in Greater Reading, filmmakers need incentives. Currently, there has never been a better time to do film business in Pennsylvania. In July 2007, the state gave filmmakers such an incentive - the $75 million state Film Production Tax Credit Program.

This is how it works: Pennsylvania provides film companies a 25 percent tax credit for expenses incurred in the commonwealth. The transferable tax credit is available for feature films, TV shows and commercials intended for a national audience. To qualify for the tax credit, 60 percent of the total production expenses must be incurred in Pennsylvania. No more than $75 million per year can be awarded. Qualified expenses are production costs that are subject to state taxes, and there is no per-project cap.

Who to Contact

The Greater Reading Convention & Visitors Bureau serves as the liaison to the film industry. We will provide you with one stop shopping.
Please contact us at: 1-800-443-6610 ext. 116 or email us at: filmoffice@readingberkspa.com  

Film Commission Inquiry