Film, television could be untapped economic resource in Mid-Mon Valley
The mid-Mon Valley is an untapped resource for tourism revenue that can be generated through the film industry.
That was the message shared Thursday by actor and Belle Vernon native Gino Anthony Pesi, featured speaker at the second annual Mid-Mon Valley Economic Symposium in the Anthony M. Lombardi Education Center at Penn Highlands Mon Valley Hospital. The theme of the symposium was “Unlocking the Mid-Mon Valley’s Tourism Potential.”
Pesi, 43, who is also a producer and writer, is best known for his role as James Nava in the NBC series “Shades of Blue.” His film resume also includes roles in movies including “42” and “Battle: Los Angeles,” as well as appearances in TV shows such as “NCIS: New Orleans,” “The Mentalist” and “Cold Case.”
“This is an untapped, underutilized area,” Pesi said. “Film and television can create opportunities for tourism anywhere. Southwestern Pennsylvania is an untapped, underutilized area when it comes to film and TV.”
Pesi attended Geibel Catholic Junior-Senior High School before transferring to Charleroi Area High School, graduating in 1999.
He is now the film commissioner, executive director of the Pennsylvania Film Office. That office is managed by the state’s Department of Community and Economic Development and is the administrator of the Film Tax Credit program, which offers a 25% tax credit to productions that spend at least 60% of their total budget in the commonwealth as an incentive to make those productions in Pennsylvania.
For example, a $27 million tax credit was provided for the producers of the TV show, “The Mayor of Kingston,” part of which is filmed in Pittsburgh.
“In my first year, we approved 50 projects that will bring in an estimated $840 million to produce direct, indirect and induced economic impact,” Pesi said. “That is a conservative estimate. When you factor in the ancillary benefits, film and television can have a massive economic impact.”
Pesi knew early on that he wanted to be an actor, and had to move thousands of miles from his home to fulfill that goal.
“When I was a kid there was not a pathway to a sustainable career here in Pennsylvania,” Pesi said. “I had to move 3,000 miles away from my closest friends and family to have the opportunity to have a sustainable career.
“I said if I ever had some modest success I would find my way back here to help the next generation of Pennsylvania filmmakers. (I figured) wouldn’t it be great to come back and help create a market here, a real industry, so that the next generation of Pennsylvania creatives, Pennsylvania storytellers, have a pathway to do this right here at home.”
Pesi offered several examples of how films or TV shows, and the subsequent tourism as a result of the productions, have pumped revenue into the area economy.
Since the movie “Rocky” premiered in 1976, an estimated 4 million people visit the steps at the Philadelphia Art Museum every year and the Rocky Statue, constructed where Sylvester Stallone ran up the steps in the movie.
“They say it’s a near constant line,” Pesi said. “Philadelphia really took advantage of the opportunities this film created.”
The film was made for just $960,000 and has generated much more than that in Philadelphia in revenue for travel, restaurants, hotels and shops. There’s also a “Rocky”-themed tour.
“Witness,” which premiered in 1984, brought tourism to Lancaster County and resulted in the creation of a two-hour Witness Covered Bridge Tour.
Buffalo Bill’s House in Perryopolis served as the location of the climactic scene of “Silence of the Lambs.” Since 2021, it has become a tourist attraction.
On a more national level, the TV show “Yellowstone” has resulted in an additional 2.1 million tourists in Montana and $730 million in tourist revenue.
“You never know what people are into,” Pesi said. “You don’t know what interests somebody. You have what you have and you make the best of what you’ve got.”
Jamie Colecchi, CEO of the Mon Valley Alliance, which hosted the symposium, said the possibilities are endless of what can be done in the area to generate revenue through tourism.
“The concept and the industry brings revenue and brings opportunity,” Colecchi said. “As long as there’s an opportunity, that’s all we’re asking for. That’s all anybody in the Valley is asking for is opportunity. What new road can we go down that isn’t the same path? We just want to get people thinking outside of their comfort zone.”
The Mon Valley Alliance also presented two awards during the symposium.
The Allison Maxwell Leadership Award was presented to the Charleroi Area School District and Fallowfield Township. The award is presented to outstanding community leaders who help the Mon Valley improve the legacy of the region.
The Chuck Chattaway Award was presented to John LaCarte, vice chairman of the Mon Valley Alliance board of directors. The award is given to a company or individual in recognition of their efforts to support and promote economic growth in the mid-Mon Valley through industrial or economic development.