State College native Garrett Nicholson moved to Los Angeles more than a decade ago. But the filmmaker long hoped to shoot his first full-length feature back home in Happy Valley.

On Tuesday morning, on the set of “The Bearing,” a drama/thriller in the vein of Stephen King, Nicholson smiled wide at the prospect of living that dream.

Centre County is growing as a film destination, and on Tuesday the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau officially launched an initiative designed to attract and support productions in the area.

The official launch of the Happy Valley Film Commission took place on the site of an active film project in Centre County.

We're honored to share that Rothrock by UTMB has been named a finalist for Best New Sports Event at the 2026 SportsTravel Awards!