HAPPY VALLEY: A FILM PRODUCTION DESTINATION
Photo from Film Production Bootcamp, provided by Dark Mind Productions, LLC
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. - Happy Valley is evolving from a place where stories are set into a place where stories are created, produced, and supported. Many aspects of the region positions it into a place where creativity is able to flourish, from the landscape and community to the authenticity of the area. In fact, the entire Happy Valley region is an emerging creative hub just waiting to be utilized.
Local filmmakers and production teams
All throughout Happy Valley, filmmakers create a multitude of projects that expand the growth of film in the region. Spencer Folmar is a prime example. He has seen plenty of rural filmmaking success through his work producing narrative films nearby in Philipsburg.
Phoebe Post, a State College native, is another example. Post has created a proof of concept for a feature and is actively fundraising. Though she currently lives on the West Coast, Post has returned more than once to film her proof of concept in Happy Valley, bringing West Coast talent with her. She represents the influx of local talent who build original work right here in Happy Valley.
John McClellan is another great example. McClellan is another native of the Penns Valley region and currently resides in Berlin but acts as an advocate for film in Happy Valley, lending his talents and production insights to strengthen our growing film industry. He highlights the way that the region has allowed for outside professionals to engage locally.
Beyond filmmakers, Happy Valley is filled with production teams that assist with the creative work that goes into creating films. Groups like Spark Pixel and Pixel and Pebble work to develop original children’s content. The two teams help to create media that is tied directly to the region, building long-term creative value to Happy Valley.
Filming for Graves on Indian Lane documentary
Developing film in Happy Valley
A key part of the growth of film in Happy Valley is the development of the workforce that produces these projects. The Film Production Bootcamp, provided by a small indie filmmaking company in State College called Dark Mind Productions, LLC, gives hands-on training in camera work, sound, and lighting. Opportunities for the community to learn about film builds a pipeline of local talent and creates real opportunities, which allows for the growth of the industry and helps to keep creatives in Pennsylvania.
As film activity grows, the need for support also grows. The Happy Valley Film Commission will be able to provide that support in the future. The role of this commission will be to serve as a connector between filmmakers and the resources Happy Valley has to offer, as well as a support system for productions. The Happy Valley Film Commission will be able to provide location support and assist with vendor introductions. On top of that, it would serve as a connection to crews and help with lodging coordination for filmmakers.
A recent project that demonstrates the potential of Happy Valley as a film destination is a documentary titled Graves on Indian Lane, which is set for a soft premiere in May. The story follows locally rooted history and has been created in collaboration with the community and historians. This project highlights how film can be used to tell cultural stories and preserve local history, while simultaneously driving tourism interest.
Photo of community filmmaking
The impact of film
That tourism interest makes film beneficial to the entire region. It provides increased visibility to the area, as well as repeated visitors, and helps to grow the creativity economy in Happy Valley. It also has some short term benefits, such as hotel stays and local spending, which creates broader economic impact.
Happy Valley’s community is highly collaborative and interested in assisting with film projects. Residents enjoy getting involved and feel a sense of pride to be a part of the stories being told. Many films created in Happy Valley also work to tell local stories and expand visibility of the region.
This is just the beginning of film in Happy Valley. This is a region that is open for production and ready for filmmakers to make their projects here. With endless possibilities for film in the future, the region has so much to offer.
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