Greater Philadelphia Film Office Reports Success Following Leadership Changes Over the Past Year

In the realm of Philadelphia’s film industry, Sharon Pinkenson has long been recognized as a pioneering force. As the executive director of the Greater Philadelphia Film Office for over 30 years, she transformed the city into a sought-after locale for film production. Under her leadership, notable works such as “12 Monkeys” and “Silver Linings Playbook” were filmed in the area, paving the way for numerous other projects ranging from documentaries to commercials.

Following Pinkenson’s departure from the film commission in November 2024, Erin Wagner and Nicole Shiner, both longtime employees of the film office, have stepped into the role of co-executive directors. Over the past year, their extensive experience under Pinkenson has facilitated a smooth transition, allowing them to build on the legacy of their predecessor while infusing their own vision into the organization.

Shiner noted that the transition came with its own set of challenges, particularly with the retirement of Joan Bressler, the film office’s director for over 30 years, who had been integral to the organization’s success. This change prompted Wagner and Shiner to reconnect with local government officials, Hollywood executives, and the Philadelphia film community, redefining their identities as accessible and knowledgeable resources within the industry.

Wagner highlighted the importance of promoting Philadelphia’s local talent and resources. She emphasized the city’s proximity to major hubs like New York and Washington D.C., and the city’s capacity for production, underscoring the presence of skilled crews and the availability of beneficial tax credits. Their goal is to advocate for Philadelphia’s film potential, shifting perceptions and fostering greater collaboration within the industry.

The leadership duo has already demonstrated their impact through substantial projects, including the HBO crime drama “Task.” This production not only employed 777 local crew members and actors over 177 days but also generated an estimated economic impact of 0 million in the region.

Looking ahead, Wagner and Shiner are committed to fostering emerging filmmakers through initiatives like the renamed Joan Bressler Set in Philadelphia Screenwriting Competition. This competition invites writers to submit scripts for feature-length projects or original TV pilots set in the Greater Philadelphia area, with a top prize of ,000 for the winning submission.

In addition to the competition, they plan to initiate training workshops aimed at updating local crew members on the latest production techniques and technologies, ensuring that Philadelphia remains competitive in an evolving film landscape.

Reflecting on their year of transition, Wagner described the experience as enlightening and motivating, filled with opportunities to build strong relationships with county partners and local legislators. Both Wagner and Shiner are focused on establishing themselves as lasting contributors to the film industry in Philadelphia.

As they look toward the future, while remaining discreet about upcoming projects, they hinted at various exciting developments, particularly appealing to audiences interested in true crime narratives—a genre that continues to captivate viewers both locally and nationally.