Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

During Tuesday's Bradford City Council meeting Mayor Tom Riel said he wanted to clear up a couple of misconceptions about the pilot for the reality show that's being filmed in the city this week. "It's not costing the City of Bradford taxpayers one red cent," Riel said. "They're not soliciting investors; this is being done at the expense of a couple of production companies. It's not comparable to other ventures that were proposed in the area." Riel went on to say, "They're filming a pilot for a reality to show to promote Bradford. It's not a comedy, or anything like that, like some things that have happened in the past." He added that if people want to share their thoughts --- good or bad -- with producer Luca Palanca and director of photography Eric Pickett they're more than welcome to do that. Pictured, Eric Pickett films Mayor Tom Riel following Tuesday's Bradford City Council meeting. Also pictured are Councilman Bob...

A Hollywood production crew is in Bradford this week filming – but it's not for "Little Chicago." The crew is working on the pilot for a reality show that would promote Bradford. Various city officials, as well as locations throughout the city, are being filmed.

HOLLYWOOD -- Newly minted production shingle Everest Motion Pictures has tapped Alfonso Arau to direct its first feature, prohibition drama "Little Chicago." Everest, headed by producers Steve J. Scarduzio and Gene Kirkwood, is aiming to start production in the spring in Niagara Falls and Bradford, Pa. Luca Palanca, who brought the project to Everest, is also producing. For the full story, go to Little Chicago the Movie.com .

HARRISBURG, March 5, 2009 – State Senator Wayne D. Fontana (D-Brookline) today provided the following statement in support of Pennsylvania’s Film Production Tax Credit: “In light of some proposals from my colleagues who are calling for the suspension of the Film Production Tax Credit, I used today’s Senate Budget Appropriations Hearing to take the opportunity to ask questions geared at determining what the impact of the tax credit has been in Pennsylvania. Based on the information provided, I believe that it has been misrepresented. “Twenty-four productions that received film tax certificates (spending at least 60 percent of their budgets in Pennsylvania) have put 2,600 people to work and pumped $186.4 million into local economies – in addition to $12.2 million in new state revenue; and that’s only one part of the story. “In order to judge the success of the credit, you must also consider the jobs created, the local businesses that benefit and the potential for expanding the film ind...

HARRISBURG – In the face of the Commonwealth's current fiscal woes, Sen. Pat Vance (R-Cumberland/York) has introduced legislation to suspend Pennsylvania's $75 million Film Production Tax Credit program. Senate Bill 262 prohibits the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) from entering into any contracts for the award of Film Production Tax Credits through December 31, 2010. "In light of the significant budget shortfalls we are facing this year and next, we cannot continue to commit millions for a tax credit that is not cost-effective," Vance said. "A DCED report estimates that $75 million in film production tax credits generates only $18.3 million in new tax revenues. "The Governor is freezing wages and considering layoffs of state workers, and it would be unconscionable in this environment to continue awarding tax credits to film companies," Vance added. "Failure to suspend this tax credit sends the wrong message about our fisca...

"Little Chicago" has a new director. Jason Wiles, who is also an actor, an appeared on the show "Third Watch." Executive producer Carl Veno says he hopes Wiles' Hollywood connections will help the production land a big-name star to play the lead role in movie. When filming resumes, it will be in Bradford, Kane, Olean, Salamanca and Niagara Falls.

If you're waiting for filming to start up again on the movie "Little Chicago," you'll have to wait a little longer. Producers had hoped to resume filming in late spring or early summer, but that date has been moved until the stars of the film can be signed. Executive Producer Carl Veno says as soon as they sign someone to play Al Ritchie they'll be ready to go in three or four weeks. In addition to more filming in Bradford, crews will be in Kane, Olean and Salamanca. Meanwhile, state Senator Mike Stack says it's important that Pennsylvania keep attracting the film industry with the current tax credits that are available. "Continuing to do more to attract films to our state would mean a great boost to our economy," Stack says. "We need this, considering the struggles our constituents are going through with rising prices on necessities and the mounting economic recession our country is moving toward." Stack recently filmed a scene for the cab...

This is just a small group representing the hundreds of people who auditioned for the movie 'Little Chicago' Saturday at the Bradford Mall. People came from as far away as Pittsburgh to try to get a part in the film. Writer and producer Carl Veno says he couldn't be more happy with how people in Bradford have embraced the project. Audition will be held again from 10 to 5 May 3 at the Cutco Theater at JCC in Olean. Veno says shooting is expected to resume next month.

Producers of the movie "Little Chicago" are holding a second round of casting calls. The first is from 10 to 5 Saturday at the Bradford Mall. The second is from 10 to 5 May 3 at the J-C-C Cutco Theater in Olean. People who auditioned before, will have to audition again to be considered for a part. Also, movie merchandise will be on sale at both locations. It's also available at the Main Street Mercantile in Bradford and the Sports Locker in Olean.