12 Pa.C.S. § 4101 Scope of chapter.
This chapter relates to the Film Production Grant Program.
12 Pa.C.S. Ch. 41
12 Pa.C.S. Ch. 41
in effect12 Pa.C.S. § 4102 Definitions.
The following words and phrases when used in this chapter shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Applicant." A person that files a notice and application in accordance with this chapter.
"Department." The Department of Community and Economic Development of the Commonwealth.
"Film." The term includes a feature film, television film, television pilot or each episode of a television series which is intended as programming for a national audience. The term does not include a production featuring:
(1) News, current events, weather and market reports.
(2) Public programming.
(3) Talk shows, game shows, sports events, awards shows or other gala events.
(4) A production that solicits funds.
(5) A production that primarily markets a product or service.
(6) A production containing obscene material or performances as defined in 18 Pa.C.S. § 5903(b) (relating to obscene and other sexual materials and performances).
(7) A production primarily for private, political, industrial, corporate or institutional purposes.
"Pennsylvania production expense." A production expense incurred in this Commonwealth. For the purposes of wages and salaries, the term includes only wages and salaries on which the taxes imposed by Article III or IV of the act of March 4, 1971 (P.L.6, No.2), known as the Tax Reform Code of 1971, have been paid or accrued.
"Production expense."
(1) An expense incurred in the production of a film. The term includes:
(i) The aggregate amount of wages and salaries of individuals each of whom receive less than $1,000,000 and are employed in the production of the film.
(ii) The costs of construction, operations, editing, photography, sound synchronization, lighting, wardrobe and accessories.
(iii) The cost of rental facilities and equipment.
(2) The term does not include expenses incurred in purchasing story rights, music rights, development costs, marketing or advertising a film.
"Program." The Film Production Grant Program established in section 4103 (relating to establishment).
"Qualified film production expense." A Pennsylvania production expense if at least 60% of the total production expenses are Pennsylvania production expenses.
"Recipient." A person who receives a grant under this chapter.
"Start date." The first day of principal photography in this Commonwealth.
12 Pa.C.S. § 4103 Establishment.
There is established within the department a program to be known as the Film Production Grant Program. The program shall be administered by the department to provide grants to persons for certain films produced within this Commonwealth. Cross References. Section 4103 is referred to in section 4102 of this title.
12 Pa.C.S. § 4104 Application.
At any time prior to 60 days after the completion of production of a film, a person may submit an application for a film production grant to the department. The application shall be on a form required by the department and shall include or demonstrate all of the following:
(1) An itemized list of production expenses incurred or to be incurred during the current fiscal year and the anticipated expenses to be incurred for any subsequent year if the film production is anticipated to extend into any such year.
(2) An itemized list of Pennsylvania production expenses incurred.
(3) The start date.
(4) The actual or projected completion date.
(5) A statement of the amount of grant sought.
(6) Any other information required by the department. Cross References. Section 4104 is referred to in section 4105 of this title.
12 Pa.C.S. § 4105 Review.
The department shall review the application to determine if the applicant has met all of the criteria set forth in section 4104 (relating to application).
12 Pa.C.S. § 4106 Approval.
The following shall apply:
(1) Upon being satisfied that all requirements have been met and subject to section 4108 (relating to limitations), the department may approve the application and award a film production grant.
(2) Prior to providing grant funds to the applicant, the department shall enter into a contract with the applicant. The contract shall include provisions requiring the applicant to use the grant to pay costs associated with the production of the film.
(3) The department may impose any other terms and conditions on the grants authorized by this chapter as the department determines are in the best interests of the Commonwealth.
Cross References. Section 4106 is referred to in section 4107 of this title.
12 Pa.C.S. § 4107 Penalty.
(a) Imposition.--Except as provided in subsection (b), the department shall impose a penalty upon a recipient for violation of the contract required by section 4106 (relating to approval).
(b) Exception.--The department may waive the penalty required by subsection (a) if the department determines that the failure was due to circumstances outside the control of the recipient.
(c) Amount.--The amount of the penalty shall be equal to the full amount of the grant received plus an additional amount of up to 10% of the amount of the grant received. The penalty shall be payable in one lump sum or in installments, with or without interest, as the department deems appropriate.
12 Pa.C.S. § 4108 Limitations.
The following limitations shall apply:
(1) A grant awarded under this chapter to an applicant for a film may not exceed 20% of the qualified film production expenses incurred for the film.
(2) In no case shall the aggregate amount of grants awarded in any fiscal year under this chapter exceed $10,000,000.
(3) A grant awarded under this chapter shall in no way constitute an entitlement derived from the Commonwealth or a claim on any other funds of the Commonwealth. Cross References. Section 4108 is referred to in section 4106 of this title.
12 Pa.C.S. § 4109 Guidelines.
The department shall develop necessary written guidelines for the program.
Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://www.palegis.us/statutes/consolidated/view-statute?txtType=HTM&ttl=12Fetched: 10/16/2026