Pittsburgh Film History

As Pittsburghers, most of us probably tune in to our Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins.  This is a sports town after all, and we have a long list of sports figures to idolize!  Despite being known as a sports town or the “Steel City”, Pittsburgh is also known as the “Hollywood of the East” and “Hollyburgh” among many other clever film-related names.  Pittsburgh is even known as the “Zombie capital of the world” by many horror buffs thanks to the work of George A. Romero and his colleagues.  I had the honor of documenting this history in my books Pittsburgh Film History and Pittsburgh Film and Television.  Ah!  He said the word “history”.  Even though many people might hear or read the word “history” and cringe, Pittsburgh’s history in film and television is anything but cringeworthy.  So, why should you care?  

Over the ten years I spent working on these books, I’ve met hundreds of locals like you who shared their experiences with movies or television shows made in Pittsburgh.  Some of the locals shared their stories from the set.  Others shared their stories from a local eatery where they saw their favorite star.  Then again, I can’t forget those locals who even let their homes to be used in a movie or television show.  While interviewing actors, actresses, extras, directors, producers, film crew members and dozens of locals, I’ve heard some great stories.  Some of the stories touch the heart, while others might have us laughing out loud.  Pittsburgh Film History tells those stories and a lot more.  What’s cool is that they are always making new movies and television shows in Pittsburgh!  I’m excited to eventually write a second edition, updating Pittsburgh Film History!  Do you have any memories of films or television shows being made in Pittsburgh?  Maybe your story will make it in!  Then again, maybe you have candid pictures to share.  That’s why I decided on a second book called Pittsburgh Film and Television, a picture book with a fresh crop of rare pictures and fresh information.  I didn’t want to be redundant.

We have some really cool Pittsburghers who make movies and television shows in the ‘Burgh.  They might be our neighbors, relatives, or friends.  Pittsburgh has a reputation of being a city full of hardworking people, and those members of the Pittsburgh film community have continued that legacy and more.  In showbiz, Pittsburgh has a reputation of having some of the best film crew workers in the world.  Not to mention we also have entities such as the Pittsburgh Film Office, Steeltown Entertainment, 31st Street Studios, and various casting agencies who also work hard to making our community successful.  I hope you decide to check out Pittsburgh Film History and Pittsburgh Film and Television.  A lot of wonderful people helped make these books possible.  I also welcome you to follow me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/HometownH and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/PghFilms .  Maybe I’ll see you at the movies!
Author:  Guest Blogger, John Tiech

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