The mid-Mon Valley region in Pennsylvania has long been overlooked as a hub for the film and television industry, but that perception is about to change. Gino Anthony Pesi, a native of the area and a successful actor, producer, and writer, shared his vision for transforming the region into a thriving destination for filmmakers and tourists alike at the second annual Mid-Mon Valley Economic Symposium.

Tapping into the Untapped: Harnessing the Power of Film and TV to Boost the Mid-Mon Valley's Economy

Unleashing the Mid-Mon Valley's Cinematic Allure

Gino Anthony Pesi, a Charleroi Area High School graduate and now the film commissioner and executive director of the Pennsylvania Film Office, believes the mid-Mon Valley is an untapped resource for the film industry. With its diverse landscapes, historic landmarks, and unique character, the region offers a wealth of opportunities for filmmakers seeking authentic and captivating backdrops. Pesi's message was clear: "Film and television can create opportunities for tourism anywhere. Southwestern Pennsylvania is an untapped, underutilized area when it comes to film and TV."

Revitalizing the Region through Reel Dollars

Pesi shared several examples of how films and TV shows have generated significant tourism revenue in other parts of the country. The iconic steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum, featured in the "Rocky" franchise, have attracted an estimated 4 million visitors annually since the film's release in 1976. Similarly, the film "Witness" brought tourism to Lancaster County, leading to the creation of a popular Witness Covered Bridge Tour. Even the climactic scene of "Silence of the Lambs," filmed at Buffalo Bill's House in Perryopolis, has become a tourist attraction since 2021. On a larger scale, the TV series "Yellowstone" has resulted in an additional 2.1 million tourists in Montana and $730 million in tourism revenue.

Cultivating a Thriving Film Industry in the Mid-Mon Valley

Pesi's own journey serves as a testament to the potential of the mid-Mon Valley to nurture aspiring filmmakers and actors. Despite having to move thousands of miles away from his hometown to pursue his dreams, Pesi is now determined to create opportunities for the next generation of Pennsylvania creatives and storytellers. "Wouldn't it be great to come back and help create a market here, a real industry, so that the next generation of Pennsylvania creatives, Pennsylvania storytellers, have a pathway to do this right here at home?" he said.

Unlocking the Mid-Mon Valley's Tourism Potential

The symposium's host, the Mon Valley Alliance, recognized the immense possibilities that the film and television industry can bring to the region. CEO Jamie Colecchi emphasized the need to think outside the box and explore new avenues for economic growth. "The concept and the industry brings revenue and brings opportunity," Colecchi said. "As long as there's an opportunity, that's all we're asking for. That's all anybody in the Valley is asking for is opportunity. What new road can we go down that isn't the same path? We just want to get people thinking outside of their comfort zone."

Celebrating Community Leaders and Visionaries

During the symposium, the Mon Valley Alliance presented two prestigious awards. The Allison Maxwell Leadership Award was given to the Charleroi Area School District and Fallowfield Township, recognizing their outstanding contributions to improving the legacy of the region. The Chuck Chattaway Award was presented to John LaCarte, vice chairman of the Mon Valley Alliance board of directors, for his efforts to support and promote economic growth in the mid-Mon Valley through industrial and economic development.The mid-Mon Valley's untapped potential as a hub for the film and television industry holds the promise of transforming the region's economic landscape. With Gino Anthony Pesi's vision and the support of community leaders, the mid-Mon Valley is poised to become a thriving destination for filmmakers and tourists alike, unlocking a new era of prosperity and growth.