Happy Valley Film Commission Supports Growing Number of Productions in Centre County

Centre County is growing as a film destination, and on Tuesday the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau officially launched an initiative designed to attract and support productions in the area.

The official launch of the Happy Valley Film Commission took place an the site of an active film project in Centre County.

“At the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau, our job is to find opportunities that bring people to Centre County, generate economic activity for our local businesses, showcase what makes this region special and ultimately enhance the quality of life for the people who call Happy Valley home,” HVAB President and CEO Eric Engelbarts said. “We believe the film industry represents one of those opportunities.

“When you look at Happy Valley through the eyes of a filmmaker, we have an incredible story to tell. We have beautiful outdoor landscapes, historic communities, unique architecture, a world class university and an extraordinary variety of locations, all within a relatively compact area.”

That’s what brought State College native Garrett Nicholson back to the area as he began production on his debut feature film.

Founder of Yes Chef Pictures, the Los Angeles-based director, cinematographer and producer’s work spans narrative film, music videos, commercials and live entertainment. His new new movie, “The Bearing,” is filming at a farm on West Whitehall Road in Ferguson Township.

“Nicholson is among a number of talented filmmakers who started their creative journeys in Centre County, left to grow their craft, and are returning to produce films here,” said Pablo Lopez, film production manager and certified film commissioner for Centre County.

“The Bearing” is one of several films in recent years that have opted for Centre County locales as production sites, highlighting the region and bringing an economic boost.

• Indie drama “Just One More” filmed in Centre County for three weeks last fall, resulting in 200 hotel stays and more than $125,000 in direct spending in the area.

• “The Wayward,” a dramatic short, filmed for three days in the State College area in September 2024 and had 28 local crew hires, along with partnerships with local food, lodging, equipment and production vendors.

• “Stars and Bars,” an independent film directed by Penn State professor Pearl Gluck, shot for six days in and around Philipsburg in 2024. The production had nearly 20 local crew hires, including Penn State graduates, as well as local catering, retail, restaurant, inn and location spending.

• “Hindsight” had three shoot days and a prep day in Centre County, with cast and crew lodging at Gamble Mill and Fairfield by Marriott, plus local catering, set decoration, food and location partners. According to the HVAB, the production highlighted the need to expand the local trained crew base.

Engelbarts said that for the HVAB, film tourism and film production fit squarely within the organization’s broader mission.

“A production coming to Happy Valley can mean hotel rooms, restaurant spending, transportation, local vendors, jobs and exposure for our destination,” he said. “And unlike many tourism opportunities, the impact begins well before anyone ever sees the finished product on a screen.”

And, Engelbarts said, Centre County is home to many people with creativity and expertise in film.

Penn State has a premier film programs, producing talented young professionals who are looking for opportunities to build careers in the industry. The local community is also home to experienced filmmakers, producers and other creative professionals who already live and work in the community.

“For us, the question became pretty simple: How can we connect those assets, create more opportunities for production here and make Happy Valley an easier and more attractive place for filmmakers to do business?” he said.

An important step began in 2024 when the HVAB invested in the professional development of Lopez, who completed the requirements to become a certified film commissioner through the Association of Film Commissioners International.

Lopez oversees the Happy Valley, PA Film Commission, which operates out of the Happy Valley Sports & Entertainment Alliance under the HVAB umbrella. The commission provides location assistance, vendor and lodging connections, and local production support for film projects.

“Film production creates an economic ripple beyond the set,” Lopez said. “The Film Commission’s goal is to attract productions, support filmmakers, train local workers, generate economic impact and keep creative talent here.”

Growing the film industry is Happy Valley is a partnership, according to Engelbarts and Lopez.

“Success will require collaboration among our municipalities, Penn State, businesses, property owners, economic development partners and, most importantly, the creative community itself,” Engelbarts said.

The ultimate goal is helping to create an environment where filmmakers can come to Happy Valley, PA, find the locations and resources they need and have a community ready to welcome them.

“We are excited about what is possible, and we believe today represents the beginning of an important new chapter for Centre County,” Engelbarts said.