Known as the “chimney” of Pennsylvania, Northwestern PA is one of the state’s most visually versatile regions. From dynamic cityscapes and Lake Erie’s vast inland sea to historic cottages, farmland, dense woods, and rolling hills — the landscapes here offer unmatched diversity for filmmakers.
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Northwestern PA Film Office
Film Erie is the regional film commission serving Erie and the surrounding counties. We showcase Northwestern PA’s unique assets and foster collaboration to drive economic growth, workforce development, and sustainability through film and media production.
Northwestern Pennsylvania offers four distinct seasons, untouched natural beauty, deep maritime roots, and the grit and charm of a post-industrial landscape in transformation. This region is a living narrative — layered with history, renewal, and cinematic texture.
Jessica Taylor, Executive Director
PO Box 3260
Erie, PA 16508
E: info@filmerie.com
Highlights of Northwestern Pennsylvania
Lake Erie & Presque Isle State Park
Pennsylvania’s most iconic natural feature, Lake Erie delivers dramatic vistas, breathtaking sunsets, and the scale of an inland ocean. Presque Isle State Park, a peninsula arching into the lake, offers pristine shorelines, native wildlife, sandy beaches, and year-round recreational backdrops.
Downtown Erie
Reinvention defines Erie’s urban core. As the state’s fourth-largest city, downtown Erie is home to cultural institutions, film-friendly architecture, pro sports teams, historic theaters, and a growing creative scene with film incentives and civic support.
Bayfront & Port of Erie
Situated between city and lake, the Bayfront is a cinematic mix of working waterfront, public access, and heritage ships. The Port of Erie is an active harbor hosting vessels of all sizes and the U.S. Brig Niagara — one of the most historically accurate tall ships in America.
Rural Beauty & Heritage Landscapes
Beyond the city, Northwest PA offers farmlands, vineyards, and haunting forests, including the Allegheny National Forest. Creeks and rivers crisscross the region, and multigenerational family farms — including Amish and Mennonite communities — contribute to the area’s authenticity and pastoral charm. The Lake Erie Wine Trail winds through scenic grape country, ideal for romantic or rustic visuals.
Proximity & Access
Centrally located between Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Buffalo, Erie provides efficient access to major crew hubs, gear rentals, and post-production services. Erie International Airport (ERI) is just minutes from Presque Isle and downtown, offering easy logistics, public transit access, and major airline connections.
Colleges & Universities
The region hosts five colleges and universities — from urban research campuses to rural liberal arts schools — offering architectural variety, student extras, and potential production partnerships. Campuses include Gannon University, Penn State Behrend, Mercyhurst University, Edinboro University, and Allegheny College.
