The Scranton Film Office has announced that it is open for business and waiting to help television and film productions who wish to shoot in Scranton and the surrounding area.

Scranton Tomorrow's Paige Balitski made the announcement at a noon press conference today at the Endless Mountains Theatre in Dickson City. The office will serve as a liaison between the city and producers, helping with everything from location scouting to helping secure cooperation of any local government offices and private businesses needed.

Balitski, who will head the Office, has stated that they have already been in contact with several productions, including an upcoming Stephen King film and the television series The West Wing, and that it is possible that Hollywood cameras could be rolling in the area as soon as the Fall. Balitski was also presented with an $8,850.00 check from the Pennsylvania Film Office to help cover the Office's start-up expenses.

The last major feature film shot in Scranton was 1983's That Championship Season, directed by long time Scranton resident Jason Miller, based on his own Pulitzer Prize-winning play. (Trivia- The film was supposed to be directed by William Friedkin, who had directed Miller in the classic The Exorcist (1973). However, when Friedkin fell ill before the production was to start filming, the financial backers insisted that Miller take over the directorial chores, which he did reluctantly.) Other recent productions that have lensed in the greater Northeast PA region include 1986's Playing For Keeps shot in Bethany and the comedy Wet, Hot American Summer (2001), shot at Camp Towanda, both locations just outside of Honesdale, PA.

For more information, the Scranton Times-Tribune has two articles- here and here.