The Pittsburgh Film Office has introduced a new app that will give movie lovers a digital guide to the city’s rich history of filmmaking.
The Pittsburgh Film Trails app, powered by PastFinders and funded through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, is a free, family-friendly behind-the-scenes guide of this region’s popular films, streaming series, and fan favorite television shows.
“Our goal with launching the Pittsburgh Film Trails app with PastFinders is to highlight Pittsburgh’s invaluable relationship with filmmaking,” PFO Executive Director Dawn Keezer said in a release. “Some of the world’s most memorable films and series are made right here in the Pittsburgh region. Our region has a rich landscape and deep appreciation for the work and consists of more than 5,000 industry professionals who work in film & television.”
With iconic filming locations for movies and shows like “The Silence of the Lambs,” “The Dark Knight Rises,” “Mindhunter,” and more, users will get access to stories from the productions that influenced Pittsburgh’s blossoming film industry. Accessible through the PastFinders app, Pittsburgh Film Trails takes users to over 60 filming locations, where they will have access to exclusive facts, behind-the-scenes trivia, and each film’s economic impact, the release said.
“The Pittsburgh Film Trails app is the perfect confluence of film, trivia, and tours for anyone – whether you live here or are visiting here, or just love film and television history, this app is a great way to explore. Film has always and will always continue to be the backbone of this region. We are proud to showcase that through this app,” Keezer said.
The History of Pittsburgh Film – Downtown Installation
In tandem with the launch of the Pittsburgh Film Trails app and as part of the Vibrancy Initiative led by the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, the Pittsburgh Film Office, and IATSE 489 have created a historical timeline and film archive showcasing the local entertainment industry.
The donated window spaces from Victrix LLC at the corner of Six and Wood have been transformed into a visual display of film production in the region.
Beginning with the renowned horror feature “Night of the Living Dead” in 1968, which is credited with establishing the modern zombie genre, featured productions include local industry benchmarks like “Creepshow,” “Flashdance,” “The Silence of the Lambs” and “Wonder Boys.” It also highlights more recent productions that have brought positive economic impact to the region, from Oscar Award winners and nominees (“Warrior,” “Rustin,” “The Deer Hunter”) to iconic Teen Touch Stones (“Adventureland,” “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” “The Fault in Our Stars”).
“We are grateful to be part of a vibrant and storied industry here in Southwestern Pennsylvania,” said Mamie Stein, President of IATSE 489, in a release. “Creating this window display and reflecting on all the amazing productions that have chosen this region has been an honor, especially because it means we get to share our passion about this business with everyone. Our crew looks forward to the continued growth of the industry and the work that it brings with it.”
The initiative provides an opportunity to showcase the region’s importance to the entertainment industry while inviting film enthusiasts, residents and visitors alike to experience
Downtown through a cinematic lens
The window display also features the Pittsburgh Film Office’s brand new self-guided tour, Pittsburgh Film Trails – creative, named and created by Flying Scooter Productions.
Since 1990, Pittsburgh has hosted more than 215 productions and added $2.5 billion in estimated impact to the region since the creation of the Pittsburgh Film Office, which supports more than 5,000 full-time crew members.
To download the free app, users can go to pghfilm.org/pittsburgh-film-trails or go to the App Store or Google Play and download the PastFinders app.
The installation will be on display through this summer.
