STATE COLLEGE — Happy Valley is growing as a film production destination.
To highlight recent and current film activity and its economic and talent retention impact, The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau recently launched the Happy Valley Film Commission at 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,” said HVAB President and CEO Eric Engelbarts. “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,” he continued. “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.”
However, the most important asset, Engelbarts said, is people.
Penn State University is home to one of the nation’s premier film programs, producing talented young professionals who are looking for opportunities to build careers in this industry. Happy Valley 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 asked.
Engelbarts said the effort did not begin overnight. An important step began in 2024 when the HVAB invested in the professional development of Pablo 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.”
A farm on W. Whitehall Road served as the location for the media event. It is one of the locales for The Bearing, a film by Los Angeles-based director, cinematographer and producer Garrett Nicholson. State College native and co-founder of Yes Chef Pictures, Nicholson’s work spans narrative film, music videos, commercials and live entertainment.
“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.
Engelbarts said 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.”
Engelbarts and Lopez said growing the film industry is Happy Valley is a partnership.
“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, 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.
