“So who are you guys? And what the heck are you doing, anyway?”
We at PA Films are a cooperative of independent film companies and related ventures. Our group objective is to aid each of the member groups in their film-related projects. In doing so, our individual enterprises advance.

Our means of achieving that goal include a sharing of resources; the staging of local events designed to add to our database of talent as well as increase public awareness of the regional film-making community; and member participation in the administration of the cooperative.

One trait our member groups share is need. Most projects are self-financed, so companies are not above begging or borrowing to get the job done. That is where the spirit of true cooperation comes in.

“How about a for-instance?”
Let’s take a scenario in which each of the following film-makers has a camera and plenty of film or tape to shoot with. Along with these resources:

John has a light kit
Paul has microphones and other sound equipment
George has an editing suite loaded with really cool software
Ringo has access to a warehouse that can be used as a sound stage

As members of PA Films, these film-makers could meet and arrange to assist one another, by sharing equipment and locations (perhaps even doing a bit a crew work as well). Everyone gets a completed film at a fraction of the cost had they been forced to foot the entire bill themselves. This is the practical idea behind PA Films.

“How did it all get started?”
The early incarnation of PAFilms formed in a diner over coffee and blueberry muffins during the early summer of 2007. W. Jeff Crawford of Transdimensional Films met with Cliff Ackman of Central PA Scriptwriters, Eric Berry of Hole in the Ground Productions and Jim Norcross of Rising Phoenix Productions, some of the most influential productions groups in South Central Pennsylvania. The group formed the first groups (not including Rising Phoenix) that make up the original charter members of what was being called GUMPP (Groups United for Motion Picture Productions). That name wasn’t going to stick, as it wasn’t marketable.

It wasn’t until after the groups had met with Roger Arnold of Cat in the Sink Productions, Bob Haag of York Little Theatre and Rebecca Lyttle of Buck Productions that they decided on the name “PA Films”, mostly in part that the domain was available.

Thus, the charter membership was in place and PA Films dot com was born.

We are currently nine companies strong, and are considering applications from other members. It is our wish that PAFilms continue to grow; drawing attention to Central Pennsylvania as a vital source of quality independent film.

"So how can I help?"
There are several ways that you can help. Donating time and money are two of the best ways. 

You can donate your time by helping productions to make their movies. Providing much needed assistance in everything they do. Whether you're part of the crew or just helping by providing locations or props.

You can also help by donating money. Movie productions don't just get made for nothing! They require at least some money. Even if you can only afford $5, it'll help! If you can provide services, such as catering, wardrobes or other items, that can help too!

Anything you can provide a production will help. Even if you can only offer your blessings, it will help.