IN DEPTH: WOMEN OF DISTINCTIONPinkenson brings Hollywood closer to PhiladelphiaExecutive director of Philadelphia Film Office promotes city’s glamorous sideby Marla Cimini
As executive director of the Greater Philadelphia Film Office, Sharon Pinkenson often finds herself in the spotlight. In addition to being responsible for all aspects of the film office, she is involved in all major film and TV productions in the area.And, she’s wholeheartedly dedicated to the community.”I am especially pleased that my job benefits the community in so many ways on a day-to-day basis — all through film and television production work,” she said.Pinkenson was appointed to the director’s post in January 1992 by then Mayor Ed Rendell. She was reappointed eight years later by Mayor John F. Street.As one of her early initiatives, she spun off the Greater Philadelphia Film Office in July ’92 as a regional agency under the Greater Philadelphia First Foundation, representing Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties. The organization was given nonprofit status last year.”When I first took on this position, I had three goals in mind,” she said. “And I’m pleased to say they have been achieved. First, I realized that the city needed to develop more stories about Philadelphia. Second, the city desperately needed its own director who is dedicated to his hometown, and we now have M. Night Shyamalan — among others. And third, it was important to develop a soundstage — and now we’ve had a dedicated soundstage facility since 1996.”Pinkenson’s primary responsibility is marketing the region to the film, video and television industry, ensuring the employment of many locals. She is also the liaison between city service departments and visiting production companies. Through these productions, her office works to involve local businesses — including raising the occupancy of hotel rooms and keeping area restaurants buzzing.According to Pinkenson, the film office has contributed greatly to Philadelphia and surrounding areas. “I am extremely proud of the strong economic impact that is a direct result of many aspects of the film industry thriving in Philadelphia. We’ve generated nearly $400 million within the region,” she said.”Sharon is one of the most dedicated people I’ve had the pleasure of working with,” Rendell saidl. “Over the years, she has made some outstanding contributions to the entire region.”In April 1999, Pinkenson introduced “Film at the Prince — The Sharon Pinkenson Film Project.” As founding director, she developed the Prince Music Theater as a venue for a variety of film-related programs, including film festivals, independent and experimental films, film repertory, premieres of movies made in Philadelphia, a family film program and other special events.One of the film office’s unique programs is called Greater Philadelphia Filmmakers, which Pinkenson instituted to help serve the needs of the local film-making community. “Although there are other similar programs to ours, Philadelphia is the only film commission in the country that provides such an extensive service to film-makers,” said Pinkenson.Pinkenson enjoys motivating younger people who aspire to work in the industry. “If you’re smart and ambitious, you can do anything. The film industry is the only business where you can start off making the coffee and wind up running a studio. Talent rises to the top quickly,” she said.Pinkenson serves on a number of boards, including: Temple University’s School of Communications and Theater; Drexel University’s College of Media Arts and Design; the Art Institute of Philadelphia; the Prince Music Theater; Film US; the African-American Museum; and the Regional Performing Arts Center.Pinkenson is always on the lookout for the next challenge. “It’s a miracle to me that I’ve stayed in this job for as long as I have,” she said. “But it has brought me a lot of satisfaction. I’m fulfilled because there is always something new — new projects, new people and, above all, new community programs.”Of course, a little bit of movie glamour doesn’t hurt.”I’m proud that people think of Philadelphia as a movie town,” she said. “I’m thrilled to have had the opportunity to make an Academy Award-winning feature film that was named after the city that I love. Now, we are making a television show named after my town — and it’s really a dream come true.”
