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The World's First Movie Theater was in Pittsburgh. The Story of Nickelodeon and Film Industry Today.

  • Writer: Jon Litle
    Jon Litle
  • May 16, 2023
  • 3 min read

The first movie theater in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was the Nickelodeon, which opened on June 19, 1905. It was located at 24 Smithfield Street in the city's downtown area. The theater was founded by Harry Davis and John P. Harris, who were two local businessmen.


The Nickelodeon was a small, storefront theater that could seat only about 100 people. Admission was five cents, which was a very affordable price at the time. The theater showed short films, which were only about 15 minutes long. The Nickelodeon was an instant success, and it helped to popularize the new medium of film.


The Nickelodeon was a groundbreaking theater that helped to change the way people entertained themselves. It was the first theater to be dedicated solely to showing films, and it helped to make movies a popular form of entertainment. The Nickelodeon was also the first theater to charge a nickel for admission, which made it affordable for people of all income levels. The Nickelodeon was a major success, and it helped to launch the motion picture industry.


Pittsburgh's film industry has a long and storied history. The city was home to the world's first movie theater, and it has been a popular filming location for major motion pictures and television shows for decades. In recent years, Pittsburgh has seen a resurgence in its film industry, thanks to a number of factors, including a favorable tax credit, a skilled workforce, and a variety of unique locations.


One of the biggest advantages of filming in Pittsburgh is the city's generous tax credit. The Pennsylvania Film Tax Credit offers a 25% credit on qualified production expenses, up to $7 million per project. This credit has been a major draw for filmmakers, and it has helped to bring a number of major productions to Pittsburgh in recent years.


Another advantage of filming in Pittsburgh is the city's skilled workforce. Pittsburgh has a large pool of experienced and talented film professionals, including actors, directors, producers, and crew members. This workforce is a major asset for filmmakers, and it helps to ensure that productions run smoothly and efficiently.


Finally, Pittsburgh has a variety of unique locations that make it a great filming destination. The city's skyline, bridges, and rivers offer stunning backdrops for films and television shows. Pittsburgh also has a number of historic buildings and neighborhoods that can be used as filming locations.


As a result of these factors, Pittsburgh has become a popular filming destination in recent years. The city has been home to a number of major motion pictures and television shows, including "The Dark Knight Rises," "The Perks of Being a Wallflower," "The Fault in Our Stars," and "The Mandalorian." Pittsburgh's film industry is thriving, and it is expected to continue to grow in the years to come.


Here are some of the most notable films and television shows that have been filmed in Pittsburgh:

  • The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

  • The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)

  • The Fault in Our Stars (2014)

  • The Mandalorian (2019-present)

  • Flashdance (1983)

  • The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

  • The Sixth Sense (1999)

  • The Book of Eli (2010)

  • The Conjuring (2013)

  • 12 Monkeys (2015)

Pittsburgh's film industry is a major economic driver for the city. In 2019, the industry generated $1.5 billion in economic activity and supported 10,000 jobs. The industry is also a major source of pride for Pittsburghers, and it helps to promote the city as a vibrant and exciting place to live, work, and visit.

 
 
 

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