NWPA Made

Projects Filmed in and about Northwestern Pennsylvania

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From eerie legends to gritty dramas, reality shows to post-apocalyptic journeys, Northwestern Pennsylvania has quietly become a go-to location for filmmakers who crave character, atmosphere, and authenticity. Whether it’s a rustbelt backdrop, a lakeside view, or the timeless beauty of our small towns, Erie and the surrounding region continue to play a starring role on screen.

Below is a sampling of productions filmed right here in NWPA—proving you don’t need to head to Hollywood to find movie magic.

Feature Films

  • Unearth (2020) – A slow-burn horror film shot in Erie and Crawford Counties, exploring fracking, farming, and family dread.

  • The Road (2009) – Parts of this post-apocalyptic classic starring Viggo Mortensen were filmed in Erie.

  • Before the Border (2015) – A law student retraces the Underground Railroad across NWPA.

  • Krampus: The Devil Returns (2016) – Holiday horror, Erie-style.

  • Pig Hill (TBA) – Based on a Meadville legend, filmed on the infamous Radio Tower Hill.

  • Sigil (TBA) – A supernatural thriller filmed in Saegertown and northern Crawford County.

  • Tough Guys (2017) – Chronicling the birth of MMA.

  • Wendigo: Bound by Blood (2010) – Erie’s own creature feature.

  • Crossing Paths (2023) – A character-driven drama with local ties.

  • The Four (2012), Blood Mercury (2014), The Wolf at the Door (2008) – Indie thrillers with NWPA roots.

  • The American Question (2024) – Documentary exploring cultural polarization.

Television & Streaming

  • Mayor of Kingstown (2022) – Paramount+ filmed scenes for Season 2 at Lampe Marina and East Avenue Boat Ramp.

  • Undercover Billionaire (2019–2021) – Reality series with businessman Glenn Stearns, entirely set in Erie.

  • Evil Genius (2018) – Netflix docuseries about Erie’s infamous “Pizza Bomber” case.

  • Project Algerine (2021–Present) – A locally produced series exploring Erie’s past and present. New season filming summer 2025.

  • Chronicles (WQLN/PBS/NPR) – This Emmy-winning local documentary series tells powerful stories from across northwestern Pennsylvania, capturing the people, places, and issues that define our region.

  • My Super Sweet 16 (2005–) and Dirty Jobs (2005–) – Both featured Erie in early episodes.

Fun Fact: Erie on Film (Even When It Wasn’t)

  • That Thing You Do! (1996) – The fictional band is from Erie—even if filming wasn’t.

A Legacy of Screens and Stories

Erie isn’t just a filming location—it’s part of cinema history. The Warner Theatre, opened in 1931, still stands as a jewel of Art Deco and French Renaissance design and was among the earliest Vitascope theaters in the nation. Today, it remains an active performance and screening venue, anchoring Erie’s ongoing love affair with the screen.

🎥 Whether you’re scouting your next location or binge-watching what’s already been made, NWPA has stories to tell—and Film Erie is here to help you tell them.