The Pierce-Arrow Film Arts Center (PAFAC) is one step closer to fulfilling its destiny. While this latest news might still be the tip of the iceberg for what is surely in store for the complex (learn more), it’s of utmost importance to get an initial accomplishment under its belt in order to proceed to the next level. The accomplishment that I am referring to is the nearing of the completion of a cyclorama green screen stage. “This particular type of stage is unique to the area as far as being open and availible to the public for production use,” said filmmaker and entrepreneur Garrett Vorreuter. “Its double wall construction is 17′ x 17′ and is 14′ tall on both walls – its called a cyclorama green screen stage and is just one of several different stages that we’re planning on building at the Pierce-Arrow Film Arts Center. We are literally, one step at a time, helping to build the film infrastructure here in Buffalo… infrastructure that the city will need in order to become a desirable filmmaking destination and a vibrant location capable of sustaining, catering and accommodating the local, national and international film and television industry. So far we’ve had one commercial come and shoot here even though it’s not even complete – it’ll officially be open to the public for rentals and screenings in another week – but it’s 90% done as of now.”
Looking back to June of 2011, this was exactly the type of progress that we hoped for when Garrett held a meeting for what was then referred to as the Cinematic Trust (see here). At the time, the premise behind the initial gathering of people connected to the film industry was to identify certain industry needs, and to figure out ways to plug the holes. People spoke of collectives and cooperatives, where shared resources would create a community atmosphere for local talent and equipment.
For those in the industry, the thought of having access to affordable production stages is great news. It just goes to show that when we put our heads together, we can figure out solutions to the problems that we are confronted with. Hopefully the actions being taken at PAFAC will help to keep our local film talent where it is needed… right here in Buffalo.
Some of the most ambitious projects that we see, don’t just come to fruition overnight. In order to get to that point, smart incremental steps must be taken. By providing needed infrastructure to the community in the form of a cyclorama green screen stage, the Pierce-Arrow Film and Arts Center has taken a step, or rather a bold leap, to show that it means business. Stay tuned for more developments as they continue to unfold in coming weeks.
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