Posted on June 15, 2013
Bucks County is ready for another close-up. Two towns — Doylestown and Sellersville — are among the locations being scouted for a new television show from “Sixth Sense” director M. Night Shyamalan. and his associates are seeking somewhere with an “idyllic small-town look” that’s “near a forest with pine trees,” according to Sharon Pinkenson, executive director of the Greater Philadelphia Film Office.
“That’s part of the puzzle we’re trying to find out,” she said.
Shyamalan is also eying Kennett Square and Vancouver, British Columbia, as possible settings for “Wayward Pines,” a limited “event series” to air on Fox next year.
According to the Internet Movie Database, the show is set in the bucolic town of Wayward Pines, Idaho, where Secret Service agent Ethan Burke goes to find two missing federal agents. His investigation only raises more questions, and Burke must face the “terrifying reality that he may never get out of Wayward Pines alive.”
Among the actors cast are Matt Dillon and Melissa Leo, according to IMDB.
The Bucks County commissioners, the county’s visitors bureau and officials from Sellersville and Doylestown have expressed their support of Shyamalan choosing the county, said Michelle Greco, spokeswoman for Visit Bucks County.
Shyamalan, who lives in the Philadelphia suburbs, has set many of his films in and around the area. His 2002 film “Signs” was set in various locations in Bucks County, including a farm in Doylestown Township. He built a five-story soundstage in Bristol Township to film “Lady in the Water.” Part of his 2008 film, “The Happening,” was filmed on a farm in Plumstead.
Greco said Bucks County is a popular location for filming because of its beautiful main streets, historical buildings and rural backdrops.
For many film crews, the decision on where to film is as much financial as it is creative, Pinkenson said.
She is hoping the state budget will remove the cap on the film tax credit, allowing Pennsylvania to remain competitive.
Pinkenson said a booming film industry brings jobs, revenue and local pride to the region.
“It shines a great spotlight on the area, and it’s good for the general well-being,” she said. “You can’t buy that.”
Pinkenson expects Shyamalan to make a decision in the next two weeks on where “Wayward Pines” will be filmed.
In the meantime, local officials have their fingers crossed.
“We’ll have to wait and see,” said David Rivet, Sellersville manager.
Theresa Hegel: 215-345-3187; email: thegel@phillyburbs.com; Twitter: @theresahegel. To subscribe, go to phillyburbs.com/orderIntell.
Doylestown, Sellersville could be backdrop for Fox's M. Night Shyamalan drama - phillyburbs.com: Pennridge
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