Sharon Pinkenson, Executive Director of the Greater Philadelphia Film Office (GPFO), and Markita Morris-Louis, Esq., Executive Director of the Arts + Business Council for Greater Philadelphia (ABC), announced today a renewed and reinvigorated partnership. Selected late last year by the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia, Markita came to ABC from her most recent position as the senior Vice President and General Counsel at Clarifi, a nonprofit housing and financial counseling agency. The two leaders met to revisit the future of the organizations’ relationship and found tremendous synergy and an abundance of fresh ideas.

Over ten years ago, ABC joined the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia to sponsor the “Set in Philadelphia” Screenwriting Competition (SIP) Regional Award for the best screenplay written by a Greater Philadelphian. An annual screenwriting competition that GPFO has been running for decades, SIP has successfully launched the careers of countless screenwriters. ABC’s role in SIP will be expanded in 2019, with added exposure and opportunities for participation in workshops and SIP events. Both organizations are looking forward to the deepening of the professional relationship between GPFO and ABC with new opportunities to collaborate and serve the robust and inclusive creative community supported by the organizations.

SIP is one of many programs produced by Greater Philadelphia Filmmakers, GPFO’s regional support program, with a focus on meeting the changing needs of local media artists and technicians with seminars and creative opportunities to help aspiring and experienced film professionals. A revitalized collaboration with ABC will make it possible to expand Filmmakers’ reach to the ABC community with an emphasis on educational workshops and programs to serve the region’s arts and business community.

“With a diverse career background that spans law, community development, the performing arts and real estate finance, Markita has all the tools to spearhead ABC’s mission to lead, serve and inspire a more creative region. The spark between our vision and hers was immediate when we met in person for the first time and we’re both excited about the future for our organizations,” said Sharon Pinkenson.

“I’m thrilled to lead a reinvigorated Arts + Business Council and renew our partnerships with extraordinary organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Film Office. Sharon’s creative energy and innovative ideas are a perfect fit for increased collaboration with ABC,” said Markita Morris-Louis.

About GPFO:
Greater Philadelphia Film Office (GPFO) is a “film commission” representing southeastern Pennsylvania that officially serves the counties of Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia. Since 1992, GPFO, a Pennsylvania 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation, has been responsible attracting and coordinating all aspects of the robust moving picture industry that has impacted the region with over $5 billion.