Pittsburgh creating new office to handle events from film productions to block parties

A newly created Pittsburgh government office will be responsible for managing events ranging from large-scale film productions to neighborhood block parties.

The Office of Film and Event Management will operate within the city’s Department of Public Safety.

The office will receive and vet applications for small- and large-scale events and film productions in the city. It will work with film and event permit applicants to ensure they meet industry standards, safety regulations and city policies.

The office also will help coordinate with other city departments to ensure proper planning for events and film projects.

Public safety officials said in a news release that the Office of Film and Event Management will “ensure that events and film productions do not negatively impact the city’s operations and remain positive assets to the city and its residents.”

The office also is tasked with assisting in planning large-scale, city-run events and providing permits for block parties.

Before the creation of the Office of Film and Event Management, film and event permitting and oversight fell under the Office of Special Events.

That office was moved this year to the Department of Parks and Recreation, where it was initially housed before spending the past six years under Public Safety.

The Office of Special Events will continue to offer free and low-cost events like community 5K races, the Community Festival Grant Program, Dollar Bank Cinema in the Park, summer concerts and other programs.

Brian Katze, who formerly served as the special events manager in the Office of Special Events, will lead the new office as its film and events manager, alongside Anna Boekenhauer, who will work as the film and event permit coordinator.

Film and event permit applications are now located on the Office of Film and Event Management’s new city webpage.