Netflix to film part of 'The Chair' in Sewickley in March | TribLIVE.com
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Netflix to film part of 'The Chair' in Sewickley in March

Michael DiVittorio
| Tuesday, February 9, 2021 9:36 p.m.
Tribune-Review
Sewickley Borough Building.

Sewickley officials have given the green light to a Netflix project to be filmed in the borough.

Council voted Feb. 9 to approve a request for roving closures of several streets and the use of five police officers on March 15.

Crews are expected to be working from at least noon to 5 p.m. that day filming “The Chair.”

The borough will be transformed into the fictional town of Pembroke. It is unclear what actors would be on-hand.

Borough manager Marla Marcinko said the traffic control request included scenes filmed on Beaver and Broad streets, as well as a character crashing a scooter near the gazebo at Wolcott Park.

The six-episode dramedy, written by executive producer and showrunner Amanda Peet, stars Golden Globe-winner Sandra Oh of “Killing Eve,” David Duchovny of “The X-Files” and Emmy-winner Jay Duplass from “Transparent.”

Location manager Eric DiLucente of Iron City Film Works said he is grateful council honored the request.

“Sewickley has often been a wonderful host for a variety of filming projects throughout the years,” he said. “We hope that after a long year of isolation for most of the world, we can partner again to help bring some entertainment to the small screen.”

Councilwoman Julie Barnes raised concerns about covid and having about a 100-person crew in the borough.

Temperature checks were among the safety protocols mentioned at the meeting.

“We understand the concern about gathering in the time of covid-19,” DiLucente said. “The film industry is considered essential, thereby allowing us to work during this time. The entertainment industry has created one of the safest work environments during the pandemic.

“With less than 1% transmission rate, we are viewed as the model industry in these covid-19 times … Our test and (personal protective equipment) protocols go beyond the norm of any industry, including the health care industry. Our testing goes well above the recommendations established by the (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). All of these precautions are in place so we can keep our cast, crew and those around us as safe as possible.”

Councilwoman Cynthia Mullins said the film company would have to reach out to the Sewickley Parking Authority and make sure they paid for spaces used during the shoot.

President Jeff Neff also encouraged crews support borough businesses while in town.

“We want to wrap our arms around you guys and have movies shot here in Sewickley,” Neff said. “We need to make sure it’s conducive to our residents and also our business owners (so) they don’t feel like they’re being shut down for a day for no reason. You guys could entertain that idea of helping them out as well.”

On IMDB, the plot of “The Chair” is described as “the trials and tribulations of the chair of an English department at a major university.”

DiLucente called it “a lighthearted comedy that revolves around Sandra’s character, the first Asian American woman to chair the English Department of a small Ivy League school.”

The show is filming in a variety of locations throughout the Pittsburgh area.

“The wealth of beautiful college campuses in the area makes Western (Pennsylvania) the perfect backdrop for our show,” DiLucente said.

There may be an opportunity for extras in the show. More information is available at pghfilm.org.

Sewickley also had a taste of Hollywood last year when parts of the Christmas romantic comedy “Happiest Season” were filmed there.

DiLucente said he took over as location manager right before filming, and the business district overall was happy with the experience.

“It may slow business down on the day, but the publicity sparks interest in Sewickley and helps build their brand,” he said. “Film is an economic generator that regionally brings over $100 million dollars a year from Netflix alone. It is important to the area’s image as well as its economy.”


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