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Shyamalan, celebrities to rally for the local film industry at Rocky steps

M. Night Shyamalan, David Morse, other celebrities and union leaders will join the Greater Philadelphia Film Office in support of the local film industry.

Writer/director/producer M. NIGHT SHYAMALAN returns to the captivating grip of ”The Sixth Sense,” “Unbreakable,” and ”Signs” with ”Split,” an original film that delves into the mysterious recesses of one man’s (James McAvoy) fractured, gifted mind. (Photo Credit: John Baer / Universal Studios)
Writer/director/producer M. NIGHT SHYAMALAN returns to the captivating grip of ”The Sixth Sense,” “Unbreakable,” and ”Signs” with ”Split,” an original film that delves into the mysterious recesses of one man’s (James McAvoy) fractured, gifted mind. (Photo Credit: John Baer / Universal Studios)Read moreJohn Baer

Director M. Night Shyamalan and actor David Morse will headline a rally Saturday on the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art in support of the local film industry.

The rally, set for 10 a.m., was organized by the Greater Philadelphia Film Office, which has been lobbying state legislators for tax policies that will help lure film and television productions to Philadelphia.

Film office executive director Sharon Pinkenson has said tax credits were needed to help secure productions such as Glass, Shyamalan's next movie, a sequel to both his recent hit Split and his 2000 movie Unbreakable.

The film office issued a statement saying the local film industry called the rally "to unite and galvanize our industry and elected officials into addressing the urgency of supporting the film, TV, commercial, and multimedia industry of Philadelphia." The statement makes no mention of tax policy, but earlier this year, Pinkenson linked the fate of future production to tax credits.

When Shyamalan announced Glass in February, Pinkenson said, "We fully expect to be hosting the production. … As long as our Pa. governor and legislators pass the state budget and include the film-tax credit, we will shoot the movie in the greater Philadelphia area. We couldn't be more excited."

The rally also will include actors Tommy Pope and John McKeever, documentary filmmaker Don Argott (The Art of the Steal), and union leaders whose members are employed by television and film productions.