Lights, cameras, action in Olean

Olean, N.Y. (WBEN) - Could Hollywood make its way to Olean?

That's the goal of the husband-and-wife duo of Murphy and Sharon Tom along with business partner Bob Forness who want to develop the Panvenni Films studio in Olean.

Panvenni could represent a $20 million private sector-backed investment that will see a 20,000-square-foot film making and sound stage complex developed in Olean. Two sites are under consideration.

The project marks the first time a sound stage and film making center would be developed in Olean and Cattaraugus County.

"Olean sets up well," said Corey Wiktor, County of Cattaraugus Industrial Development Agency executive director.

The Toms are talking with the IDA about possible tax breaks and incentives needed to help finance the project.

Tim Clark, Buffalo Niagara Film Commission executive director, said the project has potential.

Olean and other portions of Cattaraugus County have served as backdrops for a number of movies shot in the region.

The list includes: "Planes, Trains & Autombiles," "The Natural", "Unstoppable" , "Quiet Place 2" and "Christmas in Vermont."

"Cattaraugus County is no stranger to the big screen," Wiktor said.

Film making - be it major Hollywood productions, independent movies and TV shows and, even targeted business-to-business videos - is becoming a major, regional cottage industry.

The "I Love New York" film office said movie production in the Buffalo Niagara region is approaching a $100 million annual industry.

"It's not just the movies, it is the ancillary spin-off that helps the economy," Wiktor said.

The Toms and Forness are still in the early fact-finding stage, including raising funds for the fledgling project.

Wiktor said the likelihood of the project advancing - on a 1-to-10 scale - was around 7.5.

Construction and a development time line is still being worked on, Wiktor said.

"It could be an incredible lift for the area," Wiktor said.