From “Steel City” to “Hollywood East”

by: Colten Oakes

Pittsburgh, from the time it was created, was always known for its mass production of steel that was used to build modern American cities. However in the 1980s, the industry came to a halt as factories began to shut down. With one major industry coming to an end in the area, it left room for a newer and more modern industry to arrive on scene in Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh has become an epicenter for the new world that is created by the many facets of multimedia.

Pittsburgh was a known as the “steel city” for its mass amounts of mills. In 1883, Andrew Carnegie, purchased and opened the first Pittsburgh steel mill in Homestead. Following the opening of the Homestead steel mill, many more would open in the greater Pittsburgh Area to give Pittsburgh the pseudonym “The Steel City.”

The steel industry would thrive in Pittsburgh for decades upon decades, until one day the steel industry came to a halt as orders slowed due to companies importing steel from foreign nations. With steel orders no longer going to local steel plants, it forced a shutdown of the industry in Pittsburgh.

The first steel mills to close were in Duquesne and Clairton in 1984, which would create a domino effect in the industry. Even with the plants shutting down, other industries still stood strong to keep the ‘Burgh in mind.

Entertainment became a large part of Pittsburgh culture in the ever-growing age of technology. We see mass amounts of entertainment in the three major sports teams located in the heart of Pittsburgh, the Steelers at Heinz Field, the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Arena, and the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. All these locations utilize mass amounts of multimedia mediums to create the entertaining atmospheres we see today during sporting events. These events utilize the powers of video production, special effects lighting, and a drive to entertain the fans to create the atmosphere that people love.

Photo Creds: Colten Oakes
Point Park CMI Studio Camera

Pittsburgh also brings with it a natural beauty that attracts photographers and videographers from all around the world to come and capture the city in its beauty. With many iconic locations to photograph, it becomes hard to run out of places to shoot photos.

Today, Pittsburgh has become an iconic location the filming of movies and television shows. Movies such as “Unstoppable” and “The Dark Knight Rises” were filmed in Pittsburgh. A pioneer in these events was 31st Street Studios, located next to the 31st Street Bridge in Pittsburgh’s Strip District. They became the go-to production company for movie and television shoots in the area.

Following the opening of 31st Street Studios, people began referring to Pittsburgh as the “Hollywood of the East!” Going along with the “Hollywood of the East” title, it is shown that Pittsburgh is readily prepared for large scale productions with having equipment and mediums already located in the area makes it easier for production companies to begin their work without waiting for items to ship to the locations. With this, Pittsburgh is fully equipped for projects that are heading its way.                                                                                                                        

Photo Creds: Colten Oakes
DSLR
With all the craze of the entertainment industry flourishing in Pittsburgh, some believe that Pittsburgh will still always be known as the “steel city.”
James Hill, executive assistant to mayor Bill Peduto, said“Pittsburgh will always be known for the steel industry. My hope is that production companies will remember Pittsburgh for what it is.” Celina Pompeani, host of Pens TV for the Pittsburgh Penguins, stated, “Pittsburghers see the change, but outsiders don’t.”