The story broke yesterday on the Times Herald of a reality TV series pilot that was filmed at Alfredo's in hopes of making it into a season. The story quickly spread with cheer, pride and memories. In the article, the owner talked about how it can be a good thing for Norristown, and they are right. As a community looking to expand on the arts and entertainment, maybe a TV series can be the "big break" Norristown needs.
There's a ton of pieces to the story that we need to understand before looking at the benefits a TV show could bring to the area. First, let's start off by saying it's only a dream as of now. The pilot(first episode) has been filmed and only the pilot. The company owning the rights to the project still has to pitch it to networks to be ordered for a series. Since the May Upfronts are weeks away, chances are it won't be picked up during this cycle but maybe for November. Typically film companies won't hold on to that pilot after a year before they drop it. Fun fact: I was in a TV Drama pilot that was ordered by CBS and transferred to the CW. However, like many other pilots, it was canceled before we were able to film the rest of the season. :(
Now here is where Norristown can benefit... taxes and jobs. If the unnamed pilot gets picked up, production would most likely begin immediately for 3-4 months at a time. A crew would be hired to film the TV show as well as security and extras (yes, reality tv has background actors to make the store look busy sometimes). Most of these jobs will come locally, especially if this film company is based in New York City. Taxes for the show would have to be paid to the municipality as if it were a new business. Depending on how successful the show becomes, that could mean big bucks for the community.
Traffic at not only Alfredo's, but other Norristown businesses will begin to increase as fans will come to Norristown just to see the place. An example can be the former show, Jersey Shore. When filming was going on, everyone wanted to travel to Seaside Heights, NJ in hopes to be on camera or meet one of the stars. The same would happen for Alfredo's as everyone would want to see the bickering staff in person. If you haven't visited Alfredo's, you really are missing out on the food and entertainment!
Media and publicity will also come to the town in a big way if a network like A&E, TruTV, or Spike picks up the series. Of course, local news, radio and television would pick up the story as the show gains in popularity. Who knows? Maybe Alfredo's will become the next Wahlburgers!
So here's what we should take out from Alfredo's and the possibility of it becoming a TV show:
- Don't expect the series to air on TV immediately
- There is only a chance the show may get on air
- If you haven't visited Alfredo's for their creamed chip beef, you should
- Publicity for Alfredo's will bring attention to Norristown in a big way
- TV shows filmed in a town are good for taxes and employment stability
We wish Alfredo's all the best and hope a series can come to fruition. In the meantime, visit the restaurant on Main Street across from CVS!
You can read the story on the Times Herald here: http://www.timesherald.com/business/20140423/staff-at-alfredos-restaurant-in-norristown-could-become-reality-tv-stars
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