Theater Rental FAQs
Your Event at Philadelphia Film Center
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I inquire about a date or venue?
To inquire about venue and date availability, please fill out an online inquiry form.
What kinds of events can Philadelphia Film Center accommodate?
Our venue is well-suited to a wide variety of events including but not limited to:
Award Show ● Benefit/Fundraiser ● Film Screening ● Product Launch ● Conference ● Movie Premiere ● Annual Meeting ● Graduation ● Seminar ● Gala ● Memorial Service ● Film/Television/Photo Shoot
What is Philadelphia Film Center’s policy on placing holds on dates?
We may as a courtesy hold your date of interest for up to three weeks. Once the three week deadline concludes, we will ask you to confirm or release your hold. If you wish to confirm your date, a nonrefundable deposit equivalent to the venue rental fee is required along with your signed contract, and a certificate of insurance.
How far in advance do you book your venue?
Our books open in February for the following Fiscal Year (July 1-June 30).
We book our venue on a first-come, first-served basis.
How can I arrange a site visit of the venue(s) in which I am interested?
Site visits are available by appointment only, at least four business days in advance. Depending on the availability of the venue in which you are interested, we schedule visits Monday through Thursday, 10am–6pm.
To make an appointment, please submit an online inquiry or call 267-239-2941.
Do your theaters feature WiFi access?
Our venue offers free password-protected WiFi network access for renters’ use. Should your event have expanded technical needs, we will do our best to accommodate.
How much will my event cost?
Once you have discussed the details of your event with our rental department, we can share a preliminary range of costs with you. The more details you are able to provide, the more precise the range will be.
Estimated event costs are comprised of venue rental fees, labor and personnel costs, as well as any additional costs that might be incurred due to the size and scale of the event.
Does Philadelphia Film Center provide an event planner?
No. PFC management will help you realize your event but we are unable to take on a conceptual or creative role.
What staffing is not supplied by Philadelphia Film Center?
PFC management will work with you to identify the positions for which we will not supply staff. These positions include (but are not limited to) a stage manager, technical director, florists, videographers, lighting, and sound designers.
Although Philadelphia Film Center does not provide catering services, we have exclusive caterers affiliated with our venue and can provide introductions at any time.
Is my rental fee tax-deductible?
No, the rental fee and any additional charges paid in connection with an event held in any of our venues are not tax-deductible. Such payments are not considered charitable contributions.
What marketing and promotional resources does Philadelphia Film Center extend?
All renters of the Philadelphia Film Center are responsible for promoting and publicizing their own events. However – if your event is open to the public – we are able to print and display an event poster for a nominal cost, and add your event to our website calendar.
Is a deposit required? Is my deposit refundable?
If you wish to confirm your date, a nonrefundable deposit equivalent to the venue rental fee is required along with your signed contract, and a certificate of insurance.
Will I be required to sign a contract and to supply insurance?
Yes. If you wish to confirm your date, a nonrefundable deposit equivalent to the venue rental fee is required along with your signed contract and a certificate of insurance (COI).
Do you have any exclusive vendors, including caterers?
Yes, our venue features exclusive caterers. To see a list of our exclusive caterers click here.
Catering and/or additional furniture rentals are contracted and invoiced outside of Philadelphia Film Center.
Does Philadelphia Film Center have an approved list of recommended vendors (A/V, floral, or event designers/planners, e.g.)?
Aside from our caterers, we do not have exclusive vendors. On a case-by-case basis, PFC management can make vendor recommendations.
How do I get to Philadelphia Film Center?
Directions and parking information can be found here.
Is there parking available to guests?
There are several parking garages within walking distance of our theater. Liberty Place offers our guests a discounted rate. For more information click here.
Does the Philadelphia Film Center have access for persons with disabilities?
Information about our venue and accessibility is posted online here.
How can I support the Philadelphia Film Center?
Contributions from generous individuals, foundations, corporations, and government entities directly support all of Philadelphia Film Center’s artistic programs and special initiatives and affirm our mission— to create opportunities for diverse communities to experience film through initiatives that inspire, educate, challenge and entertain. To learn more about ways in which you can support the Philadelphia Film Society, the creative force behind Philadelphia Film Center, please click here.