Last month we had the privilege of hosting rising sophomores in the Boys Hope Girls Hope program for a presentation on what GCFC does, and of what all our individual jobs consist.

It was a lot of fun talking about our different journeys to get where we are today, and help illuminate the path that lies ahead of these kids. We really hope we’re able to do it again next year!

In a city filled with talented filmmakers, from time to time we are invited to screenings of new films that tell Cleveland stories. Here are a few we’ve had the privilege of viewing over the last month:

EXACT CHANGE, Directed by Scott Plate, Written by and Starring Christine Howey

Based on her moving one-woman play about finding your voice and championing your identity, “Exact Change” is the powerful and personal story of noted Cleveland actor, journalist, and critic Christine Howey, who transitioned in 1990. This film adaptation was both as powerful and as poignant as the play, and it premiered to two sold-out theaters at the historic Capitol Theatre in June.

UNDEREXPOSED, a collaboration between Shooting Without Bullets and Cleveland Institute of Art

“Underexposed” brings visibility to Black youth culture in Cleveland in the wake of Black Lives Matter. The film chronicles the lives of ten teen artists as they find solace in art, making and performing as members of Shooting Without Bullets, Cleveland’s revolutionary youth advocacy program.  This coming of age story illuminates the beautiful struggle in their discovery of self in the midst of extreme economic depression and stark racial segregation. To see these young people expressing themselves through their talent and their art was an amazing experience.

IF THESE WALLS COULD TALK, by Chris Webb

Multimedia artist, writer, poet, and Cleveland native Chris Webb’s current project animates blighted homes in Cleveland’s abandoned neighborhoods and uses them as narrators to speak on neighborhood problems and city history. Having gone to school on the west coast and returned to his hometown, Chris’ talents as an artist, storyteller, and agent for change are all on display in this film that highlights a pressing issue in our city.

THE NEW ERA by Grant Heineman

Grant Heineman, a rising senior at Heights High, was given a project by his American Government teacher: create a 20-minute documentary that is unique and relevant to what they’re learning in class. With the 2016 election fresh in everyone’s mind, and has become an issue that had penetrated the “high school bubble,” Grant got to work and put together a stylish and certainly unique look at the election through the eyes of his fellow students. The result is nothing short of A+ work.

Congratulations to the film formerly known as “Untitled Detroit City Project,” which wrapped its Cleveland shoot last week. Thank you to all the local cast and crew that worked so hard on this film, and continue to set an example for what production professionals should be. Also, thanks to every business and location that worked with the production for ensuring such a smooth process.

Clevelanders will have to wait a little while to see the fruits of all of this hard work, however, as “White Boy Rick” is currently slated for a January 2018 release.

As was the case his entire time in Cleveland, star Matthew McConaughey made his way sightseeing throughout Northeast Ohio and beyond, even stopping to take in some of this sports-crazed city’s finest:

Matthew McConaughey attends Game 4 at The Q

Matthew McConaughey stops by Cavs team dinner at Kevin Love’s house

Matthew McConaughey, sons catch Cleveland Indians game at Progressive Field

Here’s where Matthew McConaughey has been spotted while filming “White Boy Rick” in Northeast Ohio

Thank you, Cleveland! The Greater Cleveland Film Commission brought you “American Ninja Warrior”, and you turned out in droves to support the taping in Public Square and experience the NBC FanFest!

For several days, Public Square turned into Ninja Central as the most intense obstacle course yet was constructed on the Superior Avenue portion of the square. The tapings were filled with hundreds of excited fans, who screamed their hearts out supporting these daring men and women who took on the insane physical challenge.

Most importantly, the city of Cleveland looked beautiful. Whether it was the perfectly lit Terminal Tower, or the Goodyear Blimp shots of our new Public Square, every shot made our city look as special as we know it to be.

We’re proud to have been a part of bringing this fun experience and spotlight to Cleveland!

The Greater Cleveland Film Commission (GCFC) congratulates Frederic Lahey on his selection as the inaugural Director of the Cleveland State University (CSU) School of Film, Television and Interactive Media. The process to choose the Director was long and thorough, involving officials from CSU as well as GCFC President Ivan Schwarz.

“Director Lahey is the right person for the job,” said President Schwarz. “Having worked extensively in production, while also leading the Colorado Film School to a position of prominence, he possesses the right mix of academic and industry experience that will start CSU’s program on the right track. We look forward to having a close relationship with Director Lahey and the school as we continue to grow this industry in Cleveland.”

GCFC’s advocacy efforts led to the state of Ohio awarding $7.5 million to CSU last spring to build the first standalone film school in Ohio history. GCFC will continue its efforts to increase the Ohio Motion Picture Tax Incentive, which will not only attract more and larger productions, but bring more jobs and economic impact to the region, and allow for critical production infrastructure like sound stages and production offices.

We look back at movies that #FilmedInCLE and what some of the people involved are doing now.

ANTWONE FISHER, Writer/Co-Producer

A Cleveland native, Fisher’s screenplay, based on his memoir “Finding Fish,” tells the story of Fisher as a young man in the Navy and his struggle to master his temperamental nature, address past abuse as a foster child, and find his true family. He continues to write, produce and direct, and in 2003 was awarded an honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from Cleveland State University.

DEREK LUKE, “Antwone Fisher”

Luke was told to audition for the film by Fisher himself (having gotten to know him while Fisher was a security guard on the Sony Pictures lot), and it proved a breakout role for the young talent. He has gone on to roles in numerous films and television series including “Friday Night Lights,” “Miracle at St. Anna,” “The Americans,” and “Notorious.” He most recently appeared in the acclaimed Netflix series “13 Reasons Why.”

DENZEL WASHINGTON, Director, “Dr. Jerome Davenport”

Washington’s directorial debut was met with critical acclaim. The late Roger Ebert said of it: “A film that begins with the everyday lives of naval personnel in San Diego and ends with scenes so true and heartbreaking that tears welled up in my eyes both times I saw the film.” His most recently directed work, “Fences,” was nominated for four Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Supporting Actor for Denzel himself, and an Oscar win for Viola Davis for Best Supporting Actress.

We look back at movies that #FilmedInCLE and what some of the people involved are doing now.

JOSS WHEDON, Director – The creator of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Firefly” was helming only his second feature film, but his knack for snappy dialogue and meaningful character moments was on display throughout “The Avengers.” Recently, Whedon shocked Marvel fanboys by jumping to DC to write and direct a “Batgirl” film for Warner Bros.

TOM HIDDLESTON, “Loki” – Hiddleston’s second turn as the trickster god of Asgard and half-brother of Thor solidified his star status. In the years since, he’s played Hank Williams, survived a break-up with Taylor Swift (#Hiddleswift), gone up against King Kong and will next reprise his role as Loki in “Thor: Ragnarok” this fall.

ASHLEY JOHNSON, “Waitress” – While the former child star and Whedon favorite’s role as a waitress who has a moment with Captain America was largely cut from the movie, save for a couple quick hits during the battle in New York (East Ninth Street), Ashley Johnson went on to lend her voice to the now iconic heroine “Ellie” in the critically-acclaimed smash hit Playstation game “The Last of Us.” She will reprise that role in the hotly anticipated sequel, which should release in 2018.

McConaughey Bowling at Mahall’s (facebook)

As the Matthew McConaughey film known as “Untitled Detroit City Project” continues to shoot throughout Cleveland, more people have been spotting the Oscar winner on and off movie sets:

Matthew McConaughey films scene for “White Boy Rick” in Cleveland’s Tower City – Cleveland.com

Yep, that was Matthew McConaughey at Lakewood bowling alley – Cleveland.com

Mars Bar Lands on Hollywood!!! – Mars Bar Facebook post

Movie Co-Starring Matthew McConaughey to Begin Filming in Lakewood – onelakewood.com

Matthew McConaughey movie shuts down East 9th Street in Cleveland – WKYC