GCFC Hosts Boys Hope Girls Hope for Career Day

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!

 

Cleveland Screenings of Cleveland Stories

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.

“White Boy Rick” Wraps in Cleveland

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

“American Ninja Warrior” is a Hit in Public Square

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!

CSU Film School Chooses Frederic Lahey as Director

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.

Where are they now? “Antwone Fisher”

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.

Where are they now? “The Avengers”

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 and Co. Seen Around Town

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

Assembling “The Avengers”, Five Years Later

Dear Friend of GCFC,

Five years ago, Marvel’s “The Avengers” premiered and became the fifth highest grossing motion picture of all time.

As many of you know, it was filmed in large part right here in Cleveland and surrounding areas. However, some might not know exactly how that all came about.

In early Spring 2011, the film was set to shoot in Detroit, where Michigan’s film incentive and soundstages were already doing huge business. However, the Governor of Michigan had made a statement in which he discussed putting a hold on their state’s film incentive.

Not long after that, I received a call from the producers of “The Avengers.” The Governor’s statement was a concern, as was the sudden uncertainty over their tax incentive. They asked me if I could get on a plane to meet with Marvel in L.A.

I was on the next flight.

The next day I met with Marvel and Disney executives and assured them Cleveland was up to the task of filming one of the biggest and most anticipated movies of all time. I then met with officials from the state to make sure their incentive money would be approved, and with county and city officials in Cleveland to talk about the logistics of shooting a blockbuster.

Whether it was closing down East Ninth Street for a month to film explosions and alien invasions, or turning Public Square into Stuttgart, Germany, Cleveland and its residents stepped up in a big way for their city’s star turn.

We are proud to have been the catalyst for the Ohio Motion Picture Tax Incentive, which allowed us to bring this piece of movie history to Cleveland and work every day to bring to town more media productions, and with them more jobs and economic impact.

Happy Fifth Anniversary to “The Avengers,” and thanks to all of you for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Ivan Schwarz
President, Greater Cleveland Film Commission

New Site, Same Mission

Welcome to GCFC’s new website, complete with this new thing we’re trying that no one has done before: a blog.

It is our hope that you will join us here periodically for insight into what we do here at GCFC day-to-day, to learn about what’s happening in the local media production industry, meet the people who work in and for that industry (crew members, actors, game developers, business owners and educators, just to name a few), and become generally more involved with the vision of GCFC. For those who don’t know:

The vision of the GCFC is to achieve increased economic development in Northeast Ohio by using the artistic and culturally enriching activities of film and other media production to strengthen the workforce, support the media production industry and attract media production to the region.

We refreshed our website’s look and functionality precisely with you in mind. We wanted the home page to be a center of information for everyone in our community, so that we can empower and engage working and aspiring production professionals, people who want to help bring jobs and economic impact to Northeast Ohio, and even people who might just plain like movies, television, video games or any other sort of entertainment medium that is being made right here in Cleveland.

Take some time to look around. We have some new areas to the site that weren’t here before.

  • We’ve added a “Membership” page for our brand new GCFC Membership program.
  • Our new “Videos” page will feature testimonials, sizzle reels and other interesting clips that help show our community what GCFC is all about.
  • The “Filmed in Cleveland” section has a fresh design, allowing you to browse movie posters and watch trailers for the many films that have come through our fair city.

If it’s not yet apparent, all of this (our blog, our redesign, and our vision) is about you.

From the people on set, to the businesses supporting production.

From students embarking on a career right in their own backyard, to those currently in the workforce looking to start something new.

You are the reason we work every day to bring jobs and economic impact to Northeast Ohio.

Make sure you sign up for updates to this blog and for our newsletter, and please follow us on Twitter (@Cleveland_Film), Facebook (Greater Cleveland Film Commission) and Instagram (@clevelandfilm)!