Universal Below the Line Traineeship: Shooting Stars

Universal’s Global Talent Development & Inclusion (GTDI) team are proud to have partnered with the Greater Cleveland Film Commission (GCFC) to source trainees for its Universal Below-the-Line Traineeship on the Peacock Original ‘Shooting Stars’, a LeBron James biopic focusing on the young life of the basketball star. It was produced by LeBron’s SpringHill Company, directed by Chris Robinson, and one of its three writers included GTDI Universal Writers Lab alumni Juel Taylor (‘Creed II’ ‘Space Jam: A New Legacy’).

The Greater Cleveland Film Commission (GCFC) continues the push to take Ohio’s media industry to the next level by leading efforts to increase the incentive and provide vital industry infrastructure that will allow the state to attract larger productions.  With these in place, the industry in Ohio will generate thousands more jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars more in economic impact. It made perfect sense that GCFC was the partner for this project, especially with the film’s director Chris Robinson and producer LeBron James both being adamant that it films in Ohio, not only to give back to the community LeBron grew up in, but to give authenticity to his story and really make the city of Akron a character within the film. The production created employment opportunities for the local community who were hired both in-front and behind-the-camera. Universal Below-the-Line Traineeship Locations trainee Raziya Herton said ‘To know that projects like this are coming to town, it’s a dream come true.’  

The encouraging results outlined in the most recent economic impact study illustrate the benefits of GCFC’s efforts to strengthen Cleveland’s growing media sector.  Over 300 productions have filmed in Ohio since 2007, including commercials, documentaries, independent and studio feature films, music videos, public service announcements, photo shoots, television shows, video games, and web series.  As a result, local businesses have enjoyed significant increases in revenue from the media industry.  Retail shops, hotels, contractors, real estate agents and restaurants and other food suppliers, just to name a few, have all benefitted from the increased business during production.

Universal launched the Below-the-Line Traineeship in 2021 on Jordan Peele’s “Nope” and has since run it on nearly two dozen productions. The Traineeship provides on and off-the-job training and mentorship across select below-the-line departments on select Universal film projects around the world. With the increasing demand for experienced crew throughout the industry, this innovative and immersive experience cultivates the next generation of talent by collaborating with local partners.

For more information on the Universal Below-the-Line Traineeship and GTDI’s other talent experiences across writing, directing, and composing, please visit www.universalgdti.com.

Where is kindness and compassion when we need it most?

Photo by Marta Branco

Were we not put on this earth to serve others?  It is certainly not about the accumulation of the most toys.  News flash, it is unlikely all your stuff will be on flatbed trucks trailing behind your funeral procession when your time here is up.   Regardless of the color of one’s skin, place of origin, beliefs, lifestyle, political affiliation, you name it, we are supposed to have compassion for others.  Yes, there are many differences between us as human beings, but we also have a lot in common.  It is within those points of intersection that we should be focusing our interactions with humanity rather than hurling stones out of our glass houses at others over our disagreements.
 
For the most part, we all love our families and friends, pray for good health, prosperity, safety, and the freedoms we are supposed to be entitled to as citizens of this country.  We laugh when our kids do something funny, cry at sad movies, and root for our home teams.  Why then do far too many people look at life as a zero-sum game with only winners and losers?  We assume that because someone doesn’t parrot or embrace our own beliefs, that they are somehow defective.  It is human nature that we will often disagree with our friends, neighbors, co-workers, and even our own families.  That doesn’t mean that we must also be disagreeable.  Annette Bening’s character Sydney Ellen Wade in the American President said it well:  How do you have patience for people who claim they love America, but clearly can’t stand Americans?  It is in the political arena that kindness and compassion seem to be dying traits. 
 
We fight for fighting’s sake.  There is no middle ground anymore.  A “winner takes all” mentality is at play.   The irony is that in that kind of battle, there actually are no winners, only losers.  Our country suffers today because too many people in position to affect public policy choose to be disagreeable rather than behave like the public servants they allegedly were elected to be.  It is certainly not reflective of love of country, nor loving your neighbor as yourself as God instructs us.  An embarrassing lust for power and influence is the primary driver.  Public discourse in our seats of power have turned into petty fighting, lying, and name calling.  A friend appropriately called it “intellectual malpractice.”  Folks we place our trust in, obfuscate with stunning audacity, and are seldom called out for it by their peers out of fear of losing a political race.     
 
Kindness and compassion are sorely lacking today and should be required character traits of those worthy of positions of power who make such difficult decisions with broad impact.  However, we are the ones responsible for voting to keep putting these jokers in power, so the buck stops with us, yes?   Maybe we need to brush up on being kind and compassionate to others ourselves to better set the tone of what is acceptable behavior from those we charge with governing.  It is a sign of true leadership and strength, not weakness.  Anger, bitterness, and lack of forgiveness also literally make us sick. 
 
I get that it is not easy and does indeed take practice.  What can you do today to demonstrate kindness and compassion towards someone else who is different on the surface than yourself?  Our kids are watching us intently and will likely emulate our behavior when they become adults.  The stakes are therefore high, with the idea of a more perfect union in jeopardy if we don’t make the effort to treat others with the same dignity and respect, that we crave for ourselves.   And with all due diligence.  So why wouldn’t we as Otis Redding admonished in the song of the same name:  Try a little tenderness. 
 
Your move,
 
LP

So, you want to be an actor?

Photo by Luis Quintero

The Greater Cleveland Film Commission kicked off Career in Films Week this first week of May to highlight potential career paths in the film and media production industry.  This celebration of jobs and skills in the sector is our way of drawing attention to the variety of positions available and how your skills may translate into a career in film and TV production.  Most of the focus is on the talent behind the camera.  Many of you might be thinking – “But I want to be in front of the camera!”  Well, there is certainly nothing wrong with that, and as a working SAG-AFTRA actor myself, I offer you encouragement.  But in case you haven’t heard or found out on your own already, being an actor is perhaps the toughest path into the film and television industry.

Imagine a job where you are told no at least 95% of the time.  If you are indeed selected, you are then told what to do, when and how to do it over and over again on set. Unless you are the star or featured character of a production, you will be forced to play the game of “hurry up and wait” for hours without getting makeup on your wardrobe that you are expected to keep looking brand new in between takes that are broken up into brief scenes.  And to top it all off, you may not get to see yourself on screen from your minutes in front of the camera for months.  Change your mind yet?  I hope you haven’t because, despite all that, it is fascinating work which allows you to lose yourself and tap into your creative being in ways you never thought possible. 

While I am not a full-time actor, it is a passion I have followed for years because it is fun!   It has helped to make me the professional I am today, and yes, I have made a little money along the way.  I admit that getting in front of a camera or microphone is not a natural act for most of us.  It is well known that speaking in front of a group of people absolutely terrifies most people.  Imagine being the center of attention on a set with the pressure of learning your lines or dialogue, and literally being responsible for the success or failure of the finished product.  

Lowell Perry Jr., SAG-AFTRA actor and GCFC Chief Diversity Officer, VP Corporate & Community Engagement

On an industrial film, of which I have been a spokesperson for dozens, everyone else on set is trying to make sure you look and do your best in a timely fashion.  Time is money after all.  But folks, it is an absolute blast and a feeling of accomplishment when you nail a difficult, but important scene or part of a production!   Especially in one take.  Even then, they will still do the scene again.  For “safety.”  LOL. 

I have also been fortunate to over the years have had small day player roles with such luminary talent as Denzel Washington, Jack Nicholson, Matthew McConaughey, Connie Britton, and Kate Beckinsale, as well as appear in numerous commercials.  All productions shot in markets like Cleveland, Nashville, Detroit, Chicago, Atlanta, and New Orleans.  That is my point.  You don’t have to go to New York or LA to act.  There is plenty of opportunity here in the Midwest, especially if you also dig the stage.  Did you know that Cleveland has a great stage scene?  

If you are serious about wanting to get into acting, the first thing you must do is not take yourself too seriously.  You should be willing to “act a fool” as the old folks used to say.  When you go on an audition, know your lines and be the character you are trying to play.  Take chances.  Most often, the writer and director have a certain look in mind, so while your read is important, don’t feel beat up if you don’t get the part; you just may not have looked it or fit the overall look of the other characters in the spot if it is a commercial.

Do your research by reaching out to local casting and talent agencies that offer workshops, and casting opportunities.  In any event, nothing beats a failure but a try.  So go for it, or rather, “break a leg” as the old stage saying goes.

Lowell Perry Jr.

Schauer Group Century of Service Nonprofit Award program

Thank you to everyone who voted for the GCFC during the contest, we appreciate your support!
The Family Resource Center of Wickliffe was announced the winner of the Schauer Group Century of Service Nonprofit Award program for 2022.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH RAFFLE


Celebrate Black History Month with the GCFC and get your raffle tickets for a chance to win this prize pack!


All proceeds from this raffle will fund scholarships for the GCFC Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) workshop program that sponsors people from underrepresented groups to attend our workforce events and online training.

Raffle tickets are:
1 for $10
5 for $45
12 for $94

GET TICKETS

The winner will be announced on Friday, April 1st, 2022.

For questions, please contact Development Coordinator Juli Johnson Piller at [email protected].


PRIZE PACKAGE INCLUDES SWAG FROM THESE FILMS:

Photo and Letter: Venus & Serena Williams with Cast

KING RICHARD (2021)
Oscar® Winner
Best Actor – Will Smith

Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green, starring Will SmithAunjanue EllisJon Bernthal

A look at how tennis superstars Venus and Serena Williams became who they are after the coaching from their father Richard Williams.

Now in theaters and streaming on HBO Max

 

Flask & Shot Glasses, Bandana, Trading Cards, Hardcover Script

THE HARDER THEY FALL (2021)
Nominated for 1 BAFTA Award
Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer – Jeymes Samuel

 

Directed by Jeymes Samuel, starring Jonathan MajorsZazie BeetzRJ Cyler

When an outlaw discovers his enemy is being released from prison, he reunites his gang to seek revenge.

Watch on Netflix

 

Making of…Hardcover Book, Hardcover Script

PASSING (2021)
Nominated for 4 BAFTA Awards
Outstanding British Film of the Year
Best Leading Actress
Best Supporting Actress
Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer – Rebecca Hall

Directed by Rebecca Hall,  starring Tessa ThompsonRuth NeggaAndré Holland

“Passing” follows the unexpected reunion of two high school friends, whose renewed acquaintance ignites a mutual obsession that threatens both of their carefully constructed realities.

Watch on Netflix

 

Candle

RESPECT (2021)
Nominated for 1 Screen Actors Guild Award
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role – Jennifer Hudson

Directed by Liesl Tommy, starring Jennifer HudsonForest WhitakerMarlon Wayans

Following the rise of Aretha Franklin’s career from a child singing in her father’s church’s choir to her international superstardom, RESPECT is the remarkable true story of the music icon’s journey to find her voice.

Rent on Amazon Prime

 

Softcover Script, Original Movie Soundtrack

HARRIET (2019)
Nominated for 2 Oscars®
Best Actress – Cynthia Erivo
Best Original Song – “Stand Up”

Directed by Kasi Lemmons, starring Cynthia ErivoJanelle MonáeLeslie Odom Jr.

The extraordinary tale of Harriet Tubman’s escape from slavery and transformation into one of America’s greatest heroes, whose courage, ingenuity, and tenacity freed hundreds of slaves and changed the course of history.

Rent on Amazon PrimeWatch on Peacock

 

 

Making of… Hardcover Book

THE BLACK GODFATHER (2019)
Nominated for 1 Primetime Emmy®
Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics – “Letter to My Godfather”

Directed by Reginald Hudlin, starring Clarence AvantHank AaronGwen Adolph

This documentary follows the life of Clarence Avant, the ultimate, uncensored mentor and behind-the-scenes rainmaker in music, film, TV and politics.

Watch on Netflix

 

Cleveland Named to Moviemaker’s 2022 Best Places to Live and Work as a Moviemaker


Cleveland is rising up the ranks to 12th in MovieMaker Magazine’s best places for filmmakers to work and live.

Cleveland is a chameleon, capable of transforming into whichever city the script needs it to be.  Cleveland easily wears so many hats because there is an abundance and diversity of architecture, ranging from the 19th century to ultra-modern.  The topography ranges from flat as Kansas to cliffs and mountains, all within a short company move within a 30-mile radius. Local and state governments gladly work with production companies to cut through red tape.  And another beautiful trait: Clevelanders aren’t jaded.

It is refreshing how easy it is to film movies in Cleveland.  But the cost of living alone is enough to make Cleveland the best place for a filmmaker to live.  That’s why Cleveland is a filmmaker’s Shangri-La.

Click here to read the full article.

Support Film In Cleveland with AmazonSmile

You can use AmazonSmile every day of the year and support Cleveland Film when you shop!

Sign up for AmazonSmile and select Greater Cleveland Film Commission as your preferred charity at smile.amazon.com/ch/34-1884733 or in the Amazon Shopping App on iOS and Android.

GET STARTED IN THE APP:

  1. Join AmazonSmile – If you are not already an AmazonSmile member, sign up on your web browser. Simply select the Greater Cleveland Film Commission to start generating donations, at no cost to you.
  2. Get the App – Download or update to the latest version of the Amazon Shopping app on your phone. You can find it in the App Store for iOS or Google Play for Android.
  3. Turn on AmazonSmile – Open the app and find ‘Settings’ in the main menu (☰). Tap on ‘AmazonSmile’ and follow the on-screen instructions to turn on AmazonSmile on your phone.

INSTALL THE MAKEMESMILE CHROME EXTENSION

MakeMeSmile is a Chrome extension that automatically helps ensure that your Amazon purchase can be correctly attributed to Amazon Smile, a charitable program.

Make your online purchases count with no extra effort on your part by downloading this free extension.

GET EXTENSION

Limited Edition ‘Guardian of Film’ Merchandise Available Again for the Holidays!


The
 ‘Guardian of Film’ Fundraiser is now back and open for a LIMITED time!
The campaign will run from November 18th – December 1st, 2021 for a delivery date of December 17th, 2021.

VIEW THE ENTIRE COLLECTION HERE!


The Greater Cleveland Film Commission (GCFC) is the only 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to driving economic development and job creation by cultivating a robust film and television industry in Northeast Ohio.

Since 2009, media projects in Ohio have generated over $1.1 billion in economic impact and created 6,192 full-time equivalent jobs. More than 70% of Ohio’s film tax incentive spending occurs in Greater Cleveland, thanks to our work.

GCFC’s work to bring jobs and economic impact to our community is more important than ever.

CLICK HERE to Purchase a ‘Guardian of Film’ T-Shirt

CLICK HERE to Purchase a ‘Guardian of Film’ Hoodie

CLICK HERE to Purchase a ‘Guardian of Film’ Hat

By purchasing a Guardian of Film Limited Edition t-shirt, hoodie, or hat, a portion of the proceeds benefited our Sustainability Fund to support Film Commission operations during the Coronavirus pandemic. Your support helped GCFC’s vital programs and services to continue through the pandemic and thrive into the future.

*GCFC ‘Guardian of Film’ Fundraiser orders are fulfilled by CustomInk, LLC., and CustomInk, LLC will deliver ordered items by December 17th. Due to increased demand, shipping delays may occur, and the delivery date is not guaranteed. For questions, please contact CustomInk, LLC Help Center.

Greater Cleveland Film Commission Announces Leadership Transition

Motion Picture Location manager Bill Garvey named as New President|Photo by Jeff Downie


CLEVELAND, OH (July 12, 2021) – The Greater Cleveland Film Commission is pleased to announce that longtime Television and Motion Picture Location Manager Bill Garvey has been named the organization’s new President, effective September 27.

During his 26 years in the industry, Garvey has forged relationships with Marvel, Disney, Paramount, Universal, Warner Bros., Netflix, HBO and NBC. Since moving to Ohio in 2008, he has spearheaded the filming of “Fast & Furious: Fate of the Furious,” “Captain America: Winter Soldier” and “The Avengers,” among others.

Garvey’s credits prior to working in Ohio include “Shutter Island,” “National Treasure,” “Spiderman 2” and “The Manchurian Candidate.” For television, he also spent four seasons working on “Law & Order” and “The Sopranos.”

“Greater Cleveland has the architecture and infrastructure to become a major power player in the motion picture industry,” Garvey said. “Coming out of the COVID shutdown, there’s an explosion of content poised to enter production this year — a growth in production unlike any other time. But none of these movies will film in Ohio if not for the Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit. The Greater Cleveland Film Commission has laid the groundwork for the last decade to build the industry here. There’s an urgent need to strengthen the Motion Picture Tax even further if we are to seize this substantial opportunity. The work of the Greater Cleveland Film Commission is essential to the continued growth of a robust, diverse industry workforce. These new economy jobs can keep our talented youth in Ohio while at the same time attract talent from out of state to move here. The GCFC’s partnership with the Tri-C Film Academy and Cleveland State University’s School of Film & Media Arts goes hand-in-hand with the rise of Northeast Ohio as a motion-picture hub.”

In his new role, Garvey will build upon the success the GCFC has already achieved in nurturing motion-picture investment here, and leverage his partnerships in television and motion-picture production to showcase Northeast Ohio to the world.

“We are pleased that Bill has accepted this essential role that will ensure that Cleveland will continue to grow as a motion-picture destination,” says Greater Cleveland Film Commission board chairman Tim Birch. “Under his leadership, the organization will be instrumental in attracting and generating the economic impact that will help the region thrive. His first-hand knowledge will help train and grow future industry professionals in Northeast Ohio.”

ABOUT THE GREATER CLEVELAND FILM COMMISSION
The Greater Cleveland Film Commission (GCFC) is a 501c3 nonprofit, whose mission is to create jobs and economic impact for Northeast Ohio through a vibrant film and media arts industry. GCFC was the driving force behind the Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit (OMPTC) in 2009. Since then GCFC has attracted over 300 productions, most recently “Judas and the Black Messiah,” “Cherry” and Liam Neeson’s “The Marksman.” These projects have created 6,192 full-time equivalent jobs and brought over $1.1 billion into Ohio’s economy. GCFC connects cast and crew talent directly to production opportunities and invests in a strong local workforce by presenting workshops, seminars, FilmSkills training and internships, designed to give local talent the education, experience and professional connections to succeed in the film industry. GCFC works tirelessly to expand the film industry in Northeast Ohio, train and support a local workforce in order to generate real, sustainable opportunities that attract and retain talent.

MISSION
Promote the increase of media production in Northeast Ohio using effective strategies for attraction and workforce development, including building an artistic infrastructure through film.

VISION
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.