The GCFC Fall Media Mixer was held on Wednesday, September 20th at McCarthy’s Downtown!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Fall Media Mixer at McCarthy’s Downtown on September 20th!

Media Mixers are FREE networking events that allow current and aspiring film professionals to learn about the latest local film industry news, job and training opportunities, and get to know the GCFC and the resources we offer.

Attendees are encouraged to meet new people and talk about upcoming projects and potential opportunities. These events are part of the GCFC’s Workforce Development efforts, always working to make sure our local professionals can network and share ideas about growing the media industry in Northeast Ohio.

See pictures from our Mixer below!

Greater Cleveland Urban Film Festival hosted a special panel, Inside the Industry with Peter Lawson Jones and Lowell Perry Jr. on Friday, September 15th.

From the heights to Harvard to Hollywood…

This exciting in-person event featured an up-close-and-personal conversation with Shakerite, lawyer, former elected official, playwright, thespian, and star of the blockbuster film, “A Man Called Otto,” better known as Peter Lawson Jones. Greater Cleveland Film Commission’s Lowell Perry  Jr. – a Yale grad, PLJ’s friend, and fellow SAG-AFTRA actor – conducted the interview and moderated the discussion.

The GCFC Summer Media Mixer was held on Wednesday, July 19th at the Music Box Supper Club!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Summer Media Mixer at Music Box Supper Club on July 19th!

Media Mixers are FREE networking events that allow current and aspiring film professionals to learn about upcoming productions and opportunities in Northeast Ohio, and get to know the GCFC and the resources we offer.

Attendees are encouraged to meet new people and talk about upcoming projects and potential opportunities. These events are part of the GCFC’s Workforce Development efforts, always working to make sure our local professionals can network and share ideas about growing the media industry in Northeast Ohio.

See pictures from our Mixer below!

The GCFC Spring Media Mixer was held on Thursday, April 27th at McCarthy’s Downtown.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our first Media Mixer of the year at McCarthy’s Downtown on April 27th! Thanks to you, this was one of the biggest and best mixers we’ve ever hosted.

Media Mixers are FREE networking events that allow current and aspiring film professionals to network with each other, learn what’s filming in Northeast Ohio, and what’s new for the GCFC.

Attendees are encouraged to meet new people and talk about upcoming projects and potential opportunities. These events are part of the GCFC’s Workforce Development efforts, always working to make sure our local professionals can network and share ideas about growing the media industry in Northeast Ohio.

See pictures from our Mixer below!

The GCFC Associate Board held a special Happy Hour at MELT Bar & Grilled – Independence on Thursday, April 20th from 6 – 7 pm!

Thank you to everyone who joined the GCFC Associate Board to learn about being a part of the exciting things the Greater Cleveland Film Commission is doing to create film and TV jobs and drive media production business to Northeast Ohio.

See pictures from our event below!

Three Days of Ultimate Fandom • March 24 – 26
Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland

Thank you to everyone who joined GCFC Production Coordinator Mike Wendt at FanExpo as he hosted a special Cleveland Film Location panel and served as a FanExpo Panel moderator!

MOVIES: CLEVELAND TAKES THE LEADING ROLE

Why does Hollywood love to film in Northeast Ohio? Locations, locations, locations! From skyscrapers to small towns, beachfront to backwoods, Cleveland has the unique ability to transform itself into almost any location filmmakers need it to be.  Join the Greater Cleveland Film Commission as they take you behind the scenes of some of your favorite movie locations that are right in your own backyard.

ADDITIONAL PANELS:

SATURDAY, MARCH 25

This Is The Way: Exploring The Mandalorian with Emily Swallow
Guest: Emily Swallow
Moderator: Mike Wendt
2:00 pm – 2:45 pm
Main Theater [Show Floor]

Gather the foundlings and prepare the warriors – the Armorer are here. Join us for a conversation with Emily Swallow as we discuss all things The Mandalorian, Boba Fett, and beyond!

A Return To The Office With Accounting, Supplier Relations, and Sales
Guests: Oscar Nuñez, Kate Flannery, Leslie David Baker
Moderator: Mike Wendt
3:00 pm – 3:45 pm
Main Theater [Show Floor]

Scranton is calling and we’re clocking in with our favorite friends from The Office – Kate Flannery, Oscar Nunez, and Leslie David Baker! So come and join the conversation as we discuss Pretzel Day, shaving your head, and finding win/win/win situations.

SUNDAY, MARCH 26

No Rematch: Carl Weathers Spotlight
Guest: Carl Weathers
Moderator: Mike Wendt
2:00 pm – 2:45 pm
Main Theater [Show Floor]

Join legendary actor Carl Weathers for a panel discussing his roles in the Rocky movie franchise, Predator, and of course, The Mandalorian.

All About Honor! Meet Dante Basco
Guests: Dante Basco
Moderator: Mike Wendt
3:00 pm – 3:45 pm
Main Theater [Show Floor]

Join us and hear from the star of Avatar: The Last Airbender and Hook!

Serving The Public Trust And Other Directives With Robocop
Guests: Peter Weller
Moderator: Mike Wendt
4:00 pm – 4:45 pm
Main Theater [Show Floor]

We may not know the fourth directive, but we do know that you will not want to miss this spotlight with Peter Weller where we’ll discuss everything from Batman to Buckaroo Banzai!

The annual GCFC Award Season Raffle is now closed. Thank you for supporting our mission with your raffle ticket purchase!

And this year’s winners are…

As a 501(c)3 organization, the GCFC relies heavily on donations, proceeds from this raffle will help the GCFC support our education programs and empower us to continue to build a strong, diverse, sustainable film and media production industry that creates jobs and drives business to Northeast Ohio.

See this year’s exclusive prize lineup below!

ULTIMATE FILMED IN CLE PRIZE PACK

WHITE NOISE (2022) – Framed Poster, Script, Artbook, Worry-Free Gum, A&P Sweatshirt, Cassette
Directed by Noah Baumbach, starring Adam Driver, Greta Gerwig, Don Cheadle
Golden Globe® Nominee: Best Actor – Adam Driver

SHOOTING STARS (TO BE RELEASED) – Haddad’s Inc. Crew Member T-shirt (size M and 2XL)
Directed by Chris Robinson, starring LeBron James, Stefan Johnson, Laura Wimbels

CHERRY (2021) – Novel & Novel Poster Autographed by Joe & Anthony Russo
Directed by the Russo Brothers, starring Tom Holland, Ciara Bravo, Jack Reynor
Golden Trailer Award Winner: Most Original Trailer

ALL THE BRIGHT PLACES (2020) – Haddad’s Inc. Long-sleeve Crew Member T-shirt (size XL)
Directed by the Brett Haley, starring Elle Fanning, Justice Smith, Alexandra Shipp
ReFrame Stamp Winner: Top 100 Most Popular Narrative & Animated Feature

WHITE BOY RICK / UNTITLED DETROIT CITY (2018) – Haddad’s Inc. Crew Member T-shirt (size S)
Directed by Yann Demange, starring Matthew McConaughey, Jonathan Majors
Golden Trailer Award Nominee: Best Music

THE FATE OF THE FURIOUS (2017) – Crew Member Hat
Directed by F. Gary Grey, starring Vin Diesel, Jason Statham, Dwayne Johnson
MTV Movie + TV Awards Winner: MTV Generation Award for Fast & Furious Saga

CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES (2015) – T-shirt autographed by Producer Mark Johnson (size M), Bag
Directed by Jackie Earle Haley, starring John Travolta, Michael Pitt, Dan Stevens

ANTWONE FISHER (2002) – Cleveland Premiere Program Autographed by Malcolm David Kelley
Directed by and starring Denzel Washington, Derek Luke, Joy Bryant
BET Award Winner: Best Actor – Derek Luke

WELCOME TO COLLINWOOD (2002) – Promotional Postcard Autographed by Joe & Anthony Russo
Directed by the Russo Brothers, starring George Clooney, Sam Rockwell, William H. Macy
Cannes Film Festival Award Nominee: C.I.C.A.E. Award – Joe & Anthony Russo

GLASS ONION PRIZE PACK

GLASS ONION (2022) – Beach Towel, “Glass Onion” Promo Napkin, Cast T-shirt (size L), Script, Baseball Hat, Vinyl Record (461/1000), Handkerchief, Cast Enamel Pins
Directed by Rian Johnson, starring Daniel Craig, Edward Norton, Kate Hudson
Oscar® Nominee: Best Adapted Screenplay

“BASED ON A TRUE STORY” PRIZE PACK

ELVIS (2022) – Vinyl Record – Original Soundtrack
Directed by Baz Luhrmann, starring Tom Hanks, Austin Butler, Olivia DeJonge
Oscar® Nominee: Best Picture, Best Sound, Best Actor – Austin Butler, Best Makeup & Hairstyling, Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, Best Film Editing, Best Production Design

THE FABELMANS (2022) – T-shirt (size S – XL), Journal, Mug, Poster
Directed by Steven Spielberg, starring Michelle Williams, Gabriel LaBelle, Paul Dano
Oscar® Nominee: Best Director, Best Original Score, Best Picture, Best Actress – Michelle Williams, Best Supporting Actor – Judd Hirsch, Best Original Screenplay, Best Production Design

ARGENTINA, 1985 (2022) – Script, Box of Havanna Chocolates
Directed by Santiago Mitre, starring Ricardo Darín, Gina Mastronicola, Francisco Bertín
Oscar® Nominee: Best International Feature Film – Argentina

THIRTEEN LIVES (2022) – Script, Beatriz Ball Silver Platter
Directed by Ron Howard, starring Viggo Mortensen, Colin Farrell, Joel Edgerton
Black Reel Awards Nominee: Outstanding Editing – James Wilcox

ANIMATION PRIZE PACK

GUILLERMO DEL TORO’S PINOCCHIO (2022) – Vinyl Record – Original Soundtrack, Framed Art Print, Script, Artbook, Baratti & Milano Hot Chocolate, Black Rabbit Funko Pop!
Directed by Guillermo del Toro, starring Ewan McGregor, David Bradley, Gregory Mann
Oscar® WINNER: Best Animated Feature Film

PUSS IN BOOTS: THE LAST WISH (2022) – Artbook
Directed by Joel Crawford & Januel Mercado, starring Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek
Oscar® Nominee: Best Animated Feature Film

THE BAD GUYS (2022) – Artbook
Directed by Pierre Perifel, starring Sam Rockwell, Marc Maron, Awkwafina
Kids’ Choice Awards, USA Nominee: Favorite Voice, Animated Movie – Awkwafina

THE SEA BEAST (2022) – Concept Art Print
Directed by Chris Williams, starring Karl Urban, Zaris-Angel Hator, Jared Harris
Oscar® Nominee: Best Animated Feature Film

DRAMA PRIZE PACK

A24 VARIETY BOX
EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE (2022) – Enamel Pin and Gift Wrapping Paper
Directed by Dan Kwan & Daniel Scheinert, starring Michelle Yeoh, Stephanie Hsu, Jamie Lee Curtis
Oscar® WINNER: Best Picture, Best Director – Daniel Kwan & Daniel Scheinert, Best Actress – Michelle Yeoh, Best Supporting Actress – Jamie Lee Curtis, Best Supporting Actor – Ke Huy Quan, Best Film Editing, Best Original Screenplay

Oscar® Nominee: Best Original Score, Best Original Song – “This Is A Life”, Best Supporting Actress – Stephanie Hsu, Best Costume Design,

THE WHALE (2022) – MOBY DICK Paperback Novel
Directed by Darren Aronofsky, starring Brendan Fraser, Sadie Sink, Ty Simpkins
Oscar® WINNER: Best Actor – Brendan Fraser, Best Makeup & Hairstyling
Oscar® Nominee: Best Supporting Actress – Hong Chau

MARCEL THE SHELL WITH SHOES ON (2021) – Calendar and Mini Marcel with Matchbox House
Directed by and starring Dean Fleischer Camp, Jenny Slate, Isabella Rossellini
Oscar® Nominee: Best Animated Feature Film

CLOSE (2022) – Mini Box of Chocolates from Mary Chocolatier
Directed by Lukas Dhont, starring Eden Dambrine, Gustav De Waele, Emilie Dequenne
Oscar® Nominee: Best International Feature Film – Belgium

THE INSPECTION (2022) – Journal
Directed by Elegance Bratton, starring Jeremy Pope, Gabrielle Union, Bokeem Woodbine
Golden Globe® Nominee: Best Actor in a Drama – Jeremy Pope

AFTERSUN (2022) – Framed Photo
Directed by Charlotte Wells, starring Paul Mescal, Frankie Corio, Celia Rowlson-Hall
Oscar® Nominee: Best Actor – Paul Mescal

PEARL (2022) – Shape Shifting Promo Card
Directed by Ti West, starring Mia Goth, David Corenswet, Tandi Wright
Toronto Film Festival Award Winner: People’s Choice Award – Midnight Madness

EMPIRE OF LIGHT (2022) – Script, Scarf, Journal
Directed by Sam Mendes, starring Olivia Colman, Michael Ward, Colin Firth
Oscar® Nominee: Best Cinematography – Roger Deakins

THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN (2022) – Script
Directed by Martin McDonagh, starring Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, Kerry Condon
Oscar® Nominee: Best Supporting Actress – Kerry Condon, Best Actor – Colin Farrell, Best Original Score, Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor – Brendan Gleeson, Best Supporting Actor – Barry Keoghan, Best Original Screenplay, Best Editing

CATHERINE CALLED BIRDY (2022) – Script
Directed by Lena Dunham, starring Bella Ramsey, Billie Piper, Andrew Scott
Critics Choice Awards Nominee: Best Young Actor/Actress – Bella Ramsey

TELL IT LIKE A WOMAN (2022) – Sheet Music Autographed by Diane Warren
Directed by Silvia Carobbio, Catherine Hardwicke, Taraji P. Henson, Mipo Oh, Licia Puenzo, Maria Sole Tognazzi, Leena Yadav
Oscar® Nominee: Best Original Song – “Applause” by Diane Warren

TAR (2022) – Vinyl Record – Original Soundtrack
Directed by Todd Field, starring Cate Blanchett, Noémie Merlant, Nina Hoss
Oscar® Nominee: Best Actress – Cate Blanchett, Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, Best Cinematography – Florian Hoffmeister, Best Film Editing – Monika Willi

MY POLICEMAN (2022) – Script, Novel, Journal, Faber-Castell 9000 6-Pencil Tin Set
Directed by Charlotte Wells, starring Paul Mescal, Frankie Corio, Celia Rowlson-Hall
GLAAD Media Awards Winner: Outstanding Film – Limited Release

NANNY (2022) – Script, Children’s Book – Anansi and the Golden Pot, Bath Salts
Directed by Nikyatu Jusu, starring Anna Diop, Michelle Monaghan, Sinqua Walls
Sundance Film Festival Winner: Grand Jury Prize – Dramatic

The Greater Cleveland Film Commission (GCFC) and Carol & Bruce Oppenheim partnered with the Sadler Institute, The Cleveland Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans in Media and Entertainment (VME), and Cleveland Black Film House to host our Production Assistant Workshop exclusively for members of underrepresented communities and military veterans on Saturday, February 4th at Mt. Zion Congregational Church.

Attendees learned how to get their start in the film industry as a Production Assistant (P.A.)! P.A.s are essential support for the cast and crew on a production. This entry-level position is the best place to get a motion picture industry career started.

THANKS TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS, REGISTRATION WAS FREE FOR ALL UNDERREPRESENTED COMMUNITY MEMBERS AND MILITARY VETERANS TO ATTEND.

Workshop Topics Included
•  How to structure your production resumé to stand out
•  Set hierarchy and job descriptions
•  Breakdown of specific Production Assistant responsibilities
•  Principle and background actor coordination
•  Film set terminology, protocols, and etiquette
•  Interpreting industry paperwork
•  How to break down a script
•  Scouting filming locations
•  Walkie-talkie lingo and etiquette
•  Q&A with our experts plus much more!

MEET THE INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS ON OUR PANEL

Tony Evanovich is a Director’s Guild of America (DGA) First Assistant Director, with credits including White Noise, Cherry, The Fate of the Furious, and White Boy Rick. 

Joyce Allen is the Director of Programming for Women In Film & Television (WIFT) and a Travel Coordinator with credits that include White Noise, Judas & The Black Messiah, Alex Cross, and more.

Bill Garvey is the President of the Greater Cleveland Film Commission, and is a former motion picture & television location manager and scout with 26 years of experience. His credits include Judas & The Black Messiah, The Avengers, Queen & Silm, The Fate of the Furious, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Spiderman 2, Law & Order, and more.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our exclusive Production Assistant Workshop on Saturday, January 28, 2023! Led by Cleveland Native and Unit Production Manager / DGA First Assistant Director Mikki Ziska (The Americans, Orange Is The New Black, Elementary, 30 Rock and more), attendees learned how to get their start in the film industry as a Production Assistant (P.A.).

P.A.s are essential support for the cast and crew on a production. This entry-level position is the best place to learn how a film set operates and how to get your career started in this industry.

Workshop Topics Included

• How to structure your production resumé to stand out
• Set hierarchy and job descriptions
• Breakdown of specific Production Assistant responsibilities
• Background actor coordination
• Principle actor coordination
• Film set terminology, protocols, and etiquette
• Interpreting industry paperwork
• How to break down a script
• Scouting filming locations
• Walkie-talkie lingo and etiquette
• Q&A with our experts
• Plus much more!

PANELISTS

Mikki Ziska is a veteran Unit Production Manager and a Directors Guild of America First Assistant Director. The Northeast Ohio native started her career as a Production Assistant and steadily moved up the ranks as a Second Assistant Director and First Assistant Director before becoming a UPM. Her credits include hit shows The Sopranos, Sex and the City, 30 Rock, Law & Order, The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Elementary, Orange is the New Black and The Americans. Her feature film credits include Analyze This and A Beautiful Mind. On her most recent projects, she served as UPM on the feature American Son (starring Kerry Washington) and the series The Politician, (starring Gwyneth Paltrow, Jessica Lange, and Bette Midler), both currently streaming on Netflix.

Bill Garvey, President of the Greater Cleveland Film Commission, is a former motion picture & television location manager and scout with 26 years of experience. He recently won the Location Managers Guild International Award for best period location management for his work on the academy award-winning Judas & the Black Messiah (Warner Bros, starring Daniel Kaluuya). His credits include White Noise (Netflix, starring Adam Driver), Hillbilly Elegy (Netflix, starring Amy Adams & Glenn Close), Fast & Furious 8: Fate of the Furious (Universal Pictures, starring Vin Diesel & The Rock), Captain America: The Winter Soldier (Marvel Studios, starring Chris Evans), The Avengers (Marvel Studios, starring Robert Downey Jr), and over 30 other feature films, over a dozen TV Shows, and dozens of national & local TV Commercials.

Mike Wendt is an award-winning director, producer, and location manager/scout. He currently is the Production Coordinator for the GCFC. His credits includeCaptain America: The Winter Soldier, Fate of the Furious, My Friend Dahmer, and White Boy Rick. His first feature-length documentary The End Of The World As We Knew It was a selection of the 33rd Cleveland International Film Festival and his short film Goodbye, Ohio played numerous film festivals.

Thank you for joining us!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the last Media Mixer of 2022. Stay tuned for the announcement of our Spring Media Mixer date.

Media Mixers are FREE networking events that allow current and aspiring film professionals to network with each other, learn what’s filming in Northeast Ohio, and what’s new for the GCFC.

Attendees are encouraged to meet new people and talk about upcoming projects and potential opportunities. These events are part of the GCFC’s Workforce Development efforts, always working to make sure our local professionals can network and share ideas about growing the media industry in Northeast Ohio.