Why Film in Cleveland?

From diverse architecture and landscapes to an experienced crew base and low cost of production, Ohio offers a vast range of incentives for your next production.

When you can make a movie anywhere, what makes Cleveland, Ohio GREATER?

• 30% tax rebate + $50 million current cap, including above and below-the-line, no minimum shoot days required, and no individual payroll cap
• Rolling applications 
• Low cost of production, and an experienced local crew
• Flat to mountainous topography, architecture ranging from the 1800s to modern, and a Great Lake, all in a 30-mile radius

Since 2007, over 300 productions have filmed in Ohio: commercials, documentaries, independent and studio feature films, music videos, public service announcements, photo shoots, television shows, video games, and web series.

We are ready to serve as your one-stop shop and to connect you with everything you'll need to capture your project in Northeast Ohio.

We understand your production

Cutting Costs

• 41% less expensive than LA and 50% less than NYC
• Affordable locations and low to fee-free permits
• No bed tax incurred after a 30-day consecutive stay

One-stop Shop

• Greater Cleveland Film Commission is your single resource to assist with everything from applying for the tax credit and obtaining permits to sourcing film locations, crew, and vendors

Quality Crew & Talent

• Cleveland has the largest theater district outside of NYC and a long history of theater and film.
• Our experienced veteran crew has worked on over 300 productions in the past 16 years.
• As the 7th most populous state in the country, Ohio provides a talented pool of actors ready to take on a starring or day-player role, and a vast pool of background actors
• The region's growing network of top film program graduates from programs like CSU's School of Film & Media Arts and Tri-C's Film Academy adds to a skilled, production-ready local crew base.
• Warner Bros. was founded in Ohio in 1903.

Diverse Locations - Northeast Ohio is a chameleon

• Flat as Kansas farmland 30 mins west of Cleveland, foothills of Appalachian Mountains 1 hour east of Cleveland, Lake Erie as a more controllable version of the Atlantic Ocean
• A range of period architecture that has played as NYC, Washington DC, Chicago, Detroit, Boston, Stuttgart Germany, and more.
• Urban, suburban and rural communities
• Deep forests and majestic bodies of water
• Industrial town squares and innovative city blocks
• Culturally-diverse & eclectic neighborhoods
• Rolling hills and farmland

Film-Friendly

• More professional. Less jaded. We hear it all the time. Ohio government, businesses and citizens wlecome filming and are ready to support you.

Four Seasons

• If your production falls between seasons, you can maximize your production value. No added special effects or set alterations needed.

Attractions and Entertainment - Work Hard, Play Hard

• Professional sports teams, including the 2016 NBA Champion Cleveland Cavaliers
• World-renowned orchestras and museums
• Antique shopping
• Amusement parks
• Eclectic and diverse neighborhoods to explore
• Country getaways and island escapes
• Culinary destinations
• Wine Country

Accommodations and Travel

• Luxury and boutique hotels, and bed & breakfasts
• Major airports with commercial hubs and international service
• Commercial hub