SOURCE: Cleveland Browns | Nathan Zegura
April 25, 2024
Nathan Zegura sits down with “Draft Day” actor Denis Leary and Bill Garvey, President of the Cleveland Film Commission, to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the film. Denis reflects on his memories and experience filming with the Browns in Berea.
Cameras are rolling again in the Slavic Village neighborhood for the film “Stickshift.” The plot is about a reformed getaway driver getting pulled back in for one last job.
SOURCE: News 5 Cleveland | Damon Maloney
April 24, 2024
CLEVELAND — Cleveland has seen its fair share of movies shot in the city over the years. Big-time films, including “White Boy Rick,” “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” “Judas and The Black Messiah” and “The Avengers,” found something special about the area.
Cameras are rolling again in the Slavic Village neighborhood for the film “Stickshift.” According to local casting director Lillian Pyles, the plot is about a reformed getaway driver getting pulled back in for one last job to save the life of her always-in-trouble ex, who is indebted to their former boss.
Wednesday morning, a rigged car was speeding through the street as crews filmed.
Noni Johnson lives in the area and didn’t know a movie was being filmed at first.
“See any stars yet?” asked News 5’s Damon Maloney.
“No I ain’t seen no stars. I’ve seen actors. You can tell they’re actors, but I didn’t see no stars,” Johnson said.
But there were still plenty of sights to see and sounds to hear.
“We knew they were doing it in the area, but not exactly where until like last week,” said Brian Williams, who works near where the action was taking place.
Williams isn’t sweating the street closures or the production team’s big rigs parked in the neighborhood.
He sees the filming as an opportunity to show the world that Cleveland is open for business.
“Cleveland is a good city… is not the mistake on a lake,” Williams said. “If anything it’s the great place on the lake to be.”
Williams also has a personal link to what’s being created for a streaming audience on Disney-owned Hulu.
“The restaurant across the street that they’re shooting at is actually my cousin’s restaurant.”
Williams said husband and wife Dontay and Tangee Sims own Marsha’s Soul Food Café.
Bill Garvey, president of the Greater Cleveland Film Commission, said Ohio’s Motion Picture Tax Credit, created in 2009, drives filmmakers to do business in our state.
“This is a growing industry,” Garvey said. “Obviously everybody’s talking about streaming, theatrical… it’s all growing and the appetite for content is there.”
The tax credit awards $50 million yearly for the filming of TV series and feature films.
Garvey said the program has generated $1.38 billion in economic output in Ohio, with Northeast Ohio getting 60% to 70% of the work.
He said Northeast Ohio is a draw for several reasons.
“We have this rich history of architecture that looks great, but then it’s also you know something that isn’t overshot,” Garvey said.
This year, he said the film commission has secured a $147 million total production budget to choose Northeast Ohio.
“It means a lot of spending for Northeast Ohio. And that money goes out into the community. It gives opportunity to locals to take those jobs. There’s hundreds of jobs that are behind that camera wherever they’re filming.”
Williams looks forward to seeing the movie once it’s finished.
“Now that you’ve seen behind the scenes… is that going to ruin your movie experience when you watch it?” Maloney asked.
“No. Nope. Not at all,” Williams said. “It makes me want to see it more now.”
Credit: Vadim – stock.adobe.com
SOURCE: WKYC 3 STUDIOS | Ryan Haidet
April 23, 2024
CLEVELAND – Lights! Camera! Action!
The “Genesis” production, which is rumored to be the new Superman movie directed by James Gunn, is set to shoot in Cleveland this summer – and now we’re learning more about the filming dates and casting information for extras.
In details released Tuesday morning, Angela Boehm Casting says Cleveland “shoot dates” are scheduled for June 17 – July 16. Filming is also expected in Cincinnati from July 17-18.
Credit: Moody Nolan
SOURCE: WKYC 3 STUDIOS | Dave DeNatale
April 19. 2024
CLEVELAND — In the near future, when you “look up at the sky” in downtown Cleveland, you may actually see Superman!
On Friday, the Cleveland Planning Commission approved a proposal to create the Siegel and Shuster Tribute Plaza at the southwest corner of the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland at Ontario Street and St. Clair Avenue.
Kickin’ It is the film adaptation of the true life story of Caden Cox, the young man who overcame widespread obstacles and stigmas to become the first person with Down syndrome to play and score in a college football game.
SOURCE: Fox 8 | EIN Presswire
April 16, 2024
CLEVELAND, OHIO, USA, April 16, 2024 /EINPresswire.com/ — The inspirational true story of Caden Cox will soon be brought to the big screen. Caden overcame widespread obstacles and stigmas to become the first person with Down syndrome to play and score in a college football game. His unwavering determination and love for the game are showcased in Kickin’ It, the film adaptation of Caden Cox’s true-life story and his incredible achievement.
“Caden is a remarkable young man, and his story needed to be told,” said Jay Paul Deratany, a Chicago-based attorney who is also a playwright and screenwriter. “I was thrilled to write the screenplay for Kickin’ It and share Caden’s journey and tremendous accomplishment,” he added. “Despite his disability and the many naysayers, Caden persevered and followed his dream to play college football. Not only did he play, but he became an extra point kicker with an almost perfect record. He’s a true champion in my eyes.”
More motion picture production business is coming to Ohio than ever before.
SOURCE: Yahoo News (WJW) | Celeste Hormard
February 17, 2024
CLEVELAND (WJW) – The state of Ohio is giving $44 million in tax credits to film TV series and feature films across the state.
The Ohio Department of Development announced earlier this week that $44 million is being awarded through the Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit Program.
“Investing in these productions fuels the vibrant creativity that’s alive in Ohio’s communities and serves as a powerful catalyst for economic growth,” Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik said in a press release. “These projects celebrate and showcase our diverse landscapes, generate jobs, stimulate local businesses, and create a lasting legacy for the arts in Ohio.”
The tax credits are going to 23 different productions, which are expected to create 530 full-time jobs, according to the release.
TV series and feature films being awarded include:
The project costs total nearly $503 million in production expenses and $146.7 million in total eligible production expenses.
The Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit was created in 2009 to encourage and develop a strong film industry in Ohio, according to the release. The program provides a tax credit of 30% on production cast and crew wages and other in-state spending for eligible productions.
WKYC 3 Studios
SOURCE: WKYC 3 STUDIOS | Ryan Haidet
February 14, 2024
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Lights! Camera! Action!
Ohio has been home to some major movies throughout the years with Cleveland hosting productions like The Avengers and Captain America: The Winter Soldier in recent years. Other hits like A Christmas Story and The Deer Hunter also came to Northeast Ohio decades ago to bring their films to life.
Now, the Ohio Department of Development has announced state support of more than $44 million in tax credits for movies and TV series being filmed across the state.
In this Nov. 7, 2020, file photo, clouds move over the Hollywood sign in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File)
SOURCE: Spectrum News NY 1 | Cody Thompson, Ohio
February 14, 2024
COLUMBUS, Ohio — The state is investing in TV and film projects throughout Ohio via $44 million in tax credits, according to an announcement by the Ohio Department of Development.
The funds come from the Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit Program, which the press release states allows for a 30% tax credit on eligible projects’ staffing and in-state production costs. These projects can include movies and TV series, but also could include “pre-Broadway productions,” music videos and even video games.
Mike Wendt, Production Coordinator of the Greater Cleveland Film Commission. Photo by Brandon Baker.
SOURCE: Cleveland.com | Peter Chakerian, cleveland.com
January 20, 2024
CLEVELAND, Ohio—Growing up in Cleveland in the 1980s, Fridays were all about the PD Friday! Magazine.
I looked forward to it all week, not just because it yielded all the entertainment news fit to print, but because it had all the movie listings.
There was something exhilarating (intoxicating?) about learning what new flicks were playing the nearby multiplex and knowing I’d be taking some of them in.
A couple “city limits” signs away, Mike Wendt was having the exact same experience — albeit on a considerably deeper level. So gripped by film and visual media as a kid, he ended up studying Media Production at the University of Akron and working for a movie theater during his time in college.
More than your average “film fan,” Wendt wanted to be in the thick of it all from behind the camera, behind the screen, behind the scenes. And now he is.
If you’re a Northeast Ohio film buff, Wendt is likely a familiar face to you. On any given night, you’ll find him at an advance screening, special presentation, a regional film festival or at the Cleveland Cinematheque or Nightlight in Akron. Or taking in a flick wherever he can. That’s his business. That’s what he does.
He’s also a director, producer and location manager/scout who currently serves as the Production Coordinator for the Greater Cleveland Film Commission and he has worked on many films, including “Captain America: The Winter Solider,” “Fate of the Furious” and “My Friend Dahmer.”
Wendt’s first feature documentary entitled “The End of The World as We Knew It” examined Cleveland alternative radio station WENZ-FM 107.3 “The End.” It was later selected for the 33rd Cleveland International Film Festival (CIFF).
As part of GCFC, Wendt was a key driver in the 40th Anniversary celebration around “A Christmas Story” that took place late last year. Now that the writers’ and actors’ strikes have concluded, he and his affiliations have a lot of film things percolating.
“I can’t say anything right now,” Wendt laughed. “I know that that doesn’t make for good reading, but there will be more news on those fronts soon. Plus, I’ve been putting the finishing touches on a documentary about filmmaker Robert Banks, which I’m honestly pretty excited about.”
When we caught up with Wendt this week, he was able to speak a little more freely about his favorite area dining favorites. “They’re not ‘super high-class or anything — and not a surprise to anyone who knows me —they’re just good eats. It’s the little things!” he said.
Those picks are “ready for their close-up, Mr. DeMille.” Here they are, in his own words:
Pulled Jamaican Jerk Chicken Nachos at ABC the Tavern: One of my favorites. I love the Caribbean vibe. It sounds strange when you see it on the menu, but they’re so good. There are times when I will absolutely go out of my way to get them on my way home from something. I’ll even call ahead, order them in advance . I have a night where I must do an event or something, I might sneak in there. The pineapple salsa, parsley crème fraiche — it’s like a whole vibe. And I’m all there for it! 1872 W. 25th St., Cleveland. 216-861-3857, abcthetavern.com.
The Pink Hawaiian at Geraci’s Slice Shop (and a Noble Beast nod): Our offices used to be in the WKYC Channel 3 Building, but now we’re in the Leader Building — and that makes a lot of great food walkable. Of all places that are walkable, I’m really enjoying Geraci’s Slice Shop. I just love the ‘80s aesthetic of that place. I kind of have this longing for nostalgia; anything 80s or 90s, and so when you get your placeholder card and it’s like Arnold Schwarzenegger as “The Terminator” or something, it brings a big, goofy smile to my face. And yes, I love the Pink Hawaiian. Pineapple on pizza. You know, I could have easily put Noble Beast on this list too, for all the time we’ve spent there, when the office was across the street. Love those guys, too! 5th Street Arcades, 603 Prospect Ave. E., Cleveland. 216-202-2775, geracissliceshop.com.
Corned Beef Hash at George’s Kitchen: The other nostalgia spot because I grew up just a few blocks away from it, is George’s Kitchen on Triskett. That place has that vintage ‘80s family restaurant thing going for it. Great home cooking. Been a staple in my family for a long, long time! Big breakfasts and that corned beef hash. Even though I don’t live in that neighborhood anymore, I will go out of my way to visit. Absolutely adore that place, and the fact George still sits at the front and greets you when you come in? That’s the kind of thing you don’t really get much anymore. 13101 Triskett Rd. Cleveland. 216-671-0430, georgeskitchen.food-ts.com.
The Butcher Burger at Butcher & Sprout: We live in Cuyahoga Falls and Front Street is a thing — there’s a few good restaurants there, a lot going on. I’ve got to give a shout out to Butcher & Sprout. It’s a super-nice burger place; I would suggest the Butcher Burger, which has bacon and barbecue sauce on it. [Writer’s note: shocked he didn’t pick the “You’re My Boy, Blue!” burger, a nod to “Old School,” but we’ll let that pass]. Great energy there; we probably go at least once a week. Grass-fed beef, house fries. Good stuff. 1846 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls. 330-801-0009, butcherandsprout.com.
Bourbon Chicken at Kelly’s Cajun Grill in Tower City: OK, last one. Now with this one, , this one is just one of those spots that let’s just say it may not be everybody’s cup of tea, but I absolutely love it. I think it comes from all those years of doing the Cleveland International Film Festival there. It’s “Asian cuisine,” Americanized food-court style, of course — certainly not upscale dining by any measure, but an economical meal that evokes all kinds of nostalgia for me. No judgment! Even just walking into Tower City brings back that whole time period for me. Bourbon Chicken was my go-to. 230 W. Huron Rd. #7244, Cleveland. 216-687-8055, towercitycenter.com/directory-list/kellys-cajun-grill.
If you like food and drink –- and who doesn’t? — we’re breaking new ground with our lively new podcast about dining and drinking in Greater Cleveland. Hosts Josh Duke and Alex Darus crackle with their fun talk about the latest foodie happenings, joined by the most in-the-know experts in town, Marc Bona, Paris Wolfe and Peter Chakerian. It’s called DineDrink C-L-E and you can find it anywhere you download podcasts. Give it a listen and get your mouth watering. For more info, go to cleveland.com/topic/dinedrinkcle.