Lights, camera, Cleveland! Ohio is ready for its close-up | News 5 Cleveland

More motion picture production business is coming to Ohio than ever before.


SOURCE: News 5 Cleveland | Tiffany Tarpley
March 7, 2024

CLEVELAND — The 96th Academy Awards is fast approaching and it’s one of the most anticipated ceremonies during awards season in Hollywood. While Los Angeles is the capital of film-making, other cities are also hot spots for creatives.

Ohio is growing its share of the entertainment industry pie.

“Part of the reason we exist as a standalone film school is to help grow the creative industry and the film industry here in Cleveland,” Director of the School of Film and Media Arts at Cleveland State University, Cigdem Slankard said.

“In a way this medium-sized city gives us more advantages because we’re so connected with all our partners, getting on the big set for a major motion picture might be more challenging if you go to school in L.A. and New York because simply there’s so many schools there and so many students but here you might have that advantage.”

In a statement to News 5, the President of the Greater Cleveland Film Commission, Bill Garvey, said this year the organization has attracted more motion picture production business than ever before to choose Northeast Ohio as a filming destination.

“In combination with motion picture production applicants from recent previous rounds, GCFC has secured a total combined production budgets of $152,385,587.65 to spend and create jobs in NE Ohio in 2024.”

According to Ohio.gov, “the Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit provides a refundable tax credit of 30% on production cast and crew wages plus other eligible in-state spending. It was created in 2009 to encourage and develop a strong film industry in Ohio.”

The latest productions to be awarded $44 million in tax credits include:

TV Series

  • An Interesting Life Season 2, Southwest Ohio, $432,300
  • WWE 2024Ohio, $1,675,986
  • Nightmare Transmission Season 2Ashland/Columbus, $265,247.40
  • Heartland Horror Chronicles Season 1Crestline, $129,444
  • Christmas on MainAshland, $148,842
  • Kings of VegasCleveland, $105,878.25

Feature Films

  • GenesisCleveland/Cincinnati, $11,091,686.70
  • SuperthiefNortheast Ohio, $5,296,260.30
  • AlarumCincinnati, $5,863,392.30
  • EpiphanyCincinnati, $6,052,988.40
  • Stained GlassSouthwest Ohio, $3,026,255
  • The MarshalSouthwest Ohio, $2,380,988.40
  • Nutcracker’s Mustache, Dayton/Cincinnati, $2,008,106.70
  • The Last of the Big-time PromotersSouthwest Ohio, $985,500
  • Never Quit, The Todd Crandell Story, Toledo, $1,256,153.40
  • Harbor Master, Northeast Ohio, $1,113,364.80
  • Down to the Felt, Columbus, $385,853.70
  • Oscar’s Options, Cincinnati, $823,269.60
  • Slay, Columbus, $519,603.60
  • The Forgotten Chord, Columbus, $115,651.50
  • Heavenly Wickedness, Ashtabula, $110,625
  • Cannonballer, Summit, $148,371
  • Aimless, Columbus, $93,313.50

Garvey said the program will expand by 50% in its next round which is between April 15 and June 1. Applications will be approved in July.

“It’s a very exciting time to be a part of this industry in Ohio right now, not only are we coming out of the most successful round we’ve ever had in attracting business to choose to invest and create jobs in the state of Ohio, we’re about double the program to increase our capacity to attract business, to attract jobs starting July 1 this year,” said Harvey to News 5 Anchor Tiffany Tarpley.

Garvey said it brings more opportunity for the veteran crew already working in the state. “Now we need to grow that area and so we’ve developed a lot of resources, a lot of programming, a lot of workforce development training programs to help with that, to arm local Clevelanders, local Northeast Ohioans with the skill set to take these jobs and these are lucrative jobs.”

Slankard said students in the standalone film school at CSU are well-trained to be prepared for the job market.

“We make sure that everyone leaves the school with employable skills, and those might range from producing, which is very similar to project management, writing, which will get you a job and then more technical skills like lighting [and] editing.”

These 23 movies, shows are being filmed all over Ohio | Yahoo News (WJW)

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:

  • An Interesting Life Season 2, Southwest Ohio, $432,300
  • WWE 2024, Ohio, $1,675,986
  • Nightmare Transmission Season 2, Ashland/Columbus, $265,247.40
  • Heartland Horror Chronicles Season 1, Crestline, $129,444
  • Christmas on Main, Ashland, $148,842
  • Kings of Vegas, Cleveland, $105,878.25
  • Genesis, Cleveland/Cincinnati, $11,091,686.70
  • Superthief, Northeast Ohio, $5,296,260.30
  • Alarum, Cincinnati, $5,863,392.30
  • Epiphany, Cincinnati, $6,052,988.40
  • Stained Glass, Southwest Ohio, $3,026,255
  • The Marshal, Southwest Ohio, $2,380,988.40
  • Nutcracker’s Mustache, Dayton/Cincinnati, $2,008,106.70
  • The Last of the Big-time Promoters, Southwest Ohio, $985,500
  • Never Quit, The Todd Crandell Story, Toledo, $1,256,153.40
  • Harbor Master, Northeast Ohio, $1,113,364.80
  • Down to the Felt, Columbus, $385,853.70
  • Oscar’s Options, Cincinnati, $823,269.60
  • Slay, Columbus, $519,603.60
  • The Forgotten Chord, Columbus, $115,651.50
  • Heavenly Wickedness, Ashtabula, $110,625
  • Cannonballer, Summit, $148,371
  • Aimless, Columbus, $93,313.50

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.

Ohio announces $44 million in tax credits for movies and TV shows filming throughout the state: Here’s a list of the productions | WKYC 3 Studios

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.

 

 

Ohio awards $44 million in tax credits for film, TV projects

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 of the Greater Cleveland Film Commission screens his favorite local nosh: 5 for Friday | Cleveland.com

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.

Best Places to Live and Work as a MovieMaker, 2024 | MovieMaker Magazine

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


SOURCE: MovieMaker Magazine | Deirdre McCarrick, Tim Molloy, & Margeaux Sippell
January 18, 2024

This list isn’t about obvious choices. It’s about helping you make the best decisions for you — about the best places to live and work as a moviemaker.

Generally speaking, the best and most obvious places for filmmakers to live and work are Los Angeles and New York City. This is so obvious that years ago, we moved them to our Best Places Hall of Fame. We don’t feel like we even need to tell you how terrific they are in terms of their huge film and TV industry presence, endless networking opportunities, and full-hearted embrace of cinematic culture.

To that end, make sure your new home has a thriving film scene, in terms of festivals and tax incentives and truly indie, DIY filmmaking. Make friends. Make things. Do favors. Collect favors. Help shoot a friend’s short film one weekend so that they’ll help shoot yours next month.

 

 

He Moved From Hollywood To Convert a Small Town Ohio High School Into a Film Production Studio. Will Business Follow? | Cleveland Scene

Mark Opera | Det Chansamone, a 53-year-old visual effects artist from Los Angeles, bought the empty Berkshire High School in Burton to convert into a massive film studio, including a 10,000-square-foot soundstage in the school’s gymnasium. His aim is to finish the full conversion in the next five years or so.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


SOURCE: Cleveland Scene | Mark Opera
November 29, 2023

Thirty miles east of Cleveland, past the horse farms and cornfields off 422, is where Berkshire High School sits relatively quiet, save for the faint buzz of construction inside its gymnasium and the odd UPS driver parked out in front.

In the next five years, the scenery is fit to change. By the end of the decade, that red brick, century-old building on the fringe of Burton could be one of the most active film studios in Northeast Ohio.

 

 

6 new films made in Northeast Ohio premiere thanks to Cleveland Indie Film Incubator | WKYC

CLEVELAND INDIE FILM INCUBATOR

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


SOURCE: WKYC 3 STUDIOS | Chris Webb
November 28, 2023

CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Indie Film Incubator is a program thrown by Cleveland Camera Rental that allows local filmmakers from all backgrounds to turn their ideas into movies.

This year, out of many submissions, six filmmakers of different backgrounds and experience levels were chosen to bring their stories to life: Amanda Bergeman, Payton Burkhammer, Matthew Hribar, Joyce Kostakis, Madison Ledyard-King and Nate Shively.

 

 

New Ownership for ‘A Christmas Story’ house, museum complex in Tremont | Cleveland.com

The Christmas Story House, recently offered for sale, is one of the highlights in the Google webpage devoted to Cleveland arts and culture.Courtesy Google, Marie-Isabella Rogers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


SOURCE: Cleveland.com | Peter Chakerian, cleveland.com
November 28, 2023

CLEVELAND, Ohio– The longtime owner of A Christmas Story House and Museum has announced a change in ownership. Brian Jones, the former owner, announced the change in a post to the tourist destination website.

Joshua Dickerson, the current house and museum CEO is “taking an equity stake in the company and will become its Managing Partner,” according to Jones’ statement.

A native Clevelander, Dickerson has “been with the company for almost 16 years having assisted friends and family in their jobs at the company before being hired himself as a warehouse employee.”

 

 

A new film highlights Ohio’s historic football firsts | Ideastream

Triangle Park Movie | “Triangle Park” takes audiences back to the early 20th century to explore the beginnings of professional football.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


SOURCE: Ideastream | Kendall Crawford
November 22, 2023

Playgrounds and picnic tables dot Triangle Park in Dayton. The unassuming green space is similar to any number of parks in the city and across Ohio: a field of trees, a gravel path, plenty of grass to play on. But Triangle Park played a key role in America’s most popular sport.

In 1920, the Ohio site was home to the first-ever NFL game. A new documentary “Triangle Park” tells the story of the historic face-off between the Dayton Triangles and the Columbus Panhandles. It’s just one of many football firsts that the state can take pride in, said filmmaker Allen Farst.