Thursday, October 01, 2026
Greater Cleveland Film Commission
CLEVELAND, OH — The Greater Cleveland Film Commission (GCFC) will host its first annual Talent Connection on Saturday, October 10, bringing current and aspiring actors together with local professionals and organizations that can help them build a career in the film and media industry.
Hosted by the GCFC Associate Board of young professionals, the free, open-house-style event will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at MidTown Collaboration Center, 1974 E. 66th St., Cleveland. Registration is required.
The Talent Connection is designed specifically for actors and those interested in pursuing acting professionally. Attendees will have the opportunity to speak one-on-one with representatives from local talent and casting agencies, acting schools and other industry resources.
The event is designed to answer the practical questions that often come with getting started including where to find training and representation, and what resources are available to actors in Northeast Ohio.
“This event is really about helping actors understand that there are steps they can take right here in Northeast Ohio,” said Lowell Perry, GCFC Chief Diversity Officer, VP Corporate & Community Engagement and SAG-AFTRA actor with credits including Deja Vu, Nashville, and Nothing But the Truth. “As an actor myself, I know that entering this business can be intimidating. Having access to people who can provide information, guidance and resources can make a real difference in helping someone figure out what their next step should be.”
At approximately 11:15 a.m., attendees will hear brief remarks from Perry, professional actor Peter Lawson Jones, and actress and GCFC Associate Board Secretary Hayley Johnson. Jones, a longtime Northeast Ohio actor, has appeared in more than 20 films with credits including A Man Called Otto alongside Tom Hanks, White Boy Rick, Chicago Fire, and most recently the Cleveland-produced feature Last Shop on Walnut. Johnson has heavily been involved in Cleveland’s independent film scene, with her most notable credit playing Nancy in the feature film, Broken, streaming on Prime Video and Tubi.
The event also reflects the GCFC Associate Board's role in helping connect the Film Commission with a new generation of Northeast Ohio professionals.
“The Associate Board is made up of young and mid-level professionals who want to help strengthen Cleveland's film industry and expand awareness of the opportunities that exist here,” said Matt Ferraro, GCFC Associate Board Chair. “The Talent Connection is one way we can bring those resources directly to people who are interested in pursuing a career in this industry and help them make meaningful connections.”
In addition to the talent-focused resources, attendees can learn more about becoming a GCFC Member. GCFC memberships include benefits such as free access to GCFC workshops, invitations to networking events, advance movie screenings and discounts on select industry services. Memberships also directly support GCFC programs that create career pathways for current and aspiring film professionals.
The GCFC Associate Board will also highlight its October raffle and silent auction to help raise funds to support the Film Commission's work and programming.
The first 100 attendees will receive two VIP Tickets to Phoenix Theatres Great Northern Mall, courtesy of GCFC's “A-List” Sponsor. Attendees must be present to receive their tickets.
Light refreshments sponsored by Shannon Ahlstrand Photography and Giant Eagle.
Talent Connection Details
Saturday, October 10, 2026
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
MidTown Collaboration Center
1974 E. 66th St.
Cleveland, OH 44103
Free to attend. Registration required.
https://www.clevelandfilm.com/events/2026/10/10/1st-annual-talent-connection
For more information about Talent Connection and other GCFC programs, visit clevelandfilm.com.
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About Greater Cleveland Film Commission:
The Greater Cleveland Film Commission (GCFC) offers Northeast Ohioans industry-leading training from prominent working professionals, and also provides a one-stop-shop of resources to filmmakers seeking to invest and hire in Northeast Ohio.
Over 300 productions have chosen to film in Ohio in the last 17 years. GCFC’s work generated over $130.9 Million in motion picture production direct spending in Northeast Ohio in the 2024-2025 cycle alone, creating thousands of local crew jobs. GCFC’s work also generated $1.8 million in city income tax revenue and $2.1 million in sales tax revenue from 2024 to 2025, in addition to other local, county, and state income revenue.
GCFC does not receive any compensation or commission from the investment and jobs it brings to Northeast Ohio. We rely on the generous support of local government, corporate and foundation sponsorship, and the support of individuals.
The 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 $1.4 billion in economic impact and created over 7,100 full-time equivalent jobs. Over the last 2 years, nearly 80% of Ohio's film tax incentive spending has occurred in Greater Cleveland thanks to the work of the Greater Cleveland Film Commission.
Visit www.clevelandfilm.com to learn more.