(COLUMBUS, Ohio) – The Ohio Department of Development today announced more than $2.8 million in tax credits to support four feature film projects, one Broadway theatrical production, and one television series taking place across the state.

The awards will be issued through the Motion Picture Tax Credit Program, which provides a refundable tax credit of 30 percent on production cast and crew wages and other eligible in-state spending for qualifying productions — including feature-length films, documentaries, and miniseries.

The projects are expected to create 32 new jobs and more than $4.7 million in total payroll, with an estimated economic impact of more than $85.2 million.

Projects being awarded are:

Broadway Theatrical Production

• The Lion King – Rafiki Tour, Cleveland, $1,757,070

Feature Films

• Beneath the Rust, East Liverpool, $353,800.50
• Deeper, Ashtabula, $127,378.20
• Fonk, Cleveland, $200,280
• Holly Jolly Christmas, Canton, $119,883.30

Television Series

• AEW 2025-26 Productions, Cleveland, $266,820

Applications are reviewed and awarded on a rolling basis year-round. Each fiscal year will have a $50 million allocation plus any roll-over amounts, with $5 million each year being designated specifically for Broadway/theatrical productions.

The Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit was created in 2009 to encourage and develop a strong film industry in Ohio. The application and additional program information can be found at development.ohio.gov/film.

The Ohio Department of Development empowers communities to succeed by investing in Ohio’s people, places, and businesses. Learn more about our work at development.ohio.gov.