Wednesday, October 28, 2026
GCFC
CLEVELAND, OH — For decades, WKYC anchor Betsy Kling has brought Northeast Ohio stories to life, connecting viewers to the people, places, and defining moments that shape the region. On Friday, November 6, she’ll bring that passion for storytelling to the stage as moderator of an evening with award-winning Hollywood biographer Scott Eyman, exploring the unexpected Ohio connections that built the motion picture industry.
The Greater Cleveland Film Commission (GCFC) will host Behind the Camera: The Golden WellsAge of Hollywood at the Western Reserve Historical Society's Cleveland History Center. The annual fundraiser will bring Kling and Eyman together for an evening exploring the legendary Ohioans both in front of and behind the camera.
From the birth of the Warner Brothers’ Company in Youngstown to silver-screen stars like Clark Gable, Doris Day, Bob Hope, Roy Rogers, Dean Martin, and many more, the evening will explore how Ohio has been a part of Hollywood since the beginning.
Eyman is a New York Times bestselling biographer, Pulitzer Prize finalist and National Society of Film Critics Award winner. His acclaimed books chronicle Hollywood icons including John Wayne, Joan Crawford, Cary Grant, Charlie Chaplin, Cecil B. DeMille, John Ford and Louis B. Mayer. Eyman has spent his career documenting the people and stories that shaped the film industry, serving as a frequent guest on Turner Classic Movies and at the TCM Film Festival.
Together, Kling and Eyman will offer audiences an opportunity to explore Hollywood history through both a national and a distinctly Ohio lens.
The event offers more than a conversation about the silver screen. Guests will enjoy after-hours access to the Western Reserve Historical Society's museum exhibits, including Hollywood on the Cuyahoga: Northeast Ohio and the Movies.
The evening also includes heavy hors d'oeuvres, drinks and a raffle featuring an exciting selection of prizes. Additional raffle tickets will be available for purchase at the event.
VIP guests can arrive early for a 6 p.m. cocktail hour and meet-and-greet with Eyman. General admission begins at 7 p.m., followed by the moderated panel at 8 p.m.
Whether they are lifelong classic-film fans, history enthusiasts or simply looking for a distinctive night out, attendees can experience the stories behind Hollywood's legends while exploring the region's own cinematic legacy.
Behind the Camera is also an investment in the next generation of local film and television talent. Proceeds benefit GCFC's Reel Education, Real Jobs, For All workforce training programs, which engage aspiring current and talent, prepare people for industry opportunities and connect them with career pathways.
As GCFC works to attract film and television production to Northeast Ohio, community support helps build on the region's historic connections to filmmaking and create opportunities for local residents and businesses.
What: Behind the Camera: The Golden Age of Hollywood with Film Biographer Scott Eyman
When: Friday, November 6, 2026
6 p.m. VIP cocktail hour and meet-and-greet with Scott Eyman
7 p.m. General admission entry
8 p.m. Behind the Camera panel
Where: Western Reserve Historical Society - Cleveland History Center, 10825 East Boulevard, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
Tickets:
General Admission: $75. Includes admission to the panel, after-hours museum access, one drink ticket, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and free parking.
VIP: $125. Includes the VIP cocktail hour, meet-and-greet with Scott Eyman, after-hours museum access, two drink tickets, heavy hors d’oeuvres, one raffle ticket and free parking.
Additional raffle tickets will be available for purchase at the event.
Tickets are available to the public at https://www.clevelandfilm.com/btcnov2026
Behind the Camera is presented by Sequoia Financial Group
Mogul Sponsor: Kohrman, Jackson & Krantz
Studio Sponsors: Options Naturopathic, RPM International, Richik Sarkar, Sarah & Alan Melamed, and Sue Ann Philippbar & Jason Erdie
Star Sponsor: Lisa & Paul Federico
Additional Support: Carol & Bruce Oppenheim
Hosting Partner: Western Reserve Historical Society
Transportation Partner: United Airlines
Hospitality Partner: The Ritz-Carlton, Cleveland