Congratulations to the film formerly known as “Untitled Detroit City Project,” which wrapped its Cleveland shoot last week. Thank you to all the local cast and crew that worked so hard on this film, and continue to set an example for what production professionals should be. Also, thanks to every business and location that worked with the production for ensuring such a smooth process.
Clevelanders will have to wait a little while to see the fruits of all of this hard work, however, as “White Boy Rick” is currently slated for a January 2018 release.
As was the case his entire time in Cleveland, star Matthew McConaughey made his way sightseeing throughout Northeast Ohio and beyond, even stopping to take in some of this sports-crazed city’s finest:
Matthew McConaughey attends Game 4 at The Q
Matthew McConaughey stops by Cavs team dinner at Kevin Love’s house
Matthew McConaughey, sons catch Cleveland Indians game at Progressive Field
Here’s where Matthew McConaughey has been spotted while filming “White Boy Rick” in Northeast Ohio
Thank you, Cleveland! The Greater Cleveland Film Commission brought you “American Ninja Warrior”, and you turned out in droves to support the taping in Public Square and experience the NBC FanFest!
For several days, Public Square turned into Ninja Central as the most intense obstacle course yet was constructed on the Superior Avenue portion of the square. The tapings were filled with hundreds of excited fans, who screamed their hearts out supporting these daring men and women who took on the insane physical challenge.
Most importantly, the city of Cleveland looked beautiful. Whether it was the perfectly lit Terminal Tower, or the Goodyear Blimp shots of our new Public Square, every shot made our city look as special as we know it to be.
We’re proud to have been a part of bringing this fun experience and spotlight to Cleveland!
The Greater Cleveland Film Commission (GCFC) congratulates Frederic Lahey on his selection as the inaugural Director of the Cleveland State University (CSU) School of Film, Television and Interactive Media. The process to choose the Director was long and thorough, involving officials from CSU as well as GCFC President Ivan Schwarz.
“Director Lahey is the right person for the job,” said President Schwarz. “Having worked extensively in production, while also leading the Colorado Film School to a position of prominence, he possesses the right mix of academic and industry experience that will start CSU’s program on the right track. We look forward to having a close relationship with Director Lahey and the school as we continue to grow this industry in Cleveland.”
GCFC’s advocacy efforts led to the state of Ohio awarding $7.5 million to CSU last spring to build the first standalone film school in Ohio history. GCFC will continue its efforts to increase the Ohio Motion Picture Tax Incentive, which will not only attract more and larger productions, but bring more jobs and economic impact to the region, and allow for critical production infrastructure like sound stages and production offices
We look back at movies that #FilmedInCLE and what some of the people involved are doing now.
ANTWONE FISHER, Writer/Co-Producer
A Cleveland native, Fisher’s screenplay, based on his memoir “Finding Fish,” tells the story of Fisher as a young man in the Navy and his struggle to master his temperamental nature, address past abuse as a foster child, and find his true family. He continues to write, produce and direct, and in 2003 was awarded an honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from Cleveland State University.
DEREK LUKE, “Antwone Fisher”
Luke was told to audition for the film by Fisher himself (having gotten to know him while Fisher was a security guard on the Sony Pictures lot), and it proved a breakout role for the young talent. He has gone on to roles in numerous films and television series including “Friday Night Lights,” “Miracle at St. Anna,” “The Americans,” and “Notorious.” He most recently appeared in the acclaimed Netflix series “13 Reasons Why.”
DENZEL WASHINGTON, Director, “Dr. Jerome Davenport”
Washington’s directorial debut was met with critical acclaim. The late Roger Ebert said of it: “A film that begins with the everyday lives of naval personnel in San Diego and ends with scenes so true and heartbreaking that tears welled up in my eyes both times I saw the film.” His most recently directed work, “Fences,” was nominated for four Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Supporting Actor for Denzel himself, and an Oscar win for Viola Davis for Best Supporting Actress.
Crain’s Cleveland Business recently published their new list of “Who’s Who in Northeast Ohio 2017,” which includes none other than our own GCFC President Ivan Schwarz!
“It’s an honor to be recognized along with so many other talented and passionate people who are all doing their part to continue this city and this region’s renaissance,” said President Schwarz. “I will continue to do my part, by bringing jobs and economic impact to Northeast Ohio through media production.”
Also included in the list are GCFC Board Members David Gilbert (Destination Cleveland, Greater Cleveland Sports Commission) and Marcie Goodman (Cleveland International Film Festival), as well as Cleveland State University President Ronald Berkman, with whom Ivan has been collaborating this year to build and staff the new School of Film, Television, and Interactive Media set to open this fall.
Check out the entire list here!
On Tuesday, April 25th, in concert with Cleveland Institute of Art’s annual Spring Show, GCFC co-hosted a mixer for animation and interactive media students, faculty, visiting guests from the industry, as well as many local professionals who work in animation and game development.
It was a great turnout, and it was really special seeing students and local professionals networking and exchanging ideas as we continue to build Northeast Ohio’s media industry in every way possible.
You can look at some additional pictures from the event HERE.
Check out this great piece on two graduates of Tri-C’s Film Crew Training Workshop, Brian Bowles and Stephanie Chrin, who earned their certificates early this year!
We’re proud to be partners with Tri-C, and to have helped them develop the curriculum for these programs, intended to give students the insight and skill necessary to step onto a film set and contribute right away.
Our Production Assistant Workshop will aim to do just that, and if you’re unable to attend, Tri-C will hold another workshop in January 2018.
We look back at movies that #FilmedInCLE and what some of the people involved are doing now.
JOSS WHEDON, Director – The creator of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Firefly” was helming only his second feature film, but his knack for snappy dialogue and meaningful character moments was on display throughout “The Avengers.” Recently, Whedon shocked Marvel fanboys by jumping to DC to write and direct a “Batgirl” film for Warner Bros.
TOM HIDDLESTON, “Loki” – Hiddleston’s second turn as the trickster god of Asgard and half-brother of Thor solidified his star status. In the years since, he’s played Hank Williams, survived a break-up with Taylor Swift (#Hiddleswift), gone up against King Kong and will next reprise his role as Loki in “Thor: Ragnarok” this fall.
ASHLEY JOHNSON, “Waitress” – While the former child star and Whedon favorite’s role as a waitress who has a moment with Captain America was largely cut from the movie, save for a couple quick hits during the battle in New York (East Ninth Street), Ashley Johnson went on to lend her voice to the now iconic heroine “Ellie” in the critically-acclaimed smash hit Playstation game “The Last of Us.” She will reprise that role in the hotly anticipated sequel, which should release in 2018.
Dear Friend of GCFC,
Five years ago, Marvel’s “The Avengers” premiered and became the fifth highest grossing motion picture of all time.
As many of you know, it was filmed in large part right here in Cleveland and surrounding areas. However, some might not know exactly how that all came about.
In early Spring 2011, the film was set to shoot in Detroit, where Michigan’s film incentive and soundstages were already doing huge business. However, the Governor of Michigan had made a statement in which he discussed putting a hold on their state’s film incentive.
Not long after that, I received a call from the producers of “The Avengers.” The Governor’s statement was a concern, as was the sudden uncertainty over their tax incentive. They asked me if I could get on a plane to meet with Marvel in L.A.
I was on the next flight.
The next day I met with Marvel and Disney executives and assured them Cleveland was up to the task of filming one of the biggest and most anticipated movies of all time. I then met with officials from the state to make sure their incentive money would be approved, and with county and city officials in Cleveland to talk about the logistics of shooting a blockbuster.
Whether it was closing down East Ninth Street for a month to film explosions and alien invasions, or turning Public Square into Stuttgart, Germany, Cleveland and its residents stepped up in a big way for their city’s star turn.
We are proud to have been the catalyst for the Ohio Motion Picture Tax Incentive, which allowed us to bring this piece of movie history to Cleveland and work every day to bring to town more media productions, and with them more jobs and economic impact.
Happy Fifth Anniversary to “The Avengers,” and thanks to all of you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Ivan Schwarz
President, Greater Cleveland Film Commission
