Meet the Intern: Henry Meaney

Though I have lived in a few different areas of NE Ohio, I’m originally from Euclid, just a half hour from downtown Cleveland. I grew up in the theatre, acting in local productions since I was six years old, which I loved, but as I got older I realized that there was something that I felt was lacking in theatre. It was one night when I was watching Event Horizon that I realized what it was. It was the world that film could create and show to the audience instead of making the audience rely on their imagination, and everything that entailed.

Unfortunately this was the mid-2000s, so there wasn’t really a well-known movie presence (save for A Christmas Story of course), but I remember feeling so excited when my mother took my brothers and I to go see where Spider-Man 3 was being filmed and thinking how cool it would be if this could be a regular thing in Cleveland. As I grew up, I got my Associates Degree at Lakeland Community with the intention of going into business management at Cleveland State, but that all changed when I read the announcement of how there was going to be a film school.

I knew immediately that’s what I really wanted to do, so I signed up and I couldn’t be happier that I did. It’s been inspiring to watch the film industry here grow substantially since the first Avengers and has already been such a rewarding experience learning and working with the equipment and making friends within the program and knowing that they will be film workers as well.

It’s an up and coming time for film in this city, and I can’t wait to put the knowledge and experience that I’ve gained from the film school and from the GCFC back into Cleveland.

– Henry Meaney

Meet the Intern: Cayla Koslen

Originally from Hudson Ohio, I grew up fascinated with movies and TV shows. Every year on my birthday, I would ask for the two disc special edition DVD of that year’s big movie so I could watch all the behind the scenes extras on how the movie was made. The thought of a career in the movie making business seemed like a pipedream, I turned my attention towards another passion of mine, working with animals.

I graduated from Ohio University with my Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences. I began my professional career working at a dog daycare in Columbus while volunteering at a wildlife center. Through that experience I learned that the animal profession was just not for me. However, wanting to explore other options in the science based fields, I moved on to work for the City of Columbus as a health inspector. The job was a perfect fit. Not only did I spend most of each day out of the office, inspecting local restaurants and bars, but I also interacted with new people on a daily basis. But Cleveland was always my home, and I knew I would someday return to it.

While planning our wedding, my then fiancé got the job offer he had been hoping for in Cleveland. We bought a home in Lakewood, Ohio, and were married soon after. Instead of returning to a health department, I chose to stay home and renovate our nearly 100 year old home. Skim coating and painting walls, restoring old hardware, stripping, sanding and re-staining doors as well as window trim and baseboards became my new career. In addition, we rescued our second dog, who has required lots of rehabilitation from prior abuse. Being involved in movies was the last thing I thought could happen. Until May 2018.

A movie started filming across the street from our house, and I volunteered our newly renovated back rooms as a basecamp for some of the actors and our garage as storage for some of the electrical equipment. I began speaking to the crew and actors as often as possible, and learned that there is a growing film industry here in Cleveland. On the movie’s final night of shooting, I was able to watch them film on set from 11:00 pm until they wrapped shooting at 7:30 am. It was then I realized that being in the movie making profession was not a pipedream, but totally possible.

Through this internship I hope to learn everything I can about how movies are made and eventually start a new career on movie sets here in the Land.

– Cayla Koslen

Meet the Intern: Katrina Rudd

I’ve never been a very good artist. I will have some idea of how I want something to look in my head and then when I try to mirror that on paper it comes out totally wrong. I feel like there is some sort of disconnect between my mind and my hand whenever I try to paint or draw. With film, it’s totally different. I have complete control over how my films turn out and I can make them look and sound exactly how I like. When I made my first film last fall, I became hooked on that feeling and I haven’t stopped making films since.

My name is Katrina Rudd and I am a rising Junior at Santa Clara University. I am a double major in Political Science and Communication with a Film Emphasis. My favorite movie is It’s a Wonderful Life and my favorite pastimes include reading yelp reviews, listening to Spotify Discover Playlists, and making Prezis. In 4 days I will be jetting off to Milan, Italy to spend a semester studying, eating pasta, and filming as much as I can. Now that you know a little bit about me, let me tell you about my experience at the Greater Cleveland Film Commission.

Today, is my last day interning at the GCFC and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. I have been helping mostly with the development side of the organization and through doing so I’ve learned a ton. I was able to sit in on meetings, assist in event planning, reach out to members, expand the contact database, and attend networking events. I have been working mostly with Erin Gisel who has been an excellent teacher and is clearly very passionate and knowledgeable about her work here. That was actually one of my favorite parts about interning with the film commission – the staff! I find it really inspiring that each of the staff members cares so much about the work done here. They have fostered a great environment for an intern to walk into. Everyone is very open, friendly, and receptive to questions which I found really encouraging, especially on my first few days.

I was also able to learn a lot about the film industry while interning at the GCFC and the insight and knowledge I have gained about the industry are the reasoning behind some of the choices I’m going to make moving forward in my career. Through my assignments at the commission I was able to work with cast and crew lists for big Hollywood productions, watch workshops and interviews with talented creators, and learn about location scouting and tax incentives.

Moving forward, I don’t know exactly where I’ll end up. I do know that I will be able to use the lessons I have learned at the Greater Cleveland Film Commission for many years to come. I am very grateful for the opportunity to work for such a worthy and important cause and I look forward to seeing all the good that the GCFC will bring to my home town.

Meet the Intern: Carter Kusner

Hey, my name’s Carter Kusner, I am (or was, depending on when you read this) an intern for the Greater Cleveland Film Commission. I’m an incoming student at the School of Visual Arts. I’m going to be studying for a BFA in Film where I’ll be learning the basics of filmmaking for the first two years, and then picking a concentration for my last two years.  At this point I think I’m going to do directing, but we’ll see what happens. Maybe I’ll just quit and become a butcher or something.

Over the last few weeks I was here, I made a promo video for the Film Commission, showcasing films that were shot in Cleveland. Check it out below; I think I did alright.

 

Meet the Intern: Kyle Birch


My name is Kyle Birch, and I have been a Cleveland resident my entire life. I am going into my senior year at Cleveland State University completing a double major in Communication and Film. I have been interested in film and film-making since I was a kid. I grew up with a wild imagination and would dive head first into whatever film I was into. I was always told that film would not make a good career. However, when I went to Cleveland State and learned how much film in Cleveland was growing, I couldn’t help but want to be a part of it. Ever since then, I live and breathe video production.

They are two major factors that really influenced my decision to pursue film-making and video production. When I was growing up, Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy was released. I fell in love with these films and the way I could escape into a whole other world. Similar to how Peter Jackson was influenced by Ray Harryhausen, I was influenced by Jackson with the desire to create my own worlds, characters, and creatures within the magic of film-making. The second major influence was the way watching a film or creating a film can make someone feel. I loved sitting in a theater and having a heartfelt moment, a dramatic moment, or any major event make you feel something—whether it was sadness, anger, fear, laughter, etc. I wanted to be able create these emotions for other people the same way film-makers did for me.

After I graduate, I plan to continue my work as a church and sports videographer. My goal one day is to have a career within the MLB making videos. I also plan to utilize my resources within the Cleveland Film Commission to help me get on film sets whenever Cleveland is hosting one.

The Cleveland Film Commission has taught me a great deal. I learned how much work goes on behind-the-scenes to try to get a film made in Cleveland. The GCFC taught me to always have a film-maker’s eye as well. Everywhere I go, I am subconsciously scouting for a possible location for one of my short films. I also got the opportunity to network with other film-makers in Cleveland setting me up for future work.

Meet the Intern: Madison Van Buren

My name is Madison Van Buren and I’m a bit new to Cleveland. Originally from North Canton, I’d only visit The Land for special events.

When it came time for college, I decided I would study Communications at The Ohio State University. I fell in love with the city of Columbus, but journalism/PR wasn’t exactly my calling. I realized soon enough I needed a profession that was fast-paced and creatively fulfilling; something that could inspire myself and, in turn, inspire others.

Enter: filmmaking.

This revelation led me to the Columbus College of Art & Design, where I now study Cinematic Arts. Through my new school, I found out about the Greater Cleveland Film Commission and all of the amazing work they do for Northeast Ohio.

Madison with fellow GCFC intern Jordan Brown scouting locations around Downtown Cleveland.

In the short time I’ve spent at GCFC thus far, I’ve gained invaluable experience and knowledge about the film industry. I’ve already been offered opportunities I never expected possible with the help of this organization, and for that, I’m entirely grateful.

At GCFC, I’ve been welcomed into a place where curiosity and drive is encouraged, where I can apply the skills I already possess to be of real help. I am most excited to work on summer fundraisers, hopefully providing assistance as a videographer for events. Being at the Greater Cleveland Film Commission and getting to experience the beauty of Cleveland firsthand has already made this summer an unforgettable one.


One of the core pillars of GCFC’s mission is workforce development. Throughout the year, several opportunities are available to high school and college students interested in the media production industry to come work with us and learn not only more about the industry, but also about non-profit organizations and day-to-day office life.

Meet the Intern: Jordan Brown

I’m Jordan, a native Clevelander and rising senior at Tulane University. I am an English major with a concentration in creative writing and a Film Studies minor. I know, I will be writing forever! During high school I wrote a script with my former English teacher and two classmates, yet I had not formally studied film until college.

After a class spent analyzing Wes Anderson’s productions from both an amateur perspective as well as through the lens of his literary inspirations, I knew that this was it. My favorite Wes Anderson films are The Royal Tenenbaums and Rushmore.

Jordan with fellow GCFC Intern Madison Van Buren location scouting east of Downtown Cleveland.

My other all-time picks include Shutter Island, A Cinderella Story, Holes and The Godfather. All have essentially reintroduced me to a childlike experience of magic that cannot otherwise exist in the parameters of everyday life. Movies have instilled within me an an appreciation for my own experience and a feeling of being more deeply connected to the world.

My time with the Greater Cleveland Film Commission has been beyond inspiring. I have especially enjoyed collaborating with the staff, learning script coverage and breakdown as well as completing location scouts. I feel very proud for the opportunity to learn from GCFC’s success in bettering our city.


One of the core pillars of GCFC’s mission is workforce development. Throughout the year, several opportunities are available to high school and college students interested in the media production industry to come work with us and learn not only more about the industry, but also about non-profit organizations and day-to-day office life.

Meet the Intern: Dani Phillips

My name is Dani Phillips, and I am going to be a senior at The Ohio State University. I am majoring in English with a creative writing concentration and minoring in screenwriting and media production and analysis.

TV and film have always been passions of mine, as I view them as fantastic ways to escape into a new world. Some might consider the amount of TV I watch unhealthy, but I call it research. Since I was young, I have had an unremitting desire to tell stories. One day, I hope to combine my passion for film and storytelling by becoming a screenwriter or editor.

I spent last summer working at Chaos Films in Tel Aviv and hope to continue working in the film industry post graduation this May. I am originally from Chicago, but am spending the summer in Cleveland! I feel very privileged to have the opportunity to intern at the Greater Cleveland Film Commission this summer. I have already learned so much about what goes into bringing films to fruition as a result of working here.

I am a huge Marvel fan and find it incredible that both The Avengers and Captain America: The Winter Soldier were filmed in Cleveland. I am team Cap all the way.

Some of my favorite films include Pulp FictionAvatar, and Good Will Hunting. I hope to one day enable others to escape into new and exciting worlds through stories of my own creation.


One of the core pillars of GCFC’s mission is workforce development. Throughout the year, several opportunities are available to high school and college students interested in the media production industry to come work with us and learn not only more about the industry, but also about non-profit organizations and day-to-day office life.

Meet the Intern: Jack McDonough

Jack helping out with Facebook LIVE for our 40th Anniversary of “Animal House” Fundraiser with fellow intern Dani Phillips

My name is Jack McDonough, a rising senior at Kenston High School in Bainbridge, Ohio. I’ve lived in Cleveland for 11 years of my life. The other 6 were spent in Toronto. I’m 17 years old; I’ve been interested in video since I was 12 and in love with it since I was 15. There’s something so magical about being able to tell a story through a camera and it’s something I’ve always wanted to pursue.

I think I became interested in making videos because of YouTube. Guys like Casey Neistat, Nerdwriter, VideoGameDunkey, Marques Brownlee, and David Dobrik all influenced me and got me interested in telling a story. However, they all do it very differently. Casey uses quick cuts and inventive editing to tell each vlog’s narrative. Nerdwriter takes a calm approach to describing the intricacies of movies, books, and pop-culture in a way that you’ve never thought of. Dunkey makes comedy a mainstay in his video game reviews, often times focusing in on one aspect of the gaming industry or a specific developer or company. Marques reviews technology, and with an incredible knowledge of the field and how things work, he is able to explain complex or confusing topics to the viewer with ease. David Dobrik makes 4 minute and 20 second vlogs chronicling his experiences with his friends, whether it’s lighting M80 fireworks while they’re asleep or buying them new cars. Each of these creators produce wildly different content but they all tell their story with purpose and intent.

I firmly believe that story should be held above all else. I’ll take a 720p video with a great story over an 4K video with a bad one. Take a look at someone who got his start on YouTube, and is now a cast member on SNL: Kyle Mooney. His YouTube channel, simply titled, “Kyle,” has over 50 hilarious videos, some of them featuring SNL cast member Beck Bennett. All of them look pretty bad but his character for these sketches trumps any distraction the camera may cause. You’re immediately drawn in by his quirky personality and his interesting voice. He does some of those characters today on SNL in sketches like “The Fight,” “Kyle vs Kanye,” and any sketch where he plays “Bruce Chandling.” His story is what drove him to success, not his gear, which I think is really cool.

I think the future of media is online, where inventive, creative, story-driven content will always have an audience. That’s where I plan on making my career.

I’m very excited about the opportunity to intern at the Greater Cleveland Film Commission. I began here on June 7th, with my first day consisting of getting to know the office and how things work around here, and ended with a scout with Antonio Harper, the Assistant Production Manager, to a local warehouse. It was a really cool opportunity to get a feel for what working here is like!

Over the last few weeks, I’ve done more scouts, various intern assignments around the office, worked on the set of live video productions, and beefed up Reel-Scout a bit. It’s been a lot of fun to work with the people here, who have been so kind and welcoming, and to learn about the industry that I love, right here in Cleveland!

Meet the Intern: Liz Jerse

In my younger years growing up as a Cleveland native, I was constantly reminded by the world that this city was essentially, a dump. To the rest of the country, Cleveland was known for three things: our dying industry, terrible sports teams, and a river we had somehow managed to set on fire thanks to our pollution not once, but two separate times. Despite this, I loved my city. I knew that the people here have a special passion, a certain unspoken unity through our hometown pride unlike anywhere else.

During my later years of middle school, I was lucky enough to witness Cleveland’s rise. Lebron James returned home, creating a chain of events that would lead to a certain renaissance in the city. The Cavs won a championship, the Indians got to the World Series, and the RNC came to Cleveland. Suddenly, all eyes were on our city. The country began to notice what we knew all along: Cleveland is a unique and powerful city on the rise. Along with these accomplishments, the Greater Cleveland Film Commission has become a great benefactor of this success.

It is thanks to GCFC that The Avengers and Captain America: Winter Soldier were partially filmed in Cleveland, pushing into motion a new and unexpected industry of film production in the city. As time has progressed, more filmmakers and production companies are starting to notice Cleveland’s value. Each film made here boosts the economy, creates jobs, and inspires local actors and filmmakers to see advantages in staying in Cleveland to further their success in the film industry. This is all due to the passionate work of the people at GCFC who are truly aiming to make a difference in Cleveland.

I watched Cleveland revitalize from nothing over the course of my life here, and it has been an honor to work with the people who can be attributed to the success of the city.

Over the course of my week here, I’ve learned how to read and break down scripts, scout locations, and work with GCFC’s database which stores potential movie projects and available filming locations. With these tasks I’ve acquired a deeper understanding for pre-production and production occurring off set. I find it fascinating how much is involved in the long process of successfully making a script into a movie. I’ve also gained a sense of what it is like to work in an office. I am extremely lucky to have worked at GCFC for my first office-setting experience.

The Greater Cleveland Film Commission maintains a very welcoming environment in which individuals are encouraged to seek guidance and work collaboratively. The people here work passionately and for the good of the city but with an open mindset, full inclusion, and to guide and educate young adults entering into their career pursuit. This week has been one of the most enlightening opportunities I’ve experienced.

As I plan for my transition to college at Fordham University to study Visual Arts with a Film/Video concentration, I am confident I will be using the skills and advice I’ve acquired here both in school and in my career. I can’t thank the wonderful people at GCFC for providing me such a wonderful opportunity.


One of the core pillars of GCFC’s mission is workforce development. We work with local educators to help students who have a desire to enter a career in media production gain exposure to the industry. Throughout the year, several opportunities are available to students interested in the media production industry to come work with us and learn not only about the industry, but also about non-profit organizations and day-to-day office life. We also host students for limited time shadowing and senior projects, which can last anywhere from one day to one week.