Ohio

Ohio governor announced $36.7 million in tax credits to boost entertainment industry

Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, along with Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik, announced a significant boost to the state’s entertainment industry earlier this week. A total of $36.7 million in state tax credits will be distributed among 17 theatrical, television, and film production projects. These credits are part of the Motion Picture Tax Credit Program aimed at fostering a robust film industry in Ohio.

Diverse Projects and Economic Impact

The tax credits will support a diverse range of productions, including 14 feature films, a television mini-series, a television series, and a Broadway/theatrical production. These projects are projected to create approximately 500 new jobs and generate nearly $122 million in eligible production expenditures and $150 million in total production expenses.

“Ohio is an ideal location for entertainment production; we offer big city backdrops, small town appeal, and everything in between,” said Governor DeWine. “We’re happy to welcome these productions – and the economic impact they’ll bring – to Ohio.”

Sundance Recognition and Future Prospects

Ohio’s appeal as a filming destination was highlighted earlier this month when the Sundance Film Festival announced Cincinnati as a final contender to host the festival once its contract with Park City, Utah, expires. This recognition underscores Ohio’s growing reputation in the entertainment industry.

“Both Cincinnati and Ohio pride ourselves on being a world-class destination where movies are made and celebrated,” said Governor DeWine. “And whatever the entertainment is—creative, cultural, or sports—Cincinnati is known for being a city that knows how to do big things. We love to roll out the red carpet and will do the same for a festival as iconic as Sundance.”

Supporting a Variety of Productions

The Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit Program was established in 2009 to encourage the development of a strong film industry in the state. Since 2016, the program has supported 138 projects, and this year marks the first time a Broadway show has received support from the program.

“From the stage to the studio to Main Street, you never know where you’ll find the next great production underway in Ohio. It’s what makes us the Heart of Creativity!” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development. “The recipients of these motion picture tax credits will support local economies, bringing jobs to the state and showcasing Ohio’s great communities.”

List of Supported Projects

Among the projects receiving support are:

Broadway/Theatrical Productions

  • Tina, The Tina Turner Musical, Springfield/Northeast Ohio, $454,785.90

TV Series

  • AEW 2024-2025 Productions, Cleveland/TBD, $1,275,000
  • Columbus Quartet (Mini-series), Central Ohio, $3,369,019.80

Feature Films

  • Breaking Up with Mom and Dad, Cincinnati, $6,117,813
  • Carousel, Northeast, $354,726.30
  • Epiphany, Cincinnati, $10,749,914.70
  • Furever Home, Southwest, $1,053,879.60
  • Help Me, Hamilton/Cincinnati, $403,744.20
  • Kickin’ It, Cleveland, $1,244,955
  • My Mother the Madam, Columbus, $101,448.30
  • Privilege, Northeast, $1,045,101.90
  • Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries, Sugarcreek, $169,329.90
  • Syndicate, Cleveland, $4,683,066.38
  • The Bulldogs, Central/Northeast, $170,419.20
  • The Last December, Toledo, $1,354,156.50
  • The Mastermind, Cincinnati, $4,053,423
  • Water’s Edge, Southwest, $113,100

Promoting Ohio’s Creative Economy

The Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit Program offers a refundable tax credit of 30 percent on production cast and crew wages and other in-state spending for eligible productions. This includes feature-length films, documentaries, Broadway and pre-Broadway productions, miniseries, video games, and music videos. More information about the program can be found at development.ohio.gov/film.

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