Director of the Ohio Department of Development Lisa Patt-McDaniel today announced nearly $7 million in motion picture tax credits that are being made available to four Ohio movie productions to encourage companies to utilize Ohio’s assets for their films.
“Ohio is already seeing an economic boost from the production of these films,” said Patt-McDaniel. “Ohioans are getting a chance to be part of the motion picture industry and generate income for their families. Production crews are also utilizing restaurants, hotels, and other businesses in several Ohio communities.”
The tax credits provide positive incentives to make movies in the State of Ohio, which create employment opportunities and generate revenue for the communities serving as film sets.
“The interest in filming in Ohio has grown exponentially in the past few months due in large part to the new Motion Picture Tax Credit program,” said Jeremy Henthorn, Director of the Ohio Film Office. “With more production companies actively preparing film tax credit applications, this year will be a busy one for
Ohio vendors and citizens.”
The productions include “Unstoppable,” a large budget blockbuster from Twentieth Century Fox starring Denzel Washington, with the premise of an unmanned runaway train carrying toxic chemicals about to derail near a town. The film was shot during the months of November and December in several eastern and southeastern Ohio locations. Twentieth Century Fox extended the number of shooting days in Ohio due to the newly enacted Motion Picture Tax Credit program.
There are also three independent films in the works from Cleveland-based company, Nehst Studios. The films receiving tax credits are “The Kid Who Only Hit Homers,” a movie based on a set of popular children’s books; the horror sequel “Strangeland 2”; and a Vivica A. Fox project called “Cleopatra Smiles.” All the independent films will be shot in Cuyahoga County.
In total, the four movies are expected to employ nearly 3,000 Ohioans as part of the production crews and extras. The films are also estimated to bring roughly $25 million in economic activity to the state.
In order to be eligible for the tax credit, the production companies must show reviewable progress to the Ohio Film Office within 90 days of receiving the notification letter. In addition, they will only receive the tax credit upon the completion of production.
The Ohio Film Office, housed within the Ohio Department of Development, administers the film tax credits, which are made possible through legislation passed by the Ohio General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Ted Strickland on July 17, 2009. A total of $30 million in tax credits are available for interested production companies in FY 2010-2011.
For more information visit www.discoverohiofilm.com.
Working with our partners across business, state and local governments, academia, and the nonprofit sector, the Ohio Department of Development works to attract, create, grow, and retain businesses through competitive incentives and targeted investments. Engaged every day in marketing, innovating, investing, and collaborating, the Ohio Department of Development works at the speed of business to accelerate and support the teamwork that is absolutely necessary for success by providing financial, informational, and technical assistance to those making an investment in Ohio’s future.
