DeWine Announces Over $30 Million for Film Productions

OHIO — Governor Mike DeWine has announced that $36.7 million in state tax credits will support 17 theater, television and film productions in the Buckeye State.

DeWine made the announcement alongside Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development.

The tax credits were awarded through the Motion Picture Tax Credit Program and helped support 14 feature films, one television miniseries and one Broadway/theater production. They are expected to create 500 new jobs, along with nearly $122 million in eligible production expenditures and $150 million in total production costs.

The Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit Program was established in 2009 to develop a strong film industry in Ohio. The program has supported 138 projects since 2016.

“Ohio is an ideal location for entertainment production; we offer big-city backdrops, small-town appeal and everything in between,” DeWine said in a press release. “We are thrilled to welcome these productions — and the economic impact they will have — to Ohio.”

Ohio was recognized by the Sundance Film Festival as a prime location for the entertainment industry. Cincinnati was the last candidate to host the festival after its contract with Park City, Utah, expires.

“Both Cincinnati and Ohio pride themselves on being world-class destinations where films are made and celebrated,” Gov. DeWine said at the time of Sundance’s announcement. “And no matter what the entertainment is — creative, cultural or sports — Cincinnati is known as a city that knows how to do big things. We love rolling out the red carpet and will do the same for a festival as iconic as Sundance.”

“From the stage to the studio to Main Street, you never know where you’ll find the next great production in Ohio. That’s what makes us the Heart of Creativity!” Mihalik said in a press release. “Recipients of these film tax credits will support the local economy, bring jobs to the state and showcase Ohio’s great communities.”

Projects receiving support in this round of the Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit Program include:

Broadway/Theatre Productions

• Tina, the musical by Tina TurnerSpringfield/Northeast Ohio, $454,785.90

TV series

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

Feature films

• Breaking up with mom and dad, Cincinnati, $6,117,813
• CarouselNortheast, $354,726.30
• RevelationCincinnati, $10,749,914.70
• Forever HomeSouthwest, $1,053,879.60
• Help meHamilton/Cincinnati, $403,744.20
• Let’s kickCleveland, $1,244,955
• My mother the ladyColumbus, $101,448.30
• PrivilegeNortheast, $1,045,101.90
• Amish Mysteries of SugarcreekSugar Creek, $169,329.90
• SyndicateCleveland, $4,683,066.38
• The BulldogsCentral/Northeast, $170,419.20
• The last DecemberToledo, $1,354,156.50
• The MastermindCincinnati, $4,053,423
• Water’s edgeSouthwest, $113,100

The program offers a 30% refundable tax credit on production cast and crew wages. Additional information can be found here.