SOURCE: Cleveland Magazine | Annie Nickoloff
March 27, 2025
You’ll see movies from around the world screening at the Cleveland International Film Festival — plus, a handful that have big connections to the Buckeye state. By Annie Nickoloff
The 49th edition of the Cleveland International Film Festival kicks off on Thursday, and features 300 films over the course of 10 days in Downtown Cleveland’s Playhouse Square.
Within that mix, you’ll find a fair bit of Ohio’s movie-making world on display. A handful of feature-length movies make up the “Local Heroes Competition,” showcasing movies that are, according to the CIFF website, “about Ohio, in Ohio, or by Ohioans.”
SOURCE: News 5 Cleveland | Mercy Sackor
March 27, 2025
The new Superman movie was filmed across Northeast Ohio last year, bringing thousands of jobs and generating millions in economic impact for the region. Now, Superman fans have a chance to win autographed memorabilia through a raffle.
The Greater Cleveland Film Commission (GCFC), a community-funded 501(c)3 organization, played a big role in the movie coming to Cleveland. It takes months and sometimes even years to pitch and scout projects individually before Greater Cleveland is chosen as a destination.
Proceeds from the raffle ticket will help the organization bring more movies to Film in Northeast Ohio and allow the next generation to be trained by GCFC.
You can enter the raffle today:
1 Ticket for $25 | 5 Tickets for $100
Raffle Runs: Now – April 18th, 2025 (in honor of Superman’s first appearance in Action Comics #1 in 1938)
All proceeds benefit GCFC’s mission to drive production to Northeast Ohio and train local talent to fill the jobs we create
You could win one of the following:
“Superman in Cleveland” Framed poster (18″37″) autographed by SUPERMAN (2025) Director James Gunn, “Superman/Clark Kent” David Corenswet & “Lois Lane” Rachel Brosnahan.
“Superman in Flight” Framed poster (12″12″) autographed by SUPERMAN (2025) Director James Gunn, “Superman/Clark Kent” David Corenswet & “Lois Lane” Rachel Brosnahan.
“Superman: The Man of Steel” Framed poster (19.5″27″) autographed by SUPERMAN (2025) Director James Gunn, “Superman/Clark Kent” David Corenswet & “Lois Lane” Rachel Brosnahan.
Classic Superman Comic Metal Sign (12.5″15″) autographed by SUPERMAN (2025) Director James Gunn, “Superman/Clark Kent” David Corenswet & “Lois Lane” Rachel Brosnahan.
Jon Lovitz and Mark L. Walberg appear in a scene from “Lost & Found in Cleveland” filmed at the KeyBank State Theatre in Playhouse Square. Double G Films
SOURCE: Cleveland.com | Joey Morona
March 26th, 2025 (Updated March 31, 2025)
“Lost & Found in Cleveland” is set in Cleveland and was filmed entirely on location in the city. Co-written and co-directed by Cleveland native Keith Gerchak, the movie will make its local premiere on March 30 at the KeyBank State Theatre.
In Anora, Sean Baker’s bold Oscar-winning film following a stripper’s whirlwind romance with the son of a Russian oligarch, you’ll hear a little bit of Northeast Ohio. Three songs by Chagrin Falls-based artist Brit Fox — “Short Notice,” “Mazuma” and “Frosty” — appear in the soundtrack.
The edgy “Short Notice” plays in a short car scene, and in a more pivotal moment, the sultry “Frosty” sets the scene where Ani (Mikey Madison) performs a private dance in a strip club for Vanya (Mark Eydelshteyn). “Mazuma” is played during other scenes in the club.
Joe Russo, left, and Anthony Russo arrive at the premiere of “The Electric State” on Monday, Feb. 24, 2025, at The Egyptian Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP
SOURCE: Cleveland.com | Joey Morona
March 5, 2025
CLEVELAND, Ohio — Look closely during the opening moments of “The Electric State,” the new sci-fi adventure from Cleveland-born directors Joe and Anthony Russo, and you’ll see a familiar sight. The Plain Dealer makes a cameo with a headline declaring the start of a war against the robots. It’s a subtle shout out to their hometown by the brothers, who’ve never forgotten where they come from.
“We grew up with a real work ethic and that kind of tough-nosed Cleveland attitude,” Joe said. “That’s probably helped us more than anything in the business, that stick-to-itiveness.”
Costumes from Marvel’s “Black Panther” are on display now at Severance Music Center through April 6. The display coincides with the Cleveland Orchestra’s special performances of the film’s score on March 28 and 29. Cleveland Orchestra
SOURCE: Cleveland.com | Joey Morona
February 19, 2025
CLEVELAND, Ohio — Costumes from the Marvel superhero movie “Black Panther” are now on display in the lobby at Severance Music Center through April 6.
The exhibit is in conjunction with the Cleveland Orchestra’s performance of Ludwig Göransson’s Oscar-winning score from the movie at 7:30 p.m. on March 28-29. Massamba Diop, the Senegalese percrussionist featured in the original score and who played the talking drum on screen, will accompany the orchestra as the film is shown in the background. Anthony Parnther conducts.
Pictured: Film projector and film director’s chair in dark place, 3D rendering mesh cube
SOURCE: Hometown Stations | Joseph Sharpe, Press Release Written and provided by the Ohio Department of Development
January 31, 2025
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — The Ohio Department of Development today announced state support of more than $33 million in tax credits through two tax credit programs aimed at developing a strong film industry in Ohio.
“These awards help ensure that Ohio is represented in stories that capture the hearts and imaginations of audiences around the world,” said Governor DeWine. “We’re not just supporting productions—we’re building an industry that will keep jobs in our state for years to come.”
“Our film tax credits bring producers and stars to Ohio, and they create opportunities for the local businesses, skilled trades, and creatives already here,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development. “The expansion of film incentives to include capital improvements ensures that productions can find all of resources they need to succeed in the Heart of it All.”
Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit Awards
TV Series
Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries – Series 1, Canton, $440,211
WWE 2025 Productions,Cleveland, $731,294
Ohio Singles Project S11, Columbus, $728,406
Project Revival, Columbus, $153,750
Feature Films
Kickin’ It, Cincinnati, $1,244,955
Arnie, Cleveland, $1,223,725
Jacob and the Wolf, Cleveland, $719,019
Old Cedar Road, Cleveland, $5,317,456
Automated Trucking, Culver City, $12,392,622
Test, Dover, $235,998
A Different Christmas, Hamilton, $1,543,270
Union County, Marysville, $363,665
Meteor Anne, Wadsworth, $608,277
Documentaries
Hilarities, Lakewood, $312,742
Projects awarded an Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit total more than $138 million in production expenses and $87 million in total eligible production expenses and are expected to create 197 full-time jobs. Development received 26 applications for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 January round, requesting more than $69 million in tax credits.
Ohio Film & Theater Capital Improvements Tax Credit Awards
Cleveland Production Center (Strongsville, Cuyahoga County)Total Project Cost: $4,972,800Total Tax Credit:$1,243,200
The project will receive a tax credit to renovate a 12,000-square-foot facility for studio and post-production needs. It will include a volume studio and suites for editing, audio, and motion graphics, addressing industry demand for complex post-production and interior shoots.
Schoolyard Soundstage and Studio (Burton, Geauga County)Total Project Cost: $1,572,626.63Total Tax Credit: $267,631
A 10,000-square-foot soundstage and post-production facility is being built at the former Berkshire High School in Burton. It will support film, TV, commercial, music productions, and corporate events, marking the region’s first soundstage of this size.
The Sandusky State Theatre is undergoing restoration and renovation after tornado damage in 2020. Plans include modernizing non-historic areas, a 35,000-square-foot addition with an art gallery, a second venue, ADA upgrades, expanded restrooms, and concessions for the 1,500-seat auditorium.
TRG Virtual Production Project (Brooklyn, Cuyahoga County)Total Project Cost: $3,402,037.38Total Tax Credit: $850,509
TRG Multimedia will receive funding to build a virtual production stage featuring high-resolution LED walls and camera tracking systems. This facility will enhance film production capabilities, support more projects, and help hire and retain local talent.
Projects awarded an Ohio Film and Theater Capital Improvement Tax Credit total more than $45 million in investments and are expected to have $33 million in qualified expenditures and create 61 new full-time jobs.
OMPTC applications are reviewed and awarded in two rounds each year. The program provides $50 million annually, evenly divided between the two rounds, plus any rollover amounts from the preceding period and any recaptured funds from previous productions. There is $5 million withheld annually from the full amount specifically for Broadway and theatrical productions. Projects are awarded first to television series or miniseries, then to all others, based on the extent of positive economic impact in Ohio and the effect on developing a permanent workforce in motion picture or theatrical production industries in the state.
OFATCI applications are received and awarded annually. The program provides a refundable credit to a production company in an amount equal to the lesser of $5 million or 25% of total qualified expenditures incurred in completing a capital improvements project, including the costs of acquiring, constructing, rehabilitating, repairing, redeveloping, expanding, or improving facilities or for costs associated with purchasing and installing equipment used in the production and postproduction motion picture or Broadway theatrical industries.
The Ohio Department of Development empowers communities to succeed by investing in Ohio’s people, places, and businesses. Learn more about our work at development.ohio.gov.
Copyright 2025 by Lima Communications Corporation. All rights reserved.
MovieMaker Magazine has named Cleveland one of The Best Places to Live and Work as a MovieMaker!
16. CLEVELAND, OHIO
The Man of Steel himself recently touched down in Cleveland, where James Gunn partially filmed his upcoming Superman movie from DC Studios. Ohio is going strong, too, offering $75 million in tax incentives per year, including a 30% rebate with no minimum number of shoot days to qualify. Cleveland’s crew base is large, hardworking and experienced, and Cleveland’s unique natural and historical filming locations include Lake Erie, the Victorian-era landmark the Cleveland Arcade, Cedar Point amusement park, and Squire’s Castle, an 1890s gatehouse inspired by English and German baronial castles. The city’s crowd-pleasing Cleveland International Film Festival turns up regularly on our list of 50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee, and Ohio’s second-largest city is also home to distribution company Gravitas Ventures, which recently acquired locally made production Escaping Ohio, directed by Jessica Michael Davis, who is from nearby Akron. We’re very proud to support the film through MovieMaker Production Services.
The film and media community is built on collaboration and resilience. Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas.
If you or someone you know needs support, or if you’d like to help, we’ve compiled a list of resources and relief efforts. Together, we can make a difference.
Your contribution will immediately help people affected by the Southern California wildfires.
Entertainment Community Fund – A National human services organization for entertainment and performing arts professionals. Services include social services and emergency financial assistance in times of unexpected critical need, health insurance, resource center, counseling and crisis support, and more
Motion Picture & Television Fund (MPTF) Wildfire Relief – MPTF (Motion Picture & Television Fund) offers a variety of services that can provide emotional and financial relief to industry members and their families during times of need. Services include counseling services, supportive services and community resources, and financial assistance.
SAG-AFTRA Foundation – The SAG-AFTRA Foundation Disaster Relief Fund is a program designed to provide urgent financial assistance to SAG-AFTRA members who have been affected by a natural disaster.
An increasingly popular symphony orchestra concert is a movie screening accompanied by a live performance of the film’s music—reeling in new audiences to the concert hall. Correspondent David Pogue attends a New York Philharmonic screening of “Jaws,” featuring John Williams’ iconic score, and finds out how the technically complicated concert is managed. “CBS News Sunday Morning” features stories on the arts, music, nature, entertainment, sports, history, science and Americana, and highlights unique human accomplishments and achievements.
Check local listings for “CBS News Sunday Morning” broadcast times.
The film and media community is built on collaboration and resilience. Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas.