Ohio's DeWine Secures $36.7 Million to Boost Film and Broadway Productions

Photo byOffice of Ohio Governor DeWine

Columbus, OH – In a significant move to bolster Ohio's growing entertainment industry, Governor Mike DeWine and Lydia Mihalik, Director of the Ohio Department of Development, have announced $36.7 million in state tax credits. These credits, awarded through the Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit Program, will support 17 new theatrical, television, and film production projects across the state.

The diverse lineup includes 14 feature films, a television mini-series, a full television series, and for the first time, a Broadway production. This investment is anticipated to create approximately 500 new jobs and generate nearly $122 million in eligible production expenditures. The total production expenses are projected to reach $150 million.

Governor DeWine highlighted Ohio's versatility as a filming location, stating, "Ohio is an ideal location for entertainment production; we offer big city backdrops, small town appeal, and everything in between. We're happy to welcome these productions - and the economic impact they'll bring - to Ohio."

The announcement follows a recent accolade from the Sundance Film Festival, which named Cincinnati a final contender to host the festival after its contract with Park City, Utah, ends. "Both Cincinnati and Ohio pride ourselves on being a world-class destination where movies are made and celebrated," said 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.”

The Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit Program, established in 2009, has been pivotal in fostering a robust film industry in Ohio. Since 2016, it has supported 138 projects. Director Lydia Mihalik emphasized the program's role in supporting local economies, noting, "The recipients of these motion picture tax credits will support local economies, bringing jobs to the state and showcasing Ohio’s great communities.”

Among the projects receiving support are "Tina, The Tina Turner Musical" in Northeast Ohio, the television series "AEW 2024-2025 Productions" in Cleveland, and the mini-series "Columbus Quartet" in Central Ohio. Feature films such as "Breaking Up with Mom and Dad" in Cincinnati and "The Mastermind" also in Cincinnati are part of the lineup.

The program offers a refundable tax credit of 30 percent on production cast and crew wages and other in-state spending for eligible productions, which include feature-length films, documentaries, Broadway and pre-Broadway productions, miniseries, video games, and music videos.

For more information about the Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit Program, visit development.ohio.gov/film.