The Ohio Department of Development recently 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.
Through the Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit Program (OMPTC), 14 projects are being awarded more than $26 million in tax credits. The recently launched Ohio Film & Theater Capital Improvements Tax Credit Program (OFATCI) will award four projects more than $7.3 million in tax credits to support capital improvements projects used in the production and post-production motion picture or Broadway theatrical industries.
“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 the resources they need to succeed in the Heart of it All.”
A feature film titled Meteor Anne is set to film in Wadsworth and received $608,277 in tax credits.
“(I am) really excited that my directorial feature debut Meteor Anne finally has some legs!” exclaimed Aaron Schoonover, the film’s writer/director. “I’m working with Objectively Good and my high school pal, Nic, to bring this one to life in 2025! More exciting news coming soon!”
Meteor Anne will transport audiences into the unexpected life of an ordinary woman who suddenly finds herself at the center of the media spotlight after becoming the first person ever to be struck by a meteorite. This intriguing premise tackles themes of authenticity and the transient nature of fame, as the protagonist navigates the complexities that come with her newfound notoriety.
Directed and written by Aaron Schoonover, the film boasts a talented production team including producers Matthew R. Cooper, Anna Dragoo, and Nic Neary.
If you have a home in Wadsworth that is a bit dated, and you wouldn’t mind it being taken over for 2-3 weeks by production, while spending that time in a hotel on their dime, you can email them your details: [email protected].
“Meteor Anne” promises to blend humor with poignant reflections on societal expectations, pushing the boundaries of traditional storytelling in the film industry. With its Wadsworth setting, the movie highlights the narrative that even the most mundane life can be catapulted into the extraordinary, making it a compelling addition to contemporary cinema.
Aaron Schoonover is known for Severance (2022), Teenage Bounty Hunters (2020) and The Tender Bar (2021).
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Full List: 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: $4,972,800 Total 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: $1,572,626.63 Total 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.
Sandusky State Theatre Rebuild (Sandusky, Erie County) Total Project Cost: $35,313,942.45 Total Tax Credit: $5,000,000
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: $3,402,037.38 Total 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.
Additional program information can be found at development.ohio.gov/film.
