Independent film makers had never considered Ohio a movie mecca, but a grant of $1.4 million in Ohio tax credits is helping two new projects move from drawing board; to "Lights, camera, action."
A new production in Cincinnati is billed as a supernatural thriller. The other, a story about the Soap Box Derby, is set to start filming next month in Akron, home of the Derby since 1934. Both films were just awarded tax credits by the state.
Director of the Ohio Film Office Jeremy Henthorn says these grants bring the state close to its' goal of providing $10 million in tax credits for 2010. But he says more important is that the money serves as a sort-of Ohio stimulus package.
JEREMY HENTHORN:
"When you look at the amount of money that can go into our state vendors, whether it be a restaurant... catering company, a truck rental company and how that money can be used to maybe hire more employees for those companies, it's going to be several times the amount of money that the state is investing on these projects."
Henthorn says the companies' books will be are scrutinized TO verify that money is being spent in the state, allowing them to obtain the tax breaks.
TV and movie star turned director Corbin Bernsen is the driving force in Akron, having made a half dozen trips the last few months, but only with the approved credits has he finally said he is optimistic the movie WILL be made.
Another film company, Nehst Studios in Cleveland, ALSO has several movies underway that are receiving the tax breaks. Henthorn says the hope is that all these ventures mark the beginning of a burgeoning film industry in Ohio.
HENTHORN:
"Our goal from the very beginning has been to put this in a position where the day will come where people that want to work in movies in the state of Ohio will have to sit down and look and there will be so many opportunities that they're going to have to pick and choose."
Up to 300 temporary jobs will stem from the two spring time productions.
