(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.  

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 postproduction 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 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: $4,972,800 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. 

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. 

Additional program information can be found at development.ohio.gov/film.