SIX COLUMBUS FILM AND TELEVISION PROJECTS APPROVED FOR THE OMPTC
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SIX COLUMBUS FILM AND TELEVISION PROJECTS APPROVED FOR THE OHIO MOTION PICTURE TAX CREDIT
OUT OF A TOTAL OF 24 APPLICATIONS, SIX ARE LOOKING AT CENTRAL OHIO TO MAKE THEIR PROJECTS
(Columbus, OH) – Film Columbus continues to raise awareness of Central Ohio as a filming destination. Applications for the Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit (OMPTC) were due December 1, 2023. Out of the 24 applications, all six projects that submitted applications to film in Central Ohio were approved.
“There was a little over $44 million in tax credit requests from all over the country,” says Columbus Film Commissioner John Daugherty. “If we follow the Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI) formulas, the projects shooting in central Ohio will show a direct spend number of over $5 million. The actual economic impact will be even greater as film and television projects support hotels, restaurants, transportation, car and gear rentals, and much more.”
Most of the projects slated to film in the Columbus area are from Central Ohio filmmakers. Growing the industry around those Columbus-based filmmakers and supporting them is the road to a more thriving Columbus film industry.
The projects range from a returning filmmaker who received an incentive in 2022 to a series from Cranked Up Films out of the Ashland area, to a film from local SAG-AFTRA actor, Jon Osbeck. Osbeck’s project is called “Down to the Felt” and he is one of three writers and the director of the film. Cast is already attached, and they are hoping to film this Spring. “I’m excited about filming “Down to the Felt” in Columbus and look forward to working more with Film Columbus,” says Osbeck. “Our film will employ over 200 Central Ohio film artists and crew both in front of and behind the camera with nearly all equipment and resources coming from local vendors. This film is set in Columbus, will be filmed in Columbus, and will be made by Columbus film professionals.”
Columbus-based community leaders are also taking notice. Cameron Mitchell, from Cameron Mitchell Restaurants has signed on the be an Executive Producer of “Down to the Felt.” “It is exciting to see our hometown of Columbus, OH, becoming a desired destination for major film productions,” says Mitchell. “This speaks to the vibrancy of our city and to the many talented creatives who live here and call Columbus, OH, home. I am proud to have our company directly involved with the production of “Down to the Felt.” Columbus has been very good to us, and it’s exciting to see another industry flourish in our incredible city.”
According to a statewide economic impact study by Olsberg SPI released in 2020, the Ohio film industry is responsible for more than 6,000 full-time equivalent jobs with a $3.09 return on investment for every dollar of tax credit outlay.
“While we have a long way to go to be a major player in the industry, we’re making positive strides,” says Daugherty. “We are constantly advocating to increase the state incentive. And we are really investing in Columbus-based filmmakers. Together with the Greater Columbus Arts Council, we’ll be giving away more than $225,000 in 2024 to local filmmakers.”
For more information about Film Columbus and its programs, please visit www.filmcolumbus.com.
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About the Greater Columbus Film Commission
The Greater Columbus Film Commission (Film Columbus) aims to grow the film industry in Columbus and central Ohio by creating jobs and providing significant economic impact for the area. Film Columbus strives to build Columbus as a top city for film education, exhibition, and production. Film Columbus is a division of the Greater Columbus Arts Council and is primarily supported by funds provided by the City of Columbus. For more information, visit filmcolumbus.com.
