COLUMBUS, OHIO: The State of Ohio is laying out $7 million in tax credits for movie makers to encourage more producers to come to the Midwestern state to create content. The Ohio Department of Development provided tax credits for the makers of “Unstoppable,” with Chris Pine and Denzel Washington; “Strangeland 2,” a horror movie from an Ohio company; “The Kid Who Only Hit Homers,” and “Cleopatra Smiles” from the same production company, Nehst Studios, which is shooting in Cayahoga County. (Cayahoga Railroad pictured at left.)
The four productions are expected to create about 3,000 jobs, at least temporarily, for Ohio residents. The films are also expected to bring in around $25 million in “economic activity” to the state.
The production tax credit program was signed into law by the state last July, the Dayton Business Journal said. Up to $10 million was made available through the state’s current fiscal year through June. Another $20 million will become available in the second of a two-year cycle, the publication said.
Eligibility for the tax credit requires a production company to show reviewable progress to the Ohio Film Office within 90 days of receiving a notification letter. The credit is provided upon completion of the production.
