The Pitch
The ever evolving Midwest Movie Belt
Not that long ago, most film production around the Great Lakes region took place in one of three major cities: Detroit, Cleveland or Pittsburgh. Local film crews benefited from the close proximity of each city. If you lived in Cleveland, you could swing to either Detroit or Pittsburgh in just over two hours. We liked to call it the Midwest Movie Belt
Then, in the early 2010s, Michigan lawmakers eliminated the state's film tax incentive and production in the state took a major hit. Existing incentives in Ohio and Pennsylvania pulled filmmakers away from Michigan and Detroit. Atlanta's generous tax plan - and year round temperate weather - lured away even more.
In 2023, that's all evolving - and the Belt has shifted.
Both Cleveland and Pittsburgh were recently named two of the Best Places to Live and Work as a filmmaker by the online pub MovieMaker. Also crowned? The Queen City, Cincinnati.
"It is a tremendous honor for Cincinnati to maintain its prestigious ranking on the list of top North American cities for filmmaking," said Kristen Schlotman, Film Cincinnati executive director, in a media release. "We have seen extraordinary growth and interest in our Cincy region as a great place to work in film and will continue to build on this momentum."
Columbus isn't that far behind, either. More often than not, filmmakers are finding the Ohio capitol the perfect location.
It's exciting times, really, if you're a filmmaker in Ohio and western Pennsylvania. Opportunities in this new Midwest Movie Belt only grow.
Dailies
Cleveland, Cincinnati and Pittsburgh crowned 'Best Places to Live and Work' as a filmmaker
Cleveland, Cincinnati and Pittsburgh were recently named three of the best cities to pursue filmmaking as a career by MovieMaker. Pittsburgh ranked the highest at No. 10, followed closely by Cincinnati at No. 11. Cleveland came in at No. 18. Pittsburgh and Cincinnati topped Austin, Texas, and Boston, in the results, and Orlando fell far below Cleveland in the annual list.
When researching its list, the online publication focuses on livable cities that support filmmaking on every level. “We don’t believe people should have to be rich or well-connected to make movies,” the publication writes. “We think the best place to live is one you can afford — a place where you can be happy, inspired, and financially free to pursue your art.”
Lost Akron movie found: Preservationists discover 1915 film in Los Angeles
A California film preservation company has discovered “The Portage Trail,” a 1915 motion picture filmed in Akron with prominent citizens in leading roles. The 16-minute photoplay has long been regarded as a lost work.
It’s an extraordinary find for local historians, writes Mark J. Price for the 'Akron Beacon Journal.' The black-and-white footage offers rare glimpses of local landmarks, downtown streets, industrial plants, millionaire estates and other points of interest. The cast includes business leaders, local dignitaries, society members, rubber workers, child entertainers and hundreds of movie extras.
Behind the Scenes
‘White Noise’ production designer says grocery store set was a bigger challenge than train derailment
The first of two articles about production designer Jess Gonchor and his experience on 'White Noise,' the Netflix film shot in and around Cleveland last year. In this 'L.A. Times' piece, Gonchor provides some insight into the work it took to build the grocery store for one of 'White Noise's' most iconic scenes.
Interesting to note: The article mentions Gonchor went to college only two hours from the Oberlin area, where the movie was filmed. A search didn't reveal where Gonchor attended. Ohio State? Ohio Wesleyan? Carnegie Melon? Anyone know?
Recreating a familiar world: 'White Noise'
In this second article about the making of 'White Noise,' production designer Jess Gonchor tells the Art Directors Guild he jumped at the chance to once more work with director Noah Baumbach.
"I wanted to shoot the movie in Upstate New York where I went to [high] school, but it turned out New York State was too expensive. So, after searching four other states, the production found that Ohio had the best locations to offer and also the best tax credits."
If you liked the film - or were part of the cast or crew - this article provides a wealth of interesting facts about the making of the movie and so many lavish photos, I bet you bookmark it to read again later.
Film School
Student project ‘Sweetness’ showcases intersection between Pitt arts programs
Htet “Wisdom” Shine’s 2022 music video “Sweetness” is reinventing what it means to be a Pitt arts student. The first project of its kind at Pitt, “Sweetness” began as a music video featuring music by Mario Quinn and became something much bigger — an in-person, interactive music video premiere, hosted before winter break, allowing an audience of 60 people to “choose their own adventure.” The project involved more than 20 people across Pitt arts disciplines.
For Shine, a junior film and business major, the project was a new step as a director and producer. He’s releasing a video on YouTube documenting the entire process next week.
“The point is to take somebody’s story and display it to people as an interactive experience. The audience can become the directors, they can get inside of my head,” Shine said.
Film Festivals
Cindependent Film Festival returns for third year
Cincinnati’s only multi-genre, multi-type film festival is returning for a third year this September. The Cindependent Film Festival is now accepting submissions for the event.
Organizers say they’re looking for short films in any genre, including comedy, drama, sci-fi, horror, animation and documentary, as well as music videos and scripts.
Why entering a film festival might be the most important thing you do today
Technology has opened up the world of filmmaking to nearly anyone who wants to make their passion project. You can write the screenplay, draw the storyboards, shoot the footage, edit the film, and premiere it on YouTube, Vimeo or another similar service all on your phone. What technology can’t do - not yet, anyway - is give your film true industry cred. One way you can gain that stamp of approval? Have your movie screened at a film festival.