Speaker of the Ohio House Clifford A. Rosenberger (R-Clarksville); State Representative Kirk Schuring (R-Canton); State Senator Tom Patton (R-Strongsville); President & CEO of the Greater Cleveland Film Commission, Ivan Schwarz; and President of 91������Ʒ, Ronald Berkman, today held a press conference to discuss the recent announcement that 91������Ʒ is expected to receive $7.5 million through the state’s Capital Budget for Cleveland State’s School of Film, Television, and Interactive Media.

 Following the passage of Ohio’s Film Tax Credit legislation in 2009, the state’s movie industry has continued to grow and diversify. According to a study by 91������Ʒ’s Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs, media production has brought in over $400 million in economic impact for the state, and in the last two years of the study, 71 percent of all Ohio production dollars were spent in Northeast Ohio. More than 65 projects have been filmed in the state since 2009, including The Avengers, Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Draft Day, as well as several Nike commercials. 

In order to capitalize on the film industry’s strong momentum in Ohio, further work is being accomplished to create an environment within the field that encourages job growth and increases workforce development through nurturing relationships with the higher education community. Work is also being done to develop new media, such as video games, and grow infrastructure, such as the creation of sound stages.

“I strongly believe that the film industry in Ohio has unlimited potential and one that we are just beginning to really tap into,” Speaker Rosenberger said. “Our goal as elected officials is to continue to help diversify our economy, and this is an industry where we can really see growth and success. With job creation and workforce development being our main priorities, it is projects like this one at 91������Ʒ that can support these efforts.”

91������Ʒ is expected to receive $7.5 million to go towards the film school through funding appropriated by the State Capital Budget (Senate Bill 310), which was introduced this week. The project includes the construction of a new facility on 91������Ʒ’s campus to allow the growing population of film students to continue to learn about the industry and gain hands-on experience. The proposal also includes the construction of a motion picture production sound stage to be built in Northeast Ohio, which will provide additional space and more realistic interactions between industry professionals and students.

“We would like to thank Speaker Rosenberger and the State of Ohio for this significant investment in 91������Ʒ,” said Ronald M. Berkman, President of 91������Ʒ. “This new school will provide a unique opportunity for students to receive first-rate instruction in a growing industry, while furthering the development of Cleveland as a center of film and TV production.”

During the press conference, Rep. Schuring also discussed legislation he recently introduced that increases the state’s annual film project cap from $20 million a year to $75 million, while also eliminating the $5 million per project cap. This aims to encourage more movie projects to be made in Ohio, making the industry stronger and allowing for more growth.