GOAL
The goal for production in Ohio is to make the process as cost-effective and time-efficient as possible.
OHIO FILM TAX CREDIT
Ohio provides a 30% refundable tax credit for qualifying film projects, with priority given to television series and mini-series. For further information, check these pages out: https://development.ohio.gov/business/ohio-film-office/ohio-film-program … https://development.ohio.gov/business/ohio-film-office/tax-credit-frequently-asked-questions.
A POSSIBLE SOLUTION
Last year, this property was under contract with Fallback Studios to become a film production studio with multiple large soundstages. The deal fell apart, and the property is on the market again: https://www.corfac.com/main/properties?propertyId=404052-sale … https://buildout.com/sharing/404052-sale?file=2765680.
Not only do the acceptable Ohio Film Tax Credit expenditures include the purchase of facilities for a production, but the City of Dublin, Ohio (where the property is located) also offered incentives to Fallback Studios: https://dublinohiousa.gov/city-news/dublin-city-council-approves-economic-development-agreement-to-bring-motion-picture-company-to-dublin/. So, there is a possibility that there could be more incentives than just the Ohio Film Tax Credit.
CENTRAL OHIO RENAISSANCE PRODUCTIONS, LLC
If Journeys is produced in Ohio, all expenditures surrounding my content and work should qualify for the tax credit after the production has been certified as a tax credit eligible production. My company, Central Ohio Renaissance Productions, LLC, was registered in the State of Ohio in 2014. Production here in Ohio would bring more of the tax credit to the producing studio.
INFRASTRUCTURE
With several colleges* that offer degrees in filmmaking within driving distance of Columbus, building a long-term infrastructure could be readily accomplished. Also, the Greater Columbus Film Commission is a resource: https://www.filmcolumbus.com/.
* The Ohio State University, Ohio University, Columbus College of Art and Design, Dennison University, Ohio Wesleyan University, Wright State University, etc.
DRIVING DISTANCE
Speaking of driving distance, this section of Ohio (west of the airport) should have many of the locations the series will need to add texture and interest to the stories. Among the possibilities are:
- COSI: https://cosi.org
- Columbus Museum of Art: https://www.columbusmuseum.org
- Columbus Zoo and Aquarium: https://www.columbuszoo.org
- Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens: https://www.fpconservatory.org
- Mad River Mountain Ski Resort: https://www.skimadriver.com
- Marmon Valley Horseback Riding: https://marmonvalley.com/horseback-riding
- The Holland Theatre: https://theholland.org
AUTHENTICITY
Writers are often told to write what they know. Because I have lived in Ohio since I was ten months old, it seemed prudent for me to place my characters and their stories in the places that I am most familiar with. Producing the series here in Ohio will add authenticity to Journeys.
NOTE: Producing the series in Ohio is part of my dream. However, if it won’t work, then it won’t work. This page is about possibilities, not sure things.