Bruce Willis and Ben Kingsley began filming their latest action film “Wake” in Cleveland in mid-February, which promises to yield significant economic impact for the city. The attraction of Cleveland as a production site for this and other films is due (in no small part) to the unyielding efforts of Cleveland Film Commission’s President Ivan Schwarz.
At Geauga Growth Partnership’s Annual Meeting, Wednesday, June 24, 2015, 7:30-9:30 AM at Notre Dame Education Center, 13000 Auburn Road, Chardon, OH 44024, Mr. Schwarz will speak about the economic impacts of the film industry in relation to Geauga County business leaders. Mark your calendars now for this not-to-miss event, which will be open to the public but require pre-registration.
Ivan Schwarz, Film Commission president since 2007, has been responsible for campaigning to pass the Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit to promote filming in Ohio. Since 2007, a total of 237 productions have been shot in Ohio, including commercials, documentaries, independent and studio feature films, music videos, public service announcements, photo shoots, television shows and web-series.
Local businesses have enjoyed large increases in their revenues from the film industry: retail shops, restaurants, hotels, contractors, real estate agents and restaurant food suppliers have all benefited from increased business during filming. Additionally, Geauga County offers local acting talent, production talent and suppliers for materials and set locations.
The vision of the Greater Cleveland Film Commission (GCFC) is to achieve increased economic development in Northeast Ohio by using the artistic and culturally enriching activities of film and other media production to strengthen the workforce, support the media production industry and attract media production to the region.
“The Film Commission’s vision for increased economic development, workforce development and job creation is so in concert with the mission of Geauga Growth Partnership (GGP),” says GGP President Tracy Jemison. “It makes perfect sense to bring Ivan to Geauga County, so we can learn from their successes.”
Registration information for Geauga Growth Partnership’s Annual meeting will be made available soon.
The Cleveland Film Commission is committed to building a year-round, sustainable media industry through job creation, workforce development and by attracting media production to Ohio. A recent study conducted by Cleveland State University estimates that since 2009, the increase in media-sector activity has resulted in: • $300 million impact on northeast Ohio • Creation of 1,100 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs • $1.84 local return on investment.
Geauga Growth Partnership, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) business-led organization dedicated to the retention, growth and attraction of jobs, investment and economic growth in Geauga County. For more information visit www.geaugagrowthpartnership.com or call 440-564-1060.
