Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit helps secure five new projects

CLEVELAND - The spotlight may be on Hollywood, but the Ohio film industry continues to grow as Ohio’s Motion Picture Tax Credit secures more productions.

According to the Ohio Film Office, five new projects will bring in anticipated revenue of more than $17.1 million for Ohio.

“Confession” starring Danny Glover will receive a $1.03 million Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit to shoot in an Ohio location that is yet to be determined. Confession revolves around the murder of a retired sheriff and the investigation to find the perpetrator. The film will be directed by Stuart Cooper.

“Galaxy Command” will get a $116,177 Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit and will be produced in the Akron area. This interactive video game, which is produced by Blue Frog Gaming and directed by Matthew Maroon, involves players competing for the largest empire in a vast virtual universe.

“Needlestick” will receive a $193,750 Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit to shoot in the cities of Toledo and Maumee. The film, directed by Dr. Steven Karageanes, explores medical ethics and the value of human life and character. The script won horror feature awards at the Action On Film International Festival in Pasadena, California and was a finalist in the Great American Screenplay Competition.

“The Yank” will get a $330,831 Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit to shoot in the Cleveland area and other locations in northern Ohio. This romantic comedy, rumored to star Fred Willard, centers around a middle-aged Irishman’s search for love in the country of his ancestors.

“Unamerican” will receive a $1.69 million Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit to shoot in northeast Ohio. The film is a satirical depiction of contemporary American society in which one man loses his seemingly perfect materialistic lifestyle due to corporate downsizing, but gains insight on the true meaning of life.

The Greater Cleveland Film Commission announced earlier this year that five full-length feature films will shoot in Cleveland through Fall 2011. The films include "The Avengers," "Fun Size," "Boot Tracks," "Falling Backwards" and "I, Alex Cross."

The film commission said the flicks alone will invest at least $80 million into the region.