HollywoodReporter.Com Article: It Works In OHIO!!!

Ohio Attracts Four New Films With Stars Due to Tax Incentives
12:32 PM 5/26/2011 by Georg Szalai
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“With recent movies such as 'Unstoppable,' 'Ides of March,' 'The Avengers' and more, Ohio is seeing a boom of interest from Hollywood,” says James Leftwich, director of the Ohio Department of Development.

NEW YORK - The Ohio Film Office on Thursday once again touted the state's ability to attract film productions with its incentives, saying it has secured four independent films, including projects starring Josh Radnor, Kim Basinger and Val Kilmer, that will shoot in Ohio.

That will bring the total number of films, TV series and commercials tapping into Ohio's Motion Picture Tax Credit, an incentives program that launched in fiscal year 2010, to 24.

The new projects are expected to hire nearly 900 Ohioans, according to state officials.

While other states have scratched or questioned production tax incentives, Ohio has continued to talk up their benefits.

The latest films coming to Ohio include Liberal Arts (starring Columbus native Radnor), Old Fashioned, Over the Wall (starring Basinger, Nick Stahl and Freddy Rodriguez), and Seven Below Zero (starring Kilmer).

“With recent movies such as Unstoppable, Ides of March, The Avengers, and more, Ohio is seeing a boom of interest from Hollywood,” said James Leftwich, director of the Ohio Department of Development. “These films will provide an economic boost to the communities that serve as sets and continue to grow Ohio’s film industry into something Ohioans can be proud of.”

Since the launch of the tax credit, the Ohio Film Office has provided more than $29 million in tax credits to productions, which the state says have employed more than 9,000 Ohioans and contributed nearly $120 million to the state's economy.

“We are delighted that our combination of locations and incentives has generated increased interest in Ohio as a production destination,” said Amir Eylon, director of the Ohio Tourism Division, which houses the Ohio Film Office. “These recent successes mark a positive step forward in stimulating new production work across the state.”

Over the Wall will receive a $1.6 million tax credit and is expected to hire more than 600 Ohioans as part of its cast and crew, according to state officials.

Liberal Arts will receive a $229,909 tax credit, the state said. The film, written and directed by Radnor, is expected to hire approximately 170 locals, they added.

Old Fashioned will receive a $140,955 tax credit and is expected to hire approximately 60 Ohioans, while Seven Below Zero will receive $335,722 and is expected to hire approximately 60 Ohioans.