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    Governor DeWine, How Can We be More Like Georgia?

    In my previous installment, Could Film Be Columbus’ Next Big Industry?, I talk about the generalities of the film industry; from a high-level view. I want to drill down closer to the ground this time and give a closer look at how it affects local filmmakers and local crew. 

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    Film Columbus often helps commercial projects with scouting and permitting in the area. It’s another facet of the commission that not many people realize. The commercial industry keeps people (crew) working in Columbus. But how do we transition from a commercial-centric sector to a film-centric industry? And do we even want to?

    The Columbus film industry has struggled for years with the chicken-and-the-egg conundrum: films weren’t coming because we didn’t have enough crew, and crew wasn’t here because films weren’t coming. Our commercial industry was doing well pre-pandemic, with many businesses and large companies based in Columbus. The crew working on films often work in the commercial world too. The film industry was showing signs of growth, with films like They/Them/Us, Poser and White Noise all scouting in the Columbus area in late 2019. So even as the film industry struggled to find a hold in Central Ohio, the commercial world was thriving.

    Films are fun; they sometimes ignite a community and get people talking about how they spotted Hayden Christiansen and Bruce Willis filming around town. It brings a sense of “excitement.” We marry the excitement of seeing the magic of movies with the potenital positive economic impact that I spelled out in the last installment, and the answer to wanting films is a resounding “Yes!” But again, how do we support both commercial and film projects? We create an atmosphere where both can survive.

    For the past few years, Film Columbus, and the parent of Film Columbus, the Greater Columbus Arts Council (GCAC), has provided tens of thousands of dollars in grants and support for local filmmakers. Most film commissions do not do this. As I mentioned in the previous article, this isn’t the definition of a film commission. But the future growth of the local industry needs this support. When we talk about a “liveable city” where the arts thrive, film should be able to sit front and center in that conversation. And local filmmakers and crew are what help bring projects to Columbus. Our solution is to support local filmmakers and smaller projects to grow the crew base while simultaneously working on high-level legislation to make a more hospitable atmosphere for all levels of filmmaking.

    Filming on Gay Street, Downtown Columbus for First Kill starring Hayden Christensen and Bruce Willis - Photo by John Daugherty
    Filming on Gay Street, Downtown Columbus for First Kill starring Hayden Christensen and Bruce Willis – Photo by John Daugherty

    The other major missing piece in bringing projects here is incentives (the high-level legislation)—mainly the Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit (OMPTC)—films, by nature, chase tax credits. Ohio is one of approximately 37 states that offer incentives to film projects. The OMPTC is also open to commercial projects. (Do you see the correlation now between film and commercial work?) Ohio’s minimum spend to receive the tax credit is $300,000.

    In 2015, when I took over as executive director of Film Columbus, the tax credit was $20 million annually. We doubled the annual cap to $40 million to be shared around the state in 2017. That amount pales compared to Georgia, Illinois and now West Virginia, all with an uncapped tax credit. New York has a $420 million cap; New Jersey has a cap of $100 million. As I mentioned before, Ohio is constantly turning down applications. (We have approximately $80 million per year in tax credit requests.) These applications usually go to one of the states noted above. Projects are spending that money somewhere. Why not here?

    Several years ago, a few other stakeholders around the state and I sat down with Governor Mike DeWine. After introductions, he immediately asked us, “How can we be more like Georgia?” Short answer: expand the credit! Of course, it takes more than that, but that’s where to start.

    Senate Bill 4, introduced by Senator Kirk Schuring (R-Canton) this year, expands that credit. This bill is the most significant overhaul and could be the most considerable boost for the Ohio film industry in our history. As written currently, SB4 calls for an uncapped tax credit. Georgia uncapped their incentive in 2014. Annual spending in this sector is close to $10 BILLION in Georgia. Film and game production is a form of manufacturing. There is an end product that is exported. Montana considers film an export much like beef and grains. Wouldn’t we want to bring a manufacturing facility that creates $10 BILLION in annual spending to our state?

    SB4 needs to pass the Senate then it moves to the Ohio House. There will be proponent testimony opportunities. If you’re in the industry, or maybe a student who is graduating with a degree from one of the over 20 schools that provide degrees in this industry, or if you own a family lumber yard or a hotel in eastern Ohio, SB4 could offer positive economic impact for your bottom line. Please write your legislators and tell them you support SB4. I’m happy to provide you with a list of legislators in your area. It’s a simple email. And it makes a difference!

    Follow this link to sign up for our email list and we’ll send you more information on how you can help, plus stay up to date on upcoming events and news.

    For more information, visit filmcolumbus.com.

    John Daugherty has been film commissioner in Columbus since early 2015. He has long worked to foster growth in the film industry, including advocating to expand the Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit, providing resources for local filmmakers, and being a champion for the local film industry. Through this series Daugherty is expressing the impact the film industry could have on Columbus and Ohio.

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    John Daugherty
    John Daugherty
    John Daugherty has been film commissioner in Columbus since early 2015. He has worked even longer to foster growth in the film industry. His commitment to tirelessly expanding the Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit, providing resources for local filmmakers, holding scriptwriting competitions for teens, and being a champion for the local film industry proves his commitment to the city of Columbus.John was a volunteer and an instrumental partner in forming the first annual Indigenous Filmmakers Lounge at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival. Recognized by the Sundance Institute as an official Sundance Event, the lounge provided a place for networking, speakers, and panels. Conversations centered around the need for the film industry to help those in underserved communities break into film and filmmaking.
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