Cincinnati to take on Hollywood as filmmaking hot spot

CINCINNATI (WKRC) — Cincinnati is fighting to become the Hollywood of the Midwest. The state nearly doubled a tax credit for moviemakers from $40 million to $75 million.

That comes as the Over-the-Rhine International Film Festival invites big-name stars.

Some call the Queen City "Hollywood East" as more and more filmmakers have been coming to the area. And, with an increased tax incentive, the city is hoping even bigger projects are headed here.

"Cincinnati has had this tremendous trajectory in the film industry for five years running. We're on Moviemakers' list of top places to live and work in the film industry, and it's because of those types of projects that are coming here," said Film Cincinnati Executive Director, Kristin Schlotman.

The film "Wise Guys" starring Robert De Niro wrapped up filming downtown a few months ago.

Before that, there was 'Bones and All' with Timothee Chalamet, 'Shirley' with Regina King, and 'Miles Ahead' with Don Cheadle.

"Cincinnati is now getting a reputation as a world-class destination for production," Schlotman said. "And there is a thirst for this kind of content here and these jobs here, and so we're not slowing down anytime soon."

Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez graced the red carpet at the OTR Film Festival. They raved about the city's potential and are hoping to convince other filmmakers to feel the same way.

"The great thing about Cincinnati is that it's not overused and so there [are] so many extraordinary locations here that have yet to be discovered," said actor Emilio Estevez.

Martin Sheen grew up in Dayton and would bring the kids to Cincinnati from time to time.

"It's always a pleasure to return from whence I came and it's a joy to be part of the film festival as well," Sheen said.

Estevez said he wants to bring a TV show or another movie to the area.

Directors and producers would likely come from outside, but he said the city has a lot of talented actors already here.

"There's still this great excitement about the industry," Estevez said.

Film Cincinnati said with the success the city is seeing with bringing in films, it's almost ready to rival Georgia.

The greater tax incentive could attract larger-budget films, but the group stressed it believes independent films are important for the city, too.