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Ohio Opens $40M in Tax Credits for Film, TV, and Theater—Here’s How Small Towns Can Get a Piece of the Spotlight

Erika Willitzer
4 days ago
2 min read

The Ohio Department of Development just rolled out a blockbuster opportunity: $40 million in Motion Picture and Theater Tax Credits are now up for grabs, and applications are open through December 2, 2025. This isn’t just a win for Hollywood producers—it’s a golden ticket for small towns, local businesses, and community theaters across Ohio to step into the spotlight.

What’s the Program?

Ohio’s Motion Picture and Theater Tax Credit offers a 30% refundable tax credit on qualifying in-state production costs, including wages for cast and crew, equipment rentals, set construction, and more. Of the $40 million available:

$34 million is earmarked for film and television projects
$6 million is reserved for Broadway and theatrical productions

Eligible projects include feature films, TV series, documentaries, music videos, video games, and pre-Broadway shows. In short: if it’s creative and filmed in Ohio, it could qualify.

Why This Matters for Small Towns

Ohio’s charm isn’t just in its cities—it’s in its historic downtowns, scenic farmland, quirky diners, and vibrant community spaces. These tax credits are designed to attract productions to places just like yours.

Here’s how small towns can benefit:

Location fees: Productions pay to use your buildings, streets, and landmarks.
Local hiring: Crew members, extras, caterers, and drivers are often sourced locally.
Business boosts: Hotels, restaurants, hardware stores, and coffee shops see increased traffic.
Community pride: Being featured on screen builds buzz and tourism.

How Small Businesses Can Engage

Whether you run a bakery, boutique, or bed-and-breakfast, here’s how to plug into the opportunity:

List your business as a vendor: Offer catering, lodging, props, or wardrobe support.
Promote your location: Submit your storefront or property to Ohio’s location database.
Partner with local theater groups: Help them apply for the theatrical portion of the credit.
Host a production meet-and-greet: Invite producers to explore your town’s potential.
Create a “Film-Friendly” package: Bundle services like lodging, meals, and transportation.

Deadline & Next Steps

Applications are open now and close on December 2, 2025. If you’re a small-town leader, business owner, or creative entrepreneur, now’s the time to rally your community and pitch your town as the next great filming location.

You can find more details and apply through the Ohio Department of Development.

Lights, Camera, Local Impact

This isn’t just about movies—it’s about economic development, storytelling, and community pride. Ohio is saying: “We want your town on screen.” So let’s roll out the welcome mat, dust off the marquee, and show the world what small-town magic really looks like.