COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — After the success of “Superman,” awarded $11 million in tax credits for filming in Ohio, the state is awarding $46 million in tax credits to another round of movies, TV series and stage shows being produced in the state.
Through the state’s Motion Picture Tax Credit Program, Ohio’s Department of Development is giving out the tax credits to 11 movies, four TV mini series, five full TV series, four theatrical productions, two documentaries and one digital media. These projects are expected to create more than 1,000 new jobs, contribute more than $150 million in eligible production spending, and drive $196 million in production-related expenses, the department said.
“When productions choose Ohio, they put our communities on the global stage,” Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development, said. “Through the Motion Picture Tax Credit Program, we’re telling Ohio’s story to the world while creating new jobs and growing local economies.”
The state is continuing its Motion Picture Tax Credit Program after garnering nationwide acclaim as one of the main filming locations for “Superman.” Originally listed under the code name “Genesis,” the James Gunn-directed movie earned $11,091,686 in tax credits and hired more than 3,000 Ohio residents.
DC’s Ohio-related expenses were projected to exceed $36 million, which made up about 10% of the movie’s total budget of more than $363 million. The film’s Motion Picture Tax Credit application said its Ohio production included 133 days for preparation, 37 for shooting and 31 for wrap. That means around a quarter of Gunn’s movie was produced in Ohio.
“Superman” was released in theaters on July 11 and has since grossed more than $614 million at the worldwide box office.
Films awarded in this round includes more than $10 million in tax credits for a movie under the code name “Spain Thief” being produced in Cleveland; $8.4 million for “Sunny” in Canton; $3.6 million for “10 Center” in North Canton; $2.8 million for “The Chaperones” in Cincinnati; and $1.5 million for “Love is Not the Answer” also in Cincinnati.
TV series include $2.1 million for All Elite Wrestling’s 2025-26 productions in Cleveland; $2 million for “Gabriel and the Guardians” in Columbus; $1 million for WWE’s 2025-26 productions in Cleveland; and $3 million for “The Guest List” in Lorain.
Theatrical productions awarded include $1.3 million for the national tour of Broadway’s “Hell’s Kitchen” in Cleveland; $1 million for a tour of “Spamalot” in Cleveland; $613,000 for “The Notebook” in Cleveland; and $463,877 for “Elf the Musical” in Springfield.
Motion Picture Tax Credit applications are reviewed and awarded in two rounds each year. Projects are awarded first to TV series, then to all other based on the extent of positive economic impact in Ohio and the effect on developing a permanent workforce in motion picture of theatrical productions in the state, the Department of Development said.
Earlier this year, the department gave out $44 million in tax credits for 23 productions in Ohio. Last fall, 17 projects were chosen to receive $36 million in tax credits.
While Ohio is angling to be a movie-making destination, the state was passed up in February to be the next home of the prestigious Sundance Film Festival. Cincinnati was among three finalist cities last year that could begin hosting the Sundance starting in 2027. However, the festival’s parent organization, the Sundance Institute, opted for a move to Boulder, Colorado.
