Permits And Procedures
The permitting process in Ohio varies depending upon what part of the state you are shooting in and the type of permit you require. Obtaining permits is an easy and cost-effective process.
As the agency dedicated to assisting productions statewide, the Ohio Film Office is able to direct you to the necessary entity who will be able to assist you in securing the permit you require. Whether you need to close a street, film from the air or in water, or gain access to a publicly owned property, we can help.
Contact us at (614) 644-5156 to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your question is not addressed, please contact the Ohio Film Office at (614) 644-5156.
What services does the Ohio film office provide?
The Ohio film office provides:
Resources and assistance
There's no need to make a ton of phone calls when preparing and shooting your project in Ohio. With more than 40,000 square miles of land and 88 counties, our office can help you zero in on where you want to be and how to find what you need.
The Ohio film office is the initial point of contact for all productions in the state. By contacting our office first, we can quickly put you in touch with the appropriate resources and governing bodies that will help your project run smoothly. We also provide assistance, as needed throughout the course of your production.
Locations
Ohio's landscapes are diverse. From rolling hills and smooth farmland to industrial cities and quaint small towns—all within close proximity of one another—you can change your locations quickly and affordably. With the Ohio film office's Reel-Scout® Locations Database your search can be filtered by region and location type, helping to save time and money for your production.
Crew and services
Part of the Ohio film office's mission is to grow and support the local production industry. With the Ohio film office's Reel-Crew Database cast and crew are categorized by position and resumes are provided for each listing. The Reel-Crew Database also has a comprehensive vendor list that helps a production locate the resources that they need throughout the state.
Why should i shoot my project in Ohio?
Experience, locations, hassle-free production and cost of living
The state of Ohio has been host to many film/video productions. Ohio crews and support services are knowledgeable and friendly.
Locations and hassle-free production
Ohio has a variety of locations letting you capture a serene countryside and cityscape in one day. Minimal moves, accessibility, affordability, welcoming communities, and the freedom to operate your production without interference are all reasons why Ohio can simplify your production. Every minute you spend in traffic, waiting in lines, or trying to figure out how to find the right product or resource means wasted dollars. No extended rush-hour period, unexpected traffic jam, or permitting hassles make the state of Ohio naturally suited to ease the stress of your production.
Cost of living
The cost of living in Ohio is roughly 35% to 41% less expensive than in the los angeles region and more than 50% less expensive than manhattan (source - www.bankrate.com)
This translates into lower operating costs for your production, including office and supply rentals, lodging, food and travel expenditures. Given soaring energy costs, the impact on your budget could be softened.
What incentives does Ohio have?
The tax credit is equal to 25 percent of non-wage and nonresident wage Ohio production expenditures and 35 percent of Ohio resident wage production expenditures. To qualify for the Ohio motion picture tax credit a production must spend $300,000 in eligible production expenditures within the state, and will receive no more than a $5,000,000 credit per production. Please see our incentives page for more details.
What permits does the Ohio film office issue?
The state film office is not a permitting office but is able to put you in touch with the right agency or resource that can assist you. Please see our Permits Page for more details.
What kind of crew and support services are available in Ohio?
With many film/video productions shot in the state and an active local commercial industry, your production can find crew and support in all parts of the state. With the Ohio film office's Reel-Crew Database cast and crew are categorized by position and resumes are provided for each listing. The Reel-Crew Database also has a comprehensive vendor list that helps a production locate the resources that they need throughout the state.
What kind of locations does Ohio have?
Ohio's landscapes are diverse. From rolling hills and smooth farmland to industrial cities and quaint small towns–all within close proximity–you can change your locations quickly and affordably. With the Ohio film office's Reel-Scout® Locations Database your search can be filtered by region and location type, helping to save time and money for your production.
I'm an out-of-town independent or student filmmaker.
Does the Ohio film office assist productions with smaller projects?
Yes, the Ohio film office assists out-of-town independent and student filmmakers. Please contact us at (614) 644-5156, to learn more about how we can help you and local resources around the state.
What is Ohio's sales tax?
Ohio's sales tax is 5.5% but varies across counties depending upon the use tax in each jurisdiction. To find out the tax on goods and services in the area you are interested in, go to http://tax.Ohio.gov/online_services/thefinder.stm
How do i get in touch with the Ohio bureau of workers' compensation?
Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation
BWC 30 W. Spring Street
Columbus, OH 43215-2256
1-800-Ohiobwc (1-800-644-6292)
http://www.Ohiobwc.com/default.aspx
What are Ohio's minor labor laws?
Ohio minor labor laws do not include minors involved with film productions according to chapter 4109.06 a-3.
It states:
4109.06 chapter not applicable.
(a) this chapter does not apply to the following:
(3) a minor participating in a play, pageant, or concert produced by an outdoor historical drama corporation, a professional traveling theatrical production, a professional concert tour, or a personal appearance tour as a professional motion picture star, or as an actor or performer in motion pictures or in radio or television productions in accordance with the rules adopted pursuant to division (a) of section 4109.05 of the revised code;
For a detailed explanation of Ohio minor labor laws, please go to http://198.234.41.198/w3/webwh.nsf/allbykey/0a2cc2509843265a852566180051af2e
Geography/Weather/Ohio Facts
What is Ohio's geography like?
Ohio has more than 40,000 square miles of land that includes rolling and steep hills near the base of the appalachian mountains in the south, smooth even farmland in central and northern Ohio, lake erie, one of the great lakes, in the north, and winding rivers. Bordering Kentucky, Indiana, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Canada (by Lake Erie), Ohio captures the landscape of both the east coast and midwest. Large Ohio cities have industrial and cityscape looks with brownstones, skyscrapers, large sports arenas, world-renowned museums and cultural attractions and educational institutions. And, don't forget the plethora of small towns scattered through the state.
For an interactive map of the state, please see our Geography Page.
What is the population of Ohio?
Ohio has a population of more than 11 million people, and its largest cities are Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Akron, and Toledo.
What is the weather like in Ohio?
The weather can vary in Ohio between the northern and southern parts of the state with the north being cooler and having a larger snowfall than the south.
Below is a sampling of weather stats:
average annual temperature: 49°f in the northeast to 55°f in the south
average warmest month: july, 84°f - 86°f in the west to 80°f - 82°f in the northeast
average coldest month: january, 30°f in the south to 25°f in the north
average annual freeze-free period: 160 days in the north to 180 days in the south
average annual precipitation: 32 inches to 42 inches across the state
driest months: october, january and february, just over 2 inches of precipitation
wettest months: april through july, just over 4 inches of precipitation
For more information about Ohio's weather, please see our Weather Page.
What is the foliage schedule in Ohio?
September and October are the peak months for fall color in Ohio, but will vary depending upon where you may be located in the state, the summer's rainfall, and the temperature in September. Visit the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to learn more and to see an up-to-date foliage status.
What are the major industries in Ohio?
Ohio has a range of industries from manufacturing and agriculture to insurance and energy. Goodyear tire and rubber, limited brands, proctor and gamble, progressive insurance, and numerous educational institutions are headquartered in Ohio. More than 14 million acres of Ohio land are used for agricultural purposes, including the production of soybeans, corn, hay, wheat and for raising livestock.
What are the major airports in Ohio?
There are three major airports located in or near Ohio's three largest cities.
The Port Columbus International Airport
4600 international gateway
Columbus, OH 43219
(614) 239-4000
http://www.port-columbus.com
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport
5300 riverside drive
Cleveland, OH 44135
(216) 265-6000
http://www.clevelandairport.com
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport
2939 terminal drive
Hebron, KY 41048
(859) 767-3151
http://www.cvgairport.com
