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Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit
Industry-Specific · Ohio Department of Development - Ohio Film Office · OH
The Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit is a refundable 30% tax credit on eligible production wages and in-state spending, offered by the Ohio Department of Development's Ohio Film Office to film, television, and theatrical productions working in Ohio.
The Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit is a refundable tax credit program run by the Ohio Department of Development's Ohio Film Office. It offers a credit equal to 30% of eligible production wages and in-state spending for film, television, and Broadway/theatrical productions that incur eligible expenditures in Ohio.
This is not a cash grant paid up front — it is a refundable tax credit, meaning eligible productions can claim the credit against tax liability, and unused amounts may be refunded. Ohio uses this incentive to attract film, TV, and theatrical productions to the state, generating local spending, hiring of cast and crew, and use of Ohio-based vendors and locations.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but the credit is awarded against an annual allocation, so availability can vary by round and by year. Because the program is tied to an annual budget, the exact award amounts, whether the current round is open, and the specifics of eligible expenditures should be confirmed directly with the Ohio Film Office before committing significant production plans around this credit.
For a small production company, indie filmmaker, or theatrical producer planning work in Ohio, this credit can meaningfully offset labor and spending costs — but because it depends on annual allocation and rolling application windows, timing matters. Contact the Ohio Film Office or check the official program page for the latest details on caps, deadlines, and documentation requirements before applying.
Who qualifies
How to apply
Questions people ask
Is this a grant or a loan?
It is neither a traditional grant nor a loan — it's a refundable tax credit against eligible production wages and in-state spending.
Do I have to repay the funds?
No, it's a refundable tax credit, not a loan, so there's no repayment requirement.
Who is eligible?
Film, television, and Broadway/theatrical productions incurring eligible production expenditures in Ohio.
How much is the credit worth?
The credit equals 30% of eligible cast/crew wages and in-state spending; confirm current caps at the official source.
Is there a minimum or maximum award?
No specific floor or ceiling amount is provided in the available data — confirm at the official source.
What's the deadline to apply?
The program uses rolling applications against an annual allocation; check current rounds at the official site.
Where do I apply?
Applications are handled through the Ohio Film Office at https://development.ohio.gov/business/ohio-film/ohio-film-program.
Who runs this program?
The Ohio Department of Development's Ohio Film Office administers it.
Is this only for Ohio-based businesses?
The credit applies to productions incurring eligible expenditures in Ohio; confirm residency/registration requirements at the official source.
Is the credit taxable income?
This isn't specified in the available data — confirm at the official source.
Can theatrical productions apply, not just film/TV?
Yes, Broadway/theatrical productions are explicitly included alongside film and TV.
Is funding guaranteed if I apply?
No, the credit is awarded against an annual allocation, so availability depends on the current round and remaining funds.
Opportunity number: not published. Source: curated + verified (official state source, 2026). GetFundedUSA is independent and not affiliated with Ohio Department of Development - Ohio Film Office; always confirm current deadlines, amounts and eligibility on the sponsor's own page before applying.