**Top 5 Cities to Film in Ohio**
Ohio is a state that offers a variety of filming locations for filmmakers. From bustling cities to peaceful countryside, Ohio has it all. Its landscapes range from urban skylines to quiet small towns, making it a great place for movies and TV shows. The state also provides tax incentives for filmmakers, which makes it even more attractive. Movieinsure.com is a proud provider of short term film production insurance and annual film production insurance for the state of Ohio. In this article, we’ll look at the top five cities to film in Ohio.
1. **Cleveland**
Cleveland is one of the best cities in Ohio for filmmakers. It has a mix of urban and historical locations, which makes it perfect for various types of films. The city is located on the shores of Lake Erie, so filmmakers can capture beautiful waterfront scenes. Its skyline, with towering buildings and modern architecture, gives Cleveland a big-city feel. However, there are also plenty of older buildings and historical neighborhoods that provide charm and character.
One of Cleveland’s most famous filming locations is the house from *A Christmas Story*, a classic holiday movie. The house is now a museum but remains a popular spot for fans and filmmakers. Cleveland’s West Side Market and Public Square are also great locations, offering lively cityscapes for films. The mix of modern and old architecture gives filmmakers many choices for scenes, making Cleveland a versatile filming location.
In addition to its urban appeal, Cleveland has been the setting for several blockbuster films, including *The Avengers*. The city’s wide streets and dramatic skyline made it the perfect stand-in for New York in the film. Overall, Cleveland offers a wide range of options for filmmakers looking for both city and waterfront scenes.
2. **Cincinnati**
Cincinnati is another top city for filmmakers in Ohio. It is known for its stunning architecture, historic landmarks, and beautiful parks. The city has a rich history, which is reflected in its grand old buildings and narrow streets. Cincinnati’s downtown area, with its mix of Victorian and modern architecture, is ideal for films that require a historical or urban setting.
One of Cincinnati’s most iconic landmarks is the Roebling Suspension Bridge, which resembles the Brooklyn Bridge in New York. This makes it a great spot for filmmakers who want a dramatic city backdrop without the hustle and bustle of larger cities. The city’s Over-the-Rhine district is another popular location for filmmakers. It features the largest collection of 19th-century Italianate architecture in the United States, making it perfect for period films.
Cincinnati’s scenic parks and riverfront also provide filmmakers with outdoor settings. The city sits along the Ohio River, offering plenty of opportunities for waterfront scenes. Its rolling hills, combined with its historical architecture, make Cincinnati one of the most picturesque cities in Ohio to film in.
3. **Columbus**
Columbus, the capital of Ohio, is a growing city that is quickly becoming a popular spot for filmmakers. With its modern skyline, diverse neighborhoods, and green spaces, Columbus
offers a variety of filming locations for different types of productions. The city is home to several universities, including Ohio State University, which gives it a vibrant, youthful atmosphere. This makes it perfect for films that need a college-town setting or urban energy.
One of the key benefits of filming in Columbus is its diverse neighborhoods. The Short North Arts District, known for its colorful murals and art galleries, provides a creative and trendy backdrop for films. On the other hand, the German Village offers a completely different vibe with its brick streets, historic homes, and charming local businesses. These distinct areas give filmmakers plenty of options, depending on the tone and style of their project.
Columbus is also known for its green spaces, such as Scioto Mile, a series of parks along the Scioto River, and Franklin Park Conservatory, which offers beautiful gardens and exotic plants. The combination of modern urban spaces and lush greenery makes Columbus a versatile filming location that can suit many different types of stories.
4. **Akron**
Akron may not be as large as Cleveland or Cincinnati, but it has plenty to offer filmmakers. Known as the “Rubber City” due to its history with the tire industry, Akron has an industrial backdrop that can be perfect for gritty, urban films. The city’s old factories and warehouses give it a raw, authentic feel that filmmakers can use to their advantage.
One of Akron’s most famous landmarks is Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, a grand estate with beautiful gardens that has been used in several film productions. The mansion, built in the early 1900s, provides a stunning historical setting that can be used for period dramas or luxurious scenes. The city also offers several parks, such as Cuyahoga Valley National Park, which provides scenic natural settings like forests, rivers, and waterfalls.
Downtown Akron, with its mix of modern buildings and older structures, offers filmmakers an urban environment without the congestion of larger cities. Its quiet streets and industrial history make Akron a unique and appealing place to film. The city has also invested in revitalizing its downtown area, making it more attractive to filmmakers looking for both modern and historical settings.
5. **Dayton**
Dayton, known as the birthplace of aviation, is a city with a strong connection to history and innovation. It offers filmmakers a mix of urban and suburban settings, as well as several historical landmarks. The city’s connection to the Wright brothers, the pioneers of flight, gives it a unique historical edge. The National Museum of the United States Air Force, located in Dayton, is a great location for films related to aviation or military history.
Downtown Dayton is filled with historic buildings and theaters, such as the Victoria Theatre, which has been restored to its original 19th-century grandeur. These locations are perfect for period films or projects that require an old-world feel. The Oregon District, one of Dayton’s oldest neighborhoods, features beautifully preserved Victorian homes and a vibrant nightlife, making it a versatile setting for a variety of film scenes.
Dayton’s riverfront also provides filmmakers with scenic outdoor locations. The city sits along the Great Miami River, offering peaceful views and open spaces for filming. With its combination of historical landmarks, industrial areas, and natural beauty, Dayton is a great place to film in Ohio.
Why Ohio is a Great Place to Film
Ohio’s diverse landscapes and cities make it an ideal location for filmmakers. The state offers everything from bustling urban centers to peaceful rural settings, providing filmmakers with a wide range of options. In addition, Ohio has a strong film community and offers tax incentives to attract productions to the state. This makes it not only visually appealing but also financially attractive for filmmakers.
One of Ohio’s biggest strengths is its mix of modern and historical settings. Cities like Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Columbus offer modern skylines and urban energy, while smaller cities like Akron and Dayton provide historical charm and unique architecture. This combination of old and new gives filmmakers a lot of creative freedom when choosing locations.
The state’s natural beauty is another major draw for filmmakers. With its rivers, parks, and rolling hills, Ohio provides plenty of outdoor locations that are perfect for nature scenes. Whether you need a modern cityscape, a historical village, or a peaceful natural setting, Ohio has something for every type of film.
Ohio is quickly becoming a popular destination for filmmakers, thanks to its diverse cities, stunning natural landscapes, and welcoming atmosphere. Cleveland’s mix of old and new, Cincinnati’s architectural beauty, Columbus’ creative energy, Akron’s industrial charm, and Dayton’s rich history make these five cities the top filming locations in the state.
The wide range of settings available in Ohio allows filmmakers to create different worlds within the same state. Whether you’re working on a big-budget blockbuster or a small independent film, Ohio’s cities offer the perfect backdrop for any project. The state’s commitment to supporting the film industry, along with its affordable locations and unique charm, make Ohio a fantastic place for filmmakers to bring their stories to life.
