Midwest Movie Maker

Filmmakers and friends, Aaron Schoonover and Nic Neary >>> What happens when an ordinary life collides with something extraordinary? Ohio filmmaker Aaron Schoonover brings that question to life this summer as he begins production on Meteor Anne in Wadsworth, Ohio , alongside producer, friend and fellow Wadsworth High School alum, Nic Neary. Inspired by true events, Meteor Anne tells the story of a woman struck by a meteorite — the first person in recorded history, in fact — whose life goes viral once the news hits the 24-hour cycle. At first, Anne avoids the spotlight. But as her husband encourages her to embrace her newfound fame, she’s swept up in interviews, public appearances, and even meets her celebrity crush at a live TV taping. When her 15 minutes end as quickly as they began, Anne struggles to return to normal life. The project was one of 14 projects recently awarded support from Ohio’s Motion Picture Tax Credit Program . We caught up with Schoonover and Neary to...

Mike Judge and Alec Berg, creators of 'Automated Trucking' >>> Automated Trucking , a new comedy feature from Mike Judge, creator of Office Space , Beavis and Butthead , and King of the Hill , will shoot in Ohio this year - but where in Ohio is the real question. Automated Trucking was one of 14 projects awarded more than $26 million of $33 million in tax credits from the Ohio Department of Development’s Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit Program (OMPTC) aimed at boosting production and infrastructure across the state.  The newly launched Ohio Film & Theater Capital Improvements Tax Credit Program (OFATCI) will provide more than $7.3 million to support capital improvements for film and theater production. "Our film tax credits bring producers and stars to Ohio, and they create opportunities for the local businesses, skilled trades, and creatives already here," said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development. "The expansion of film in...

Director Brandon Lazenko chats with 'October Roses' leads >>>  What happens when you get the opportunity to produce, direct and write an adaptation of one of the world’s most notable horror masters? You fulfill a few lifelong dreams. Just ask Brandon Lazenko . His most recent film, October Roses , is an adaptation of the short story Nona from master storyteller Stephen King. Lazenko got the opportunity to adapt the story through King’s recently sunsetted Dollar Baby program . The Dollar Baby program allowed aspiring filmmakers to buy the rights to one of King’s short stories for $1. Created in the late 1970s, this program was designed to support new filmmakers by offering access to King’s works. The only rules? Filmmakers could not distribute their adaptations commercially, limiting screenings primarily to festivals and academic settings. King’s program, which ended in 2023, significantly impacted the film industry. Frank Darabont, for example, directed The Shawshank R...

Chris Gierowski, horror movie producer and Cleveland native, on the set of 'Sweetest Day' >>>  If you created a Venn diagram with "Cinema" in one circle and "Late Night Movie Hosts" in the other, you would undoubtedly label the overlap "Horror Filmmakers." Ohio native and horror movie producer Chris Gierowski certainly fits that bill. “I remember watching Big Chuck and Lil' John with my mother when I was young,” says Gierowski. Before long he was devouring cult classics from Troma, both captivated and inspired by the offbeat, gritty world of indie horror. “I remember reading Lloyd Kaufman's book, All I Need to Know About Filmmaking I Learned from the Toxic Avenger , and telling myself I wouldn’t let it inspire me to make movies,” Gierowski says. “And then, of course, it did.”  Kaufman is the pioneering independent filmmaker and co-founder of Troma Entertainment, best known for producing The Toxic Avenger and championing low-budg...

Sean Kleier and Alyssa Limperis play political opposites in love Since our last conversation with Dayton native Erik Bork , the Emmy-winning writer has embraced new creative ventures, including directing his debut feature film, Elephant in the Room .  The “red-blue rom-com,” as Bork calls it, delves into political polarization through the intertwined lives of three unexpected companions. And with the 2024 election looming large, what better time for a film like Elephant in the Room ? Set in December 2020, the story follows a progressive Los Angeles woman who meets a Trump supporter and unexpected sparks fly.  In the aftermath of their meet-cute, however, she questions whether they can overlook their political differences to build something more. “The film is less about political debate and more about flawed yet relatable characters who explore their differences while trying to figure out their lives and relationships in a heartfelt, humorous way,” explains Bork. Alyssa Limperi...

> Actress Josie Wilka on the set of 'Superman' Cleveland State student takes on her biggest challenge > If someone says, “Guess who just landed a role in Superman ?”, your first thought is some A-lister from a hit streaming show or indie heartthrob. An actor with an agent on both the West Coast and East Coast and a standing reservation at Gwen . For Josie Wilka, though, the journey was a little different — and a lot more inspiring. Growing up in Owensville, Mo. , Josie’s acting career began almost by accident when her high school musical desperately needed a lead. Just 10 days before opening night, she was pulled out of math class and thrust into the spotlight as the world’s most famous candy maker, Willy Wonka. From that moment, Josie discovered a deep passion for acting - one that would eventually lead her to Cleveland State University . While at CSU, Josie seized the opportunity to audition as a background performer in James Gunn’s Superman , shot in downtown Cleveland...