No plans for movie studio at former Geauga Lake property

Former roller coaster at Geauga Lake Park

While Aurora and Bainbridge Township would love to see a movie studio break ground on the former Geauga Lake and Wildwater Kingdom property, there are presently no deals on the table.

“The concept of film studios is ideal,” said Jennifer Syx, president, inSITE Advisory Group. “However, plans are not currently underway for that type of use at the site.”

inSITE is working on a development plan with Cedar Fair on behalf of the city and township. Cedar Fair owns the 650-acre property,

The development plan is a combined effort between Cedar Fair, Aurora and Bainbridge. It will help Cedar Fair market the property to developers.

Both communities had hopes a movie studio might locate there, telling the Aurora Advocate that a studio could be a “game changer.” Figures shared by Syx with the Advocate included the possibility of 1,000 jobs, more or less.

“The communities are certainly desirous of having film studios in this area, as it would serve as a very positive economic driver for the region,” she said.

Still a chance? Maybe

One developer had interest in including a movie studio as part of the comprehensive development plan, said Karen Endres, Bainbridge Township zoning inspector. The property is zoned mixed use planned unit development and movie studios are among the permitted uses in the district.

“I would like to believe there is still interest in constructing movie studios in Bainbridge,” said Endres. She said a studio could provide more than minimum wage jobs and a be a catalyst for economic development.

Comments

Aaron Schoonover and Nic Neary return to Wadsworth to shoot 'Meteor Anne' this summer

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's 'Automated Trucking' one of several films awarded tax credits for 2025

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...

Catching up with Erik Bork and 'The Elephant in the Room'

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...

Midwest Movie Maker

Search This Blog