Bring more filmmaking to Ohio

11/5/2005

It was disheartening to read Christopher Borrelli's Oct. 23 article, "Location: When making a movie. why do filmmakers head for Ontario?"

Runaway productions not only affect the economy for the city and state but also for filmmakers such as myself in the area. It definitely does not help that the Ohio Film Commission no longer exists. These are things I tell my students at Bowling Green State University.

Most of my students desire (as I did) to head out west upon graduation. I'm trying to create a cooperation among filmmakers throughout the country and Ohio by orchestrating a film and video workshop at BGSU, but it's tough.

There is some cooperation in the area such as Visual Products in Wellington, Ohio, which has helped support the workshop at BG. But without state incentives and without support from a state film commission, it's hard to make an argument to bring filmmaking to the Buckeye State.

When I go to trade shows I see many state film commissions with their photos, brochures, crew/equipment contacts, etc., all nicely packaged to lure filmmakers to their regions. The union I belong to, IATSE Local 600, as well as the Society of Camera Operators, do a good job in getting the word out regarding runaway productions, and it is very evident that states that do offer tax incentives are bringing in film production.

Let's hope Ohio gets the ball rolling soon because not only are there many diverse locations throughout the state, but there is also a great pool of talent in this region.

Jose A. Cardenas

Perrysburg

Contract spells out annexation pact

The Blade reported the appeal of Willowbend area residents unyielding to the mandate of the City of Perrysburg to annex.

It was reported that Lisa E. Pizza, attorney for the City of Perrysburg, said, "The township doesn't object to the annexation of the development, which is contiguous to the city."

In actuality, the former trustees agreed to the infamous "99-Year Agreement" between the city and the township. The agreement financially restrains the township from annexation "interference" in this particular subsection of the township. The current board of trustees is not a proponent of relinquishing territory, especially via involuntary annexation, although we remain cognizant and duty bound to our contractual obligations regarding "interference."

JOHN HROSKO

Administrator

Perrysburg Township

Board of Trustees