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February SIG: How a Small Nonprofit Made a Blockbuster Impact
February 21, 2018 @ 7:45 am - 9:00 am
Free – $10
Find out how to sell your ideas and mission outside of greater Cleveland!
Speakers
Ivan Schwarz , President & CEO
Erin Gisel, Director of Development
Greater Cleveland Film Commission
From giant blockbusters to single episodes of a television series, Hollywood knows Ohio can handle any size production. Over the past decade, nearly 300 productions have been shot in Northeast Ohio including Spider-man 3, The Avengers, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, and Draft Day. This incredible success story is a direct result of Ivan Schwarz and the Greater Cleveland Film Commission’s efforts. Schwarz, an industry veteran with over 30 years of experience as a location manager and producer, was named President and CEO of GCFC in 2006. He immediately recognized while Northeast Ohio had the locations and community support to make it a great production destination, without a tax incentive, it would never be a real player.
Schwarz began the long process of lobbying for some sort of financial incentive for the media industry in Ohio. In 2009, Ohio passed the Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit, largely due to the efforts of Schwarz and the GCFC. Today Northeast Ohio is a hotbed of production activity. GCFC aggressively pursues media productions and businesses that can make a significant impact on the local economy. It serves as a one-stop shop for local, national and international filmmakers, ensuring an exceptional production experience. These efforts aren’t just benefitting filmmakers. Film productions have pumped millions of dollars into Ohio’s economy while generating thousands of jobs.
Come learn how the GCFC turned Northeast Ohio into a top Hollywood destination with just a small nonprofit staff and budget. Schwarz will share his script for success and take your questions. Sharing the stage with Schwarz will be Erin Gisel who recently joined the GCFC as Director of Development. Gisel has over a decade of fundraising experience including serving as Director of Annual Giving at Hathaway Brown School in Shaker Heights, OH. We invite you to come hear their powerful story.
Fast Facts:
Free parking behind and in front of building
Coffee, orange juice, water included
