Over the last two weeks, Marvel Studios has been scrambling to find a replacement location for their upcoming Avengers film after the repeal of tax break incentives by Michigan Governor Rick Snyder made shooting in Detroit financially unappealing. Ohio Governor John Kasich stepped up and began campaigning for the Joss Whedon-directed production to come to Cleveland and it appears as if his invitation has been answered.
The Greater Cleveland Film Commission has announced that Marvel Studios will be coming to the city for part of its shoot.
As per the Film Commission’s press release –
Cleveland, OH, March 07, 2011 – The Greater Cleveland Film Commission, working in conjunction with the City of Cleveland, Cuyahoga County and the State of Ohio, announces that Marvel Studios will film parts of the comic book superhero adventure film THE AVENGERS in Cleveland. The production will be the largest feature film ever made in Ohio, as well as the largest Marvel Studios production to date. The film will employ hundreds of Ohio-based cast and crew, and use local service and supply vendors. Pre-production is already underway with principal photography scheduled to start in April 2011 and running through September 2011.
“Ohio is thrilled to participate in a project of this size and with such top-notch partners. Cleveland, northeast Ohio and the state will enjoy the significant economic benefits of this production thanks to an aggressive, forward-thinking effort by people who spoke the language of the industry and who successfully sold Ohio. It’s what we’re starting to do across the board in Ohio and it will produce important economic returns,” said Ohio Gov. John R. Kasich.
“Marvel Studios is bringing THE AVENGERS to Ohio for two reasons: the Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit and the efforts of the Greater Cleveland Film Commission. We look forward to collaborating with the Film Commission and working in the great state of Ohio,” said Louis D’Esposito, Co-President, Marvel Studios.
“The City of Cleveland welcomes the opportunity to host THE AVENGERS. The boost to the local economy is what we envisioned when we started working with the Film Commission to position Cleveland as a great destination for making films. Our art culture, diverse natural environment and skilled work force will provide filmmakers with an exceptional experience,” said Cleveland Mayor Frank G. Jackson.
“This project means jobs and economic development for Cuyahoga County. It also shows that our community is gaining momentum as a destination for filmmakers. This is exciting to see,” said Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald.
THE AVENGERS will be filmed primarily in New Mexico, with production also taking place in Ohio and New York. Iron Man, The Hulk, Captain America and Thor assemble in the spectacular summer film event “Marvel Studios’ THE AVENGERS,” starring Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Jeremy Renner, Scarlett Johansson, Clark Gregg and Samuel L. Jackson. Marvel Studios’ THE AVENGERS is based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series The Avengers, first published in 1963 and a comics institution ever since. Joss Whedon is set to write and direct THE AVENGERS. Kevin Feige is the Producer alongside Executive Producers Jon Favreau, Louis D’Esposito, Alan Fine, Stan Lee and Patty Whitcher and Co-Producers Jeremy Latcham and Victoria Alonso.
“The Greater Cleveland Film Commission is thrilled to welcome back many of the producers of the film, who we have worked with before on productions in Cleveland, and who have a great understanding of the region,” said Ivan Schwarz, Executive Director of the Greater Cleveland Film Commission. “We appreciate the efforts of the Governor’s office and the Department of Development to quickly act on this incredible opportunity.”
