A Note from the Director

Year two and we’re on track to become the go-to organization that promotes and connects Dayton’s several-hundred film industry-related professionals to the people – both regionally and nationally – that make films, TV and commercials.

Economic impact

FilmDayton was born from the larger DaytonCREATE effort that aims to foster the growth of the “creative class” to strengthen the local economy.

  • Beginning in 2008, FilmDayton joined with other Ohio film commissions to provide information and support towards the successful initiative to create state tax incentives for filmmaking.
  • In 2009 the organization became a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation, hired its first Director, and established an office in the Dayton convention center.
  • Launched in 2009, FilmDayton.com promotes film activities around the region, advertises film-work opportunities, and provides a social-networking hub for the local filmmaking community.
  • Both the 2009 and 2010 FilmDayton Festival boasted over 800 tickets sold, and were supported by 98 High school filmmakers, 48 Dayton-based or Dayton native filmmakers, 22 volunteers, 11 businesses, 9 corporate sponsors, and local 5 venues.
  • Today FilmDayton fields requests from filmmakers and production companies from Toronto, Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago and connects them to Dayton resources.

Growing Future Filmmakers

  • Beginning in January 2010, FilmDayton entered a partnership with the Muse Machine to present filmmaking “Boot camps,” Film clubs, and workshops for Miami Valley students.
  • Since October, 2008, monthly “Film Connections” meetings draw up to 80 attendees each who share and discuss their work and professional opportunities.

Celebrating the Region

Our second annual FilmDayton Festival (May 14-16, 2010), like our first, was Dayton-centric – films that have roots, or take their cue, from right here in the Miami Valley. Films made by people who grew up and learned their craft here. Films starring people who live and work in our town. Films inspired by people and places in our midst. Films shot right here. Most recent case in point: local filmmakers Steve Bognar and Julie Reichert’s HBO-distributed documentary of the closing of the Moraine GM plant, THE LAST TRUCK, which was nominated for an Oscar (and received a talk-show shout-out from Tom Hanks).

This is just a glimpse of what is possible when you imagine the kind of resourceful, creative, and fun film community FilmDayton believes can flourish here. Here’s looking forward to year three – and beyond.