Ohio professor urges $75 million motion-picture tax credit with no sunset to spur industry and retain graduates

Scott Titsworth, dean of the Scripps College of Communication at Ohio University (speaking in a personal capacity), testified in support of provisions in section 122.85 of HB 96 that would set the Ohio motion-picture tax credit and entertainment credit at $75 million with no sunset and broaden eligible production definitions. Titsworth said higher, durable credits attract production, investment in infrastructure (studios, stages, post-production), and help retain graduates trained in film and media fields. He cited Georgia’s example where an unlimited cap and durable incentives have supported studio construction and generated multiplier effects; he argued Ohio needs a similar signal to encourage production houses and ancillary businesses to locate in-state.

Titsworth emphasized workforce benefits: about 200 students at Scripps are trained in disciplines related to motion picture and entertainment and many alumni leave for Los Angeles absent local opportunities. Senators questioned the likelihood of studio construction and the effect of AI on industry demand; Titsworth argued AI streamlines tasks but does not remove the need for human actors, directors and production infrastructure and that if production work shifts, the companies doing that work will still need a physical location.

Ending: Titsworth asked senators to consider the workforce development and economic-development benefits of a durable tax credit and said he supported workforce provisions and broader definitions in HB 96.