James Ingalls II, a passionate filmmaker with roots in Cleveland, is on a mission to bring high-quality film production back to his hometown. Inspired by his experiences at DePaul University and Cinespace Studios in Chicago, Ingalls is planning a film studio campus in Euclid, just north of the former Linderme Tube Co. site. This ambitious project, named Creative Spaces aims to create jobs and establish Cleveland as a competitive player in the film industry.
The proposed campus will feature a 15,000-square-foot sound stage that is 38 feet tall accommodating everything from large-scale blockbusters to small, independent projects. Ingalls envisions a space that is accessible to both big-budget productions and aspiring filmmakers with limited resources. ‘We’d be looking to host movies like “Superman,” but if a kid has $50 and we have a gap in our schedule, we’ll be like, “Come on in,”’ Ingalls shared.
The Vision Behind Creative Spaces
Ingalls’ vision for Creative Spaces is rooted in his belief that Cleveland has the potential to become a major film production hub. The campus, which will be built on a 4.3-acre plot of land acquired by the Costanzo Family Limited Partnership No.1, is designed to offer a cost-effective production environment. The project is being led by Parma-based architecture firm Christopher A. Lobas & Associates, with an estimated budget of $5 million.
The sound stage at Creative Spaces will be larger than 65% of the soundstages at Cinespace Chicago and Universal Studios LA, providing a competitive edge for Cleveland. Ingalls emphasizes that the facility’s pillarless, soundproof layout is ideal for interior shooting, offering a unique industrial feel that sets it apart from other major markets.
Cleveland’s Film Industry Potential
Cleveland’s strategic location, within a day’s drive of both New York and Chicago, makes it an attractive destination for filmmakers. The city offers budget-friendly locations and low- or zero-fee permits, making it 41% less expensive than Los Angeles and half as costly as New York. Additionally, Ohio provides a 30% refundable tax credit for feature films, television series, and documentaries with a minimum budget of $300,000.
Bill Garvey, president of the Greater Cleveland Film Commission, highlights the importance of supporting local filmmakers. ‘It’s great when stars come to Cleveland and you see that on the news, but what’s lost is there’s thousands of jobs behind the camera,’ Garvey said. The film commission is supportive of all filmmakers, especially local ones, and works towards creating a sustainable film ecosystem in the region.
The Future of Creative Spaces
Ingalls’ long-term vision for Creative Spaces includes expanding the campus with additional soundstages and cultivating a local crew pipeline. This initiative aims to establish Cleveland as a go-to filming destination and create a sustainable, economically smart center for films to thrive. ‘The American film industry has had its issues, so let’s be part of returning it to a tradition of excellence,’ Ingalls stated.
The planned facility will integrate with existing cinematic ecosystems, such as TRG Multimedia, a 160,000-square-foot photography, CGI, and content creation space in Brooklyn. This collaboration will further enhance Cleveland’s film industry capabilities and attract more productions to the region.
As James Ingalls II brings his film industry dreams back to Cleveland, the city is poised to become a major player in the film production landscape. Creative Spaces represents a significant step towards creating jobs, fostering local talent, and establishing Cleveland as a competitive and cost-effective filming destination.
