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The Mid-Ohio Valley Entertainment Commission, also known as MOV Film, is advancing two initiatives aimed at strengthening film production capacity and workforce development in Southeast Ohio.
The organization is working with the city of Marietta to formalize a partnership through a proposed memorandum of understanding that is currently before Marietta City Council. If approved, the agreement would allow MOV Film to serve as a liaison between the city and incoming film productions, assisting with permitting, coordinating logistics and helping ensure compliance with city policies.
The proposal has the support of the mayor's office and has been referred to City Council's Streets and Transportation Committee and Lands, Buildings and Parks Committee for review.
In addition, MOV Film has been awarded a $2,500 capacity-building grant from the Ohio Arts Council to support workforce development in the region's film and media sectors. The funding will be used to host a two-day Film Crew Training Intensive in early 2026, led by industry trainer Kenny Chaplin of Film Industry Training Seminars, also known as F.I.T.S.
Film Industry Training Seminars is a nationally recognized workforce development program designed to prepare participants for professional film and television sets. The training focuses on core aspects of on-set work, including industry protocol, set safety, communication practices and real-world production workflows. According to MOV Film, F.I.T.S. programs are designed to help communities build dependable, production-ready crews and reduce barriers for outside productions by increasing the availability of trained local workers.
Chaplin, a veteran of the film industry, founded F.I.T.S. to address workforce gaps in regional film markets across North America. His training programs have been used in multiple states and regions to help establish consistent standards for crew readiness, with an emphasis on professionalism and safety on set.
To meet the grant's matching requirement and cover travel costs for the trainer, MOV Film has launched a year-end fundraising campaign. Through Dec. 31, a matching donor will double contributions made toward the organization's Association of Film Commissioners International membership dues and training costs. Donations can be made through Venmo at @movfilm or via a QR code available at www.movfilm.org. MOV Film is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and all contributions are tax-deductible.
The Association of Film Commissioners International represents film commissions and industry partners in more than 40 countries. Membership provides access to industry education, professional resources and direct connections with producers, studio representatives and location managers, and is intended to help Southeast Ohio remain visible and competitive in attracting film and television productions.