A LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dear Film Cincinnati Community;
Last week, my letter addressed the progression of events the Coronavirus has forced the world to take- slow down, pause, pivot, and resume charging forward.
Film Cincinnati is answering the call to keep moving forward. We are doing so by continuing to service clients. We are working to lay the ground work for projects, so production can come in swiftly once the smoke has cleared. We can assure you the film industry will be back in Cincinnati.
Until the next production office is open; director's village is set up, and cameras start rolling, we want to lend a hand to our incredible film community. We have started a new initiative called FC Cares for Crew.
The demand for aid has increased 20% from crew members due to the Coronavirus. Crew are vulnerable to the health consequences and economic ramifications of the virus because most people who work to bring movies to life are below-the-line workers who don't have contracts, therefore, no protection. For details on FC Cares for Crew and how you can help the program or benefit from it, please, read below and visit the Film Cincinnati website.
Film Cincinnati is also facilitating a roundtable discussion to answer some of your burning questions (when will 1099ers be able to apply for unemployment? How will self-employed benefits be calculated? What other kinds of relief are available?). We are hosting a Zoom conference with Dinsmore & Shohl Labor and Employment Attorney Abby Chermely, Wednesday, April 22, 2020, at 9:00 am. Save the date and additional details to follow.
Finally, with great sadness and reverence we regret to inform you that an active member of the film community, Steve Schraub, has passed. Schraub was a regular on movie sets as an extra, and he appeared in over 20 films. He ran the Ohio Extras and Background Actors Facebook group building solidarity within the acting community and helping others find jobs. Casting director Lynn Meyers described him as, "kind with a passion for film." His friends on set and in life, Mike Bailey and Dave Pittinger, fondly look back on the constant laughs they had on set with Schraub. Bailey adds, "Steve was a great person- caring, helpful, and would talk to anybody." According to Dave Pittinger, "His memory is immortalized in film, but God had a bigger role from him." Schraub passed due to a brain aneurysm on April 4, 2020. A celebration of life will be held at a later date, but in lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to a college fun for his son Nick Schraub that can be made at any River Valley Credit branch. Steve will be remembered for being a great father and friend.
Stay united, safely,
Kristen Schlotman, Executive Director of Film Cincinnati
FC CARES FOR CREW
Help those in our production community reeling from the impact of jobs lost due to the Coronavirus by purchasing Film Cincinnati merchandise or making an online donation in the denomination of your choosing. The majority of proceeds and donations will go towards purchasing $50 gift cards for our outstanding Cincinnati crew in an effort to help them through this difficult time. #FCCaresForCrew
How to Contribute
Visit the Film Cincinnati website and buy a t-shirt, hoodie, hat, or wine cooler, or make a donation.
How to Win
The prize is $50 gift cards. Crew listed on our website are automatically placed in the pool, but all crew and talent with a minimum of two credits are eligible. Eligible but not listed on our website? Reach out to Tassy@filmcincinnati.com should you qualify or with other questions.
FINDING HELP
Actors Fund Emergency Financial Assistance
The Actors Fund has collaborated with other organizations and initiatives to provide entertainment works emergency relief.
Mental Health And COVID-19 – Information And Resources
As disease increases so does anxiety, so Mental Health America has compiled a range of information and resources for the public
IATSE has created an program to care for its most at risk members- the elderly and disabled
Where entertainment industry workers can go for help during the coronavirus crisis
Information and relief resources gathered in one place for entertainment workers.
A Facebook group for production professionals to lean on each other and provide helpful information tailored to locals in film.
OFFER SUPPORT
Support Local Theatres- The Esquire and the Mariemont Theatre
Movie theaters are closed, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy the cinematic experience. Movies that would otherwise screen at Mariemont and Esquire are available for streaming online at the Esquire and online at the Mariemont Theatre. While you wait to go back to theatres buy gift cards, and until then enhance your at-home-theatre experience by purchasing popcorn from the Esquire and Mariemont as well. One pound bags of movie popcorn are available on the weekends for $12.
Cincinnati theater offering alcohol, free buckets of popcorn for curbside pickup
Support RJ Cinema in Eastgate by purchasing gift cards and alcohol. Also, upgrade your movie night with free popcorn every Tuesday and Friday.
Donate to help Cincinnati Area Senior Services, or volunteer to help deliver meals.
Feed a Hero, Support a Business
Thank your neighborhood heroes and drive business at local restaurants by purchasing gift cards to send to those on the frontlines of the fight against COVID-19.
LIGHTEN THE MOOD
Your Cincinnati Movie Marathon
Use this guide to find Cincinnati movies online.
We're curious what your favorite Cincinnati movie is, so as you binge let us know by tagging us or use the hashtags #FilmCincinnati #madeinCincinnati