Ohio's film and theater scene just got a major financial boost courtesy of the state's Department of Development, which has doled out over $33 million in tax credits to a bevy of projects through two specific programs to beef up the local industry.

According to information provided by the Ohio Department of Development, 14 projects are set to benefit from the Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit Program (OMPTC), which will give out more than $26 million in tax credits, the recipients ranging from TV series like "Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries" and "WWE 2025 Productions" to feature films including "Kickin’ It" and "Automated Trucking." Let’s not overlook the documentaries and shorter projects that also get a piece of the pie. A whopping $33 million in qualified expenditures and creating 61 new full-time gigs are expected to stem from these awards.

Governor DeWine seems pretty stoked about the developments, saying, "These awards help ensure that Ohio is represented in stories that capture the hearts and imaginations of audiences around the world," and that it's not just about supporting individual productions but about "building an industry that will keep jobs in our state for years to come," according to the Ohio Department of Development's press release.

The Ohio Film & Theater Capital Improvements Tax Credit Program (OFATCI) is the newbie here. It's already making waves with over $7.3 million in tax credits flying out to support capital improvement projects, including a $4.972 million overhaul of the Cleveland Production Center and a significant reconstruction of Sandusky's State Theatre, which, evidently, has seen better days. Furthermore, TRG Multimedia is set to construct a virtual production stage that, thanks to a tax credit, will bolster film production capabilities and likely assist in keeping the local talent pool from drying up.

For those who like the nitty-gritty details, the OMPTC dishes out a generous $50 million annually, split evenly between two rounds. Plus, if there's anything left over from previous seasons or if funds are recaptured, those are tossed into the pot as well. OFATCI, on the other hand, operates annually and can offer a credit of up to $5 million or 25% of total qualified expenditures, whichever is less. Whatever the case, it seems clear that Ohio is poised to hang up its "Open for Business" sign and roll out the red carpet for the film and theater industry bigwigs. More info about these programs can be found online for those intrigued.