Setting the Scene
Ready for your closeup?
Backlot is Film Cincinnati’s annual fundraiser that allows the organization to continue to make our region a world-class destination for film and entertainment.
Oct. 29, 7 – 11 p.m.
Waypoint Aviation
4765 Airport Road, 45226
General admission – $150
Red carpet
Food & entertainment
Open bar
VIP – $250
6 p.m. – VIP celebrity cocktail mingle with Barry Levinson a
VIP Salon – $3,500
Private table of 8
6 p.m. – VIP celebrity cocktail mingle
Get tickets now!
Lights! Camera! Austin!
Fresh from his star-making role in “Elvis,” Austin Butler heads to Cincinnati in October, for the new film “The Bikeriders.”
He will be joined by Jodie Comer (“Killing Eve”), Tom Hardy (“Mad Max: Fury": Road”) and Michael Shannon (“The Shape of Water”) in director Jeff Nichols’ next feature.
The film is Nichols’ sixth directorial effort, and his first since “Midnight Special” and “Loving” premiered in 2016. Sarah Green and Brian Kavanaugh-Jones will produce via Tri-State with Nichols, alongside New Regency. Fred Berger executive produces. The film will begin production in Cincinnati this October.
Based on the 1967 Danny Lyon photography book, “The Bikeriders.” tells an original story about a ’60s midwestern motorcycle club as it evolves over the course of a decade from a community for outsiders into a far more sinister gang.
“We are thrilled to host this incredibly talented team and provide tremendous opportunities for locals,” said Kristen Schlotman. “It’s a very exciting time for Cincinnati's own role in the film industry.”
The movie follows the recent filming of the docuseries produced by Film Cincinnati, “label•less.” Filmed earlier this month at the American Sign Museum, the show follows the making of a stage show of the same name. Performances featured a special appearance by actor Zack Gottagen, who had his breakout role in 2019’s The Peanut Butter Falcon. In 2020, he became the first person with Down Syndrome to be a presenter at the Academy Awards.
Led by a talented young cast, “label•less” tells their stories of love, compassion and how they defy the labels they have experienced in their lifetimes. It’s an incredibly powerful show that people of all ages can embrace and experience together. With a diverse cast of 16-26-year-olds, this show tackles current social issues that this generation faces; everything from bullying to mental health to homophobia to racism.
The docuseries is a collaboration of Drew and Lea Lachey, Brave Berlin, and TVACOM (LA/Cincinnati).
With “Shirley,” starring Regina King and an adaptation of John Green’s “Turtles All the Way Down” filming earlier this year, and Film Cincinnati has come roaring back from COVID shut downs. In 2017 and 2018, the motion picture industry had an economic impact of nearly $80 million in the Greater Cincinnati area, according to a study by the University of Cincinnati Economics Center.
Filming of these productions during that time had a total economic impact of $142 million, with an employment impact of 1,054 jobs between FY 2014 and FY 2018.
The Backlot fundraiser helps Film Cincinnati continue its mission to develop programs, advocacy, and promotional events and support the continued growth of local film production.