John Daugherty has been a Columbus resident for over 30 years. For more than a decade, Mr. Daugherty’s commitment to growing the film industry in central Ohio proves his long-standing belief that the business of film can enrich a community.

Since taking over as the Film Commissioner for central Ohio in 2015, the industry has seen tremendous growth, including the expansion of the state tax credit from $20 million to $40 million in 2017.

In 2015, John facilitated the inaugural Columbus Film Summit at the request of then Mayor Michael B. Coleman. Through keynote speakers, panels, and public discussions, city leaders were presented with the fact that Columbus can sustain a growing film industry. Also during 2015, the Film Commission redirected its efforts and its mission to grow and expand the film infrastructure in central Ohio focusing not only on production but exhibition and education as well.

John was a partner and CCO at the production company Vital Film Works from 2007-2015.

I have taken direct and deliberate steps to grow the film industry not only in central Ohio but statewide. My knowledge of starting and running a successful production company lends well to strategic thinking for the growth and continued health of the current Film Columbus board which would transfer well to the vitality of the AFCI Board.

Each year, as Executive Director, I have developed a strategic plan for Film Columbus and presented that plan to our Executive Committee. That plan is refined and communicated to lead our 17-member board to produce years of positive results.

Working with local lobbyists and arts leaders we have developed a strategy for 2019 to work with state legislators to expand the Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credit in a way that benefits the state AND local film commissions. My communication skills to achieve these results would be an asset to the AFCI.

My fiscal responsibility with Film Columbus, a 501c3, has allowed us to end each year on or under budget.

At this point in our continued growth at the Greater Columbus Film Commission, it is important to us to understand the process of working with state and local government to expand tax credits, develop local incentives, and find ways to grow and maintain our crew base. The importance of sharing this knowledge and results across respective film commissions on a global level is important for the survival and success of all AFCI members. It’s great to see Cineposium grow and provide a platform to share those ideas.

The newly developed Global Production Network Tool is on its way to becoming a valuable resource for all members. I feel it’s important to expand and put in place some type of vetting process for submitted projects. With shared knowledge across the Board of Directors and with input from AFCI members, I think we can develop a process that streamlines the review of submissions. This would allow film commissioners to quickly discern if a project is right for their area.

I feel an immense sense of camaraderie during Cineposium. I have had the pleasure of attending since 2015. Seeing the passion of the board to truly make a difference in the industry is what appeals to me most. As film commissioners, it is our responsibility to keep our crew members safe and keep them working. To achieve both of those initiatives we have to keep up with, and create, new programs and standards to grow with an ever-changing industry.

We all are required to work closely with local and state government to achieve our goals. Sharing ideas and programs that work for each of us to meet those goals in an unselfish and collaborative manner is a testament to what the AFCI is truly about. We all work very hard to provide positive economic and spiritual impact for our respective communities. At Film Columbus I thought it was imperative that we develop a new purpose: the art AND the business of film enriches our community. I would love to carry that mantra into my tenure at AFCI.