Support Local Film Industry Professionals at Film Cincinnati's Annual Backlot Fundraiser

Film Cincinnati’s fifth annual Backlot fundraiser will be held Saturday, Oct. 28 from 7-11 p.m. at Lunken Airport’s Waypoint Aviation hangar. Photo: Facebook.com/filmcincinnati

There’s an opportunity to support Greater Cincinnati film crew members as the dust settles on the Hollywood writers’ strike and the SAG-AFTRA strike continues.

On Saturday, Oct. 28, Film Cincinnati will be hosting its fifth annual Backlot fundraiser at Lunken Airport’s Waypoint Aviation. Organizers say it’s timely due to the number of crews and talent out of work due to the strike.

Backlot is Film Cincinnati’s largest fundraiser and helps its mission to bring major movie production teams to Greater Cincinnati. In 2022, the nonprofit brought six major motion pictures to the region, which created more than 3,000 jobs and had an impact of over $60 million to the local economy, said Film Cincinnati.

The fundraiser will transform the hangar into an immersive film set, with a ‘70s film theme; grips and electricians lighting it like a movie set; special effects wowing the crowd; and wardrobe, hair and makeup artists helping guests find their own Hollywood glam.

Film Cincinnati says by hiring local film industry professionals for events like Backlot, they’re helping retain Greater Cincinnati’s talent, and, when the strike is over, they can easily fill the job opportunities that will come to the area when filming resumes.

“Film Cincinnati is proud to support our local crew members through events like Backlot,” Film Cincinnati Executive Director Kristen Schlotman said in a press release. “We want to keep these crews working and build the morale of the incredible film scene in Cincinnati, so we are thinking outside the box to find ways for them to showcase their talents for the entire community.”

Backlot will be held from 7-11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28. General admission tickets are $150 and VIP are $250. They can be purchased here.

Waypoint Aviation, 4765 Airport Road, East End. More info: filmcincinnati.com.