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A downtown creative hub set to amplify Northwest Ohio’s film scene
After nearly 10 years supporting Toledo’s burgeoning film industry, local nonprofit FilmToledo has an exciting “coming attraction” of its own: in June 2026, they will be opening their very own office space. With it, the organization plans to redouble its efforts to grow film production in Northwest Ohio, supporting local aspiring creatives looking to break into the industry and making Toledo a hotbed of movie-making opportunities.
FilmToledo is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to promoting filmmaking in Toledo. They’ve partnered with “over 60 local businesses, organizations and film production companies,” per their most recent annual report and have been working directly with the City of Toledo since 2023. Their efforts range from educational endeavors like film workshops and school events to production work such as location scouting services, vendor contact info and casting support for several films that were shot in Northwest Ohio. They estimate that they’ve helped to bring millions of dollars into Toledo and their new offices should allow them to make an even greater impact in the years to come.
Filmmakers, you will do better in Toledo
“We’ve been hosting events with partner organizations such as Toledo Talent and the Toledo Tech Loft, but it was time to create a space that would meet our needs on a permanent basis,” said FilmToledo director, Michael DeSanto. “We were looking into moving into a new space in order to have a centrally located hub for our activities and events.” They found that hub in downtown’s historic Gardner Building at 500 Madison Ave.
The offices will serve as base of operations for the organization as well as a community “creative hub” with a dedicated screening area and more. This flexibility will allow FilmToledo to host “both educational and networking events, everything from film screenings to industry training workshops,” per their official fundraising flyer. When asked what about this endeavor was particularly exciting for the organization, DeSanto said that they “love being able to highlight the renovations being done at the historic Gardner Building, which now hosts multiple art galleries and artists. The overall vision is to create a new hub for creatives in Downtown Toledo and we’re excited to be a part of it.”
To help secure the funding for this space, FilmToledo is requesting donations from the city, local businesses and the community. “There are many ways to contribute to our goal, including online donations and ordering merch from the store on our website,” said DeSanto. “As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by
law.” The merch store is accessible at store.filmtoledo.com and donations can be made at filmtoledo.com/donate.
As DeSanto put it, “the best part about do- nating at this time is seeing tangible results— these funds go toward everything from rent to equipment to maintenance and upgrades.”
Lights…camera…
FilmToledo’s first planned event in the new space will be an Open House the first week of June, where they will also share the new calendar of events.
So, stay tuned for a raft of exciting new opportunities to learn, connect and continue to grow Toledo into a force in the filmmaking industry.
FilmToledo. 500 Madison Ave, Suite 201. Offices open June 2026. filmtoledo.com
