From Screenwriting to Soundstages: Greater Cleveland Film Commission Hosts Special Events Starring the Director of Cleveland-Filmed Movie, ‘Buddy’

The Greater Cleveland Film Commission (GCFC) will host award-winning writer, producer, and director Casper Kelly in Cleveland on July 10 and 11 for two special events celebrating storytelling and the growing impact of Northeast Ohio’s film industry.

Kelly is the co-writer and director of Buddy, an original horror-comedy filmed in Cleveland that was an opening night hit at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival. Buddy premieres in theaters nationwide on September 4.

An Insider’s Evening with Casper Kelly is a unique opportunity for film fans, aspiring film professionals, and community supporters to hear directly from a veteran filmmaker with writing and directing credits from Netflix, Hulu, Shudder, and Adult Swim, while immersed in the state-of-the-art TRG Multimedia production stages.

“Productions like Buddy spotlight Northeast Ohio to the world, while driving production spending to the region and creating hundreds of local jobs and small business opportunities,” said GCFC President Bill Garvey. “Our talented, expert workforce, visually stunning and diverse locations, and wide array of local resources like TRG Multimedia, the largest soundstage between Chicago and New York at 160,000 square feet, make Greater Cleveland a proven and growing filming destination.”

“The GCFC, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, works for months, sometimes years to pitch Northeast Ohio as the best place to film movies and TV shows. We work with local, national and international filmmakers to film their projects here. GCFC does not receive any commission or fees from the production it books to film in Greater Cleveland. We’re excited to welcome Casper Kelly back to Cleveland to share his experience filming Buddy here and inspire the next generation of storytellers.”

Kelly is best known for his work across the horror-comedy genre in TV and film. His credits include the Emmy-nominated Adult Swim comedy Your Pretty Face Is Going to Hell, the Shudder original V/H/S Halloween, as well as Archer, Aqua Teen Hunger Force, Star Trek: Very Short Treks, Scooby Doo’s Night of the Living Doo, and more.

AN INSIDER’S EVENING WITH CASPER KELLY • Friday, July 10th

Guests will enjoy craft cocktails, heavy appetizers, and an intimate behind-the-scenes conversation with Kelly inside hosting sponsor TRG Multimedia’s studios (1 American Rd, Brooklyn, OH 44144), one of Northeast Ohio’s two new state-of-the-art virtual production facilities, which expands the region’s capabilities into the newest film industry technology made famous by Disney’s “The Mandalorian.”

Moderated by Laura Wimbels, known to horror fans as “Lenora” from Midnight Rental, the discussion will explore Kelly’s creative process, stories from the set of Buddy, and lessons learned throughout his career working on projects for Adult Swim, Netflix, Hulu, Paramount+, Shudder, and more.

Early-bird tickets are on sale now for $65 and increase to $75 after June 22. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

Doors open at 6 pm, and the insider’s conversation starts at 7 pm. Purchase tickets at ClevelandFilm.com/events 

SCREENWRITING WORKSHOP • Saturday, July 11th

The following morning, Casper Kelly will lead an exclusive screenwriting workshop inside the Cleveland Institute of Art’s (hosting sponsor) Interactive Media Lab (1974 E 66th St, Cleveland, OH 44103). This event is designed for aspiring and mid-career writers interested in writing for film and TV.

Participants will explore script structure, plot twists, dialogue, character development and more. Attendees are encouraged to bring their ideas, and one lucky person will be selected to receive live feedback on a one- to two-page script from Kelly and fellow workshop participants.

This workshop is part of GCFC’s commitment to provide direct access to industry professionals and practical opportunities that train local talent with the skills to build careers in a local industry that has global impact.

Workshop registration is $25 and free for GCFC members. Free parking is available onsite.

Paid workshops are included as a benefit for GCFC members at all levels, and members at the Bronze level and above gain access to advance movie screenings and additional industry-focused programming throughout the year.

Doors open at 9:30 am. The workshop starts at 10 am and wraps at 12 pm. For registration and GCFC membership information, or to learn more about GCFC’s workforce development initiatives, visit www.clevelandfilm.com.

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