New group aims to lure filmmakers

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The Youngstown Regional Film Commission is being launched with a goal of bringing movie projects to the area and also training production crew members, actors, writers and others.

Fred D’Amico, a Boardman native, is spearheading the project. D’Amico was a producer and also had a small role in the 2013 film “The Power of Few,” which is now available on Netflix and Showtime.

“The Power of Few,” written and directed by Boardman native Leone Marucci, had a cast that includes Christopher Walken and Christian Slater.

The immediate goals of the YRFC will be to launch a series of workshops, featuring Hollywood guests, on topics that include film financing and other aspects of the industry.

The YFRC plans to have a presence at the Canfield Fair over Labor Day weekend to create public awareness and disseminate information.

A website will be launched in the near future. The group is partnering with Art Youngstown to develop a database of actors, crew members, writers, producers and donors. Information can also be obtained by emailing yrfc@gmail.com.

D’Amico said he has been meeting with area political leaders to obtain support and lay the groundwork for financing. He hopes to bring a film crew to the area for shooting that would begin in February.

Office space, filming locations and experienced crew are needed to entice filmmakers to the area, he said.

“Youngstown is the home of the Warner Brothers, and one of the first movie theaters in the country, and we’re telling people that Youngstown is back in the film business,” said D’Amico.