MARIETTA, Ohio (WTAP) — Will Wedig, a Marietta native with production credits on projects for Lionsgate, Netflix, and PBS documentaries, addressed the Economic Roundtable of the Ohio Valley to promote the potential of film production in the Mid-Ohio Valley. Having spent over two decades working in New York on national advertising campaigns and major media platforms, Wedig shared his vision of revitalizing local creative opportunities by establishing a regional filmmaking presence.\n\n”For the past year, I’ve been returning regularly to Marietta with the goal of launching film initiatives here,” Wedig explained. “My experience on a small independent project in 2002 gave me hands-on skills in camera operation, lighting, and logistics—knowledge that set me apart in film school. Now, I want to empower the next generation of creators in this community.”\n\nGreg Delemeester, vice president of programs at the Economic Roundtable, highlighted the economic advantages of attracting film productions. “Operating costs are lower here, and historic downtown streets like Front Street or Putnam Street can convincingly double as urban settings from past decades, such as 1980s New York,” he said. “This makes the area highly attractive for period films.”\n\nWedig stressed that while the infrastructure and talent pool can grow, success depends on local engagement and support. He believes that cultivating a filmmaking ecosystem could open career pathways in media, technology, and production for residents.\n\n”You can’t turn down job creation,” Delemeester added. “Promoting our community through film is not just about entertainment—it’s a strategic way to showcase the region’s assets and attract investment.”\n— news from WTAP\n\n— News Original —\nWedig presents benefits of filmmaking to the Economic Roundtable of the Ohio Valley\nMARIETTA, Ohio (WTAP) – The Economic Roundtable of the Ohio Valley as apart of it’s programming this year brought in guest speaker Will Wedig to present the idea of filmmaking in the Mid-Ohio Valley and its benefits. \nAccording to the Economic Roundtable, Wedig is a native of Marietta, Ohio who has accredited work in films credited with Lionsgate, Netflix, and PBS documentaries, and has also worked on major advertising campaigns. \nWedig said he has returned to the Mid-Ohio Valley for the hope to bring his passion back home by speaking to community leaders. \n“I’ve been a filmmaker based out of New York for the last 23 years,” Wedig said. I’ve worked for many major national brands. I’ve had my work on every major streaming and broadcasting platform. For the last 12 months, I’ve been coming back to Marietta in hopes of being able to bring film to the area.” \nGreg Delemeester, the vice president of programs for the Economic Roundtable of the Ohio Valley, said there are benefits for bringing filmmaking in Marietta. \n“What he’s trying to do is develop it into for more filmmakers to come to small areas like Marietta,” Delemeester said. “Costs are lower. The scenes and the sets of downtown Marietta, for example, could double for New York City back in 1986. If you’re shooting a period piece on Front Street or Putnam Street, it’s just perfect.” \nWedig said bringing filmmaking to Marietta is a possible reality and can open doors for those in the community who are wanting to enter the field, but he said community support is needed. \n“I spent four weeks on a very, very small independent film in Marietta in 2002,” Dewig said. “I worked with film equipment. I worked with cameras. I worked with lighting equipment. I drove a truck. When I got to New York City, I knew so much more than all the other students in my film school just because I had worked on one film production. I’m trying to do is bring up the next generation of filmmakers and creatives, but also do something for this community that hopefully becomes a reality. I would need the support of the community to do so.” \n“You can’t say no to jobs,” Delemeester added. “If you’re trying to sell the community, I believe the film industry is one way to sort of showcase that,” \nTo learn more about the Economic Roundtable of the Ohio Valley, you can click here. \nSee an error in our reporting? Send us an email by clicking here!
