Ohio Entertains: Music & Entertainment

When people think of the entertainment industry, places like Hollywood or New York usually come to mind. But for decades, communities across Ohio have played a role in bringing stories to life on screen. Clermont County is no exception.

From scenic state parks to charming small towns, Clermont County has provided the backdrop for a variety of film productions. At the same time, it has helped shape storytellers of its own, proving that entertainment doesn’t just happen here; it starts here too.

As America 250 approaches, it’s the perfect time to take a closer look at how Clermont County has contributed to the world of film, both in front of the camera and behind the scenes.

Clermont County may feel like a hidden gem, but its landscapes and communities have caught the attention of filmmakers looking for authentic settings and small-town character.  

One of the most notable productions to film in the area is The Old Man & the Gun, starring Robert Redford. Portions of the film were shot in the village of Bethel and at East Fork State Park, where local streets and storefronts helped create scenes set in another era. Residents may recognize familiar sights woven into the film, offering a glimpse of Clermont County on the big screen.  

The county has also attracted more recent productions, including the 2019 reboot of Wrong Turn. Filming took place in areas such as New Richmond, Felicity, Utopia, and Milford, where wooded landscapes and rural roads provided the perfect setting for the film’s suspenseful tone. Productions like this highlight the versatility of Clermont County’s natural environment.  

Another project, The Blunderer, brought filming to New Richmond, transforming parts of the village for its scenes. And while not filmed exclusively in Clermont County, Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile, starring Zac Efron, also utilized locations within the county as part of its regional production footprint.  

Together, these projects show that Clermont County offers a unique mix of historic charm, natural beauty, and welcoming communities that continue to make it an appealing destination for filmmakers looking to bring their stories to life.  

While Clermont County has welcomed film crews looking for authentic small-town scenery, the region has also helped shape storytellers of its own. 

One of the most recognizable modern creators with local ties is Mark Fischbach, also known as Markiplier. Raised in the Cincinnati area and a graduate of Clermont County’s Milford High School, he later studied at the University of Cincinnati before launching what would become one of the largest entertainment channels on YouTube.  

Known for his humor, gaming content, and cinematic storytelling, Markiplier built a massive global following online before expanding into larger creative projects. In 2026, he took a major step into filmmaking with the release of Iron Lung, a science-fiction horror film based on a cult favorite indie video game of the same name. 

Unlike many modern films, Iron Lung wasn’t backed by a major Hollywood studio. Markiplier wrote, directed, produced, edited, and starred in the movie himself, bringing the production to theaters through an independent release supported by his audience. This film’s limited theatrical release quickly gained attention, demonstrating how a creator who started online could successfully bring a passion project to the big screen. 

His journey is a reminder that Clermont County’s role in entertainment isn’t limited to locations used on screen. Sometimes the stories begin here long before the cameras start rolling.  

Clermont County’s connection to film is part of a much bigger story happening across the state. As part of the America 250 celebration, Ohio Goes to the Movies is a statewide initiative bringing screenings and events to all 88 counties throughout 2026. 

The program celebrates Ohio’s impact on the film industry, from iconic filming locations to the people behind the scenes, highlighting how communities across the state have helped shape the stories we see on screen. With events taking place in theaters, parks, and local gathering spaces, it’s a chance for Ohioans to experience history together.  

Here in Clermont County, communities are joining in by hosting events at local gathering places like Union Township Civic Center, New Richmond Branch Library, and Starlite Drive-In Theatre, giving residents and visitors a chance to experience Ohio’s film history close to home.

Start planning your visit today and see where Clermont County takes you next.