Cleveland-shot 'Buddy' brings Barney-gone-wrong horror to Cleveland International Film Festival

After a sold-out Sundance debut, Northeast Ohio native Tyler Davidson's latest project makes its Midwest premiere at CIFF50.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 12:22pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Film producer Tyler Davidson's latest project, 'Buddy', a dark comedy-horror about a children's television mascot who goes on a killing spree, will have its Midwest premiere at the Cleveland International Film Festival. The movie, which was shot entirely in Northeast Ohio, has already garnered praise after its sold-out debut at the Sundance Film Festival.

Why it matters

Davidson, a Northeast Ohio native, has a long history with the Cleveland International Film Festival, having premiered several of his previous films at the festival over the years. 'Buddy' marks his return to CIFF, this time with a project that offers a subversive take on children's programming and our obsession with screens.

The details

Directed by Casper Kelly, 'Buddy' stars a stacked cast including Cristin Milioti, Keegan-Michael Key, Michael Shannon, Topher Grace, and Patton Oswalt. The film was primarily shot at TRG Multimedia in Brooklyn, Ohio, with additional filming in Solon and Burton. Davidson, who moved his production company Low Spark Films to Cleveland, has made it a priority to showcase the city's diverse locations, talented cast and crew, and production facilities in his projects.

  • The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah in January 2026.
  • 'Buddy' will have its Midwest premiere at CIFF50 on Friday, April 10, 2026.

The players

Tyler Davidson

A Northeast Ohio native and film producer who has a long history with the Cleveland International Film Festival, having premiered several of his previous films at the festival over the years.

Casper Kelly

The writer-director of 'Buddy', described by Davidson as part genius, part crazy, and the creator of the viral Adult Swim short 'Too Many Cooks'.

TRG Multimedia

A 160,000 square-foot production facility in Brooklyn, Ohio that was essential to making 'Buddy' possible, and is part of the ongoing effort to develop Cleveland's film industry infrastructure.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It started with the script by Casper Kelly. Meeting him, I recognized a visionary we felt confident could pull off something truly different.”

— Tyler Davidson, Film Producer

“What I love is that he's able to take that aspect of himself and translate it into a real creative vision. 'Too Many Cooks' is not a fluke — it's very much a product of his deranged sensibility that he really doesn't compromise on. That's what makes 'Buddy' stand out.”

— Tyler Davidson, Film Producer

“I also thought about the purple dinosaur. What if this kid's show mascot felt this hatred from kids in the show? What if he internalized it? How would it make him feel and act?”

— Casper Kelly, Writer-Director

What’s next

A distribution deal for 'Buddy' is in the works, and the film's local premiere at CIFF50 is the focus for now.

The takeaway

Davidson's decision to base his production company in Cleveland and shoot most of his projects in the area has allowed him to showcase the city's diverse locations, talented cast and crew, and production facilities, contributing to the ongoing effort to develop Cleveland's film industry infrastructure.