Movie premiere highlights growing local film industry

Michigan-born actor plans to expand film company and open new studio in Royal Oak

By Joseph Szczesny - Journal Register News Service - June 29, 2008

The premiere of a new film in Detroit puts the spotlight on the growing local film industry, including a film company that's ready to expand in Royal Oak.

The film, "Unbeatable Harold," which is based on a script by Gordon Michaels, a Michigan-born actor, opened the inaugural Detroit Windsor International Film Festival. More than 60 films of all types are being shown at five venues in Detroit and one in Windsor during the festival, which continues today. Organizers are billing the event as the "first and only" international film festival in the U.S.

http://www.dailytribune.com/stories/062908/loc_localn01.shtml

Movie premiere to highlight state's growing film industry

By JOSEPH SZCZESNY
Of The Oakland Press

The premiere of a new film in Detroit puts the spotlight on the growing local film industry, including a film company that's ready to expand in Royal Oak.

http://www.theoaklandpress.com/stories/062708/bus_20080627245.shtml

Michigan film with local ties to premiere

Monroe News - June 26, 2008

Sometimes in Life" is a Michigan-made film that will premiere Friday at the Detroit Windsor International Film Festival.

The independent film features songs from two local groups.

Cetan Clawson Revolution, a Monroe rock band, contributed "Don't Want You Telling Me," from Mr. Clawson's 2006 album, "White Heat." His former band, Cetan Clawson and the Soul Side, released the album.

http://www.monroenews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080626/ARTS/49464077

Action! Film studio planned in Elmwood

By MELISSA DOMSIC - Traverse City Record Eagle - June 25, 2008

TRAVERSE CITY -- Move over Hollywood, here comes Elmwood.

A Los Angeles-area producer and a local developer have big plans for a film studio just outside Traverse City in Elmwood Township.

"Traverse City is this pristine palate that has so many diverse areas to film in," said David Kenneth, president and executive producer of Innovate Entertainment production company and I.E. Effects, a visual effects company.

http://www.record-eagle.com/local/local_story_177094016.html

Big bid for the big screen: "Whip It," The Movie

By Tricia Woolfenden - The Grand Rapids Press - June 25, 2008

I knew this roller derby thing would pay off sooner or later.

The hours of training. The missed family functions. The blood, the sweat, the bruises. The sore muscles and expensive skate equipment. The bruises. The constant pressure and stress of competition. The hours of planning and organization. Oh, and did I mention the bruises?

http://blog.mlive.com/newblack/2008/06/big_bid_for_the_big_screen_whi.html

Teeming in Michigan

By Bashirah Muttalib - Vanity Fair - June 24, 2008

Michigan's film infrastructure is receiving a significant boost from S3 Entertainment Group, a full-service film production services company based in the state.

S3EG has joined with William F. White Intl., one of North America's largest production equipment providers, to be the state's exclusive distribution partner.

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117988006.html?categoryId=8&cs=1

Keep film rolling on state tax credits

Posted by Jackson Citizen Patriot June 24, 2008

No matter your opinion, you have to agree that lucrative tax credits for movies in Michigan are doing their job. In less than three months, 32 movies have started production, and they will spend an estimated $233 million. That's a huge short-term return, and it can only help Michigan's economy. The Legislature ought to leave these credits in place at least until next year.

http://blog.mlive.com/citpat_opinion/2008/06/keep_film_rolling_on_state_tax.html

Hollywood North?

By Rick Coates - Northern Express - June 23, 2008

"Lights, Camera, Northern Michigan.” That is the buzz right now as the region is being considered for five major film projects with A-list producers, directors and actors. Currently a movie project starring Ray Liotta is being filmed in Frankfort in Benzie County. The interest in Northern Michigan for major film projects is due in part to the new film incentives package introduced by Governor Granholm and the legislature this past spring.

http://www.northernexpress.com/editorial/features.asp?id=3218

Is Michael Cerra easily distracted?...and other questions that arise when Hollywood comes to town

By Kim Schneider - Mlive.com - June 23, 2008

My daughter, a friend and I got a peek of the star of Juno and Superbad this afternoon, as he filmed a scene of the upcoming coming-of-age film, "Youth in Revolt,"under an American flag at the door of a newly constructed travel trailer.

http://blog.mlive.com/traveling_coach/2008/06/is_michael_cerra_easily_distra.html

TV movie shoot channels excitement in Royal Oak

By Megan Pennefather • MIRROR STAFF WRITER • June 22, 2008
Pink-and-black-striped spandex proves to be conducive to unexpected fits of street acrobatics.

At least it is for the ultra-fabulous vision in eyeliner and dark lipstick called Sabin.

"We're gonna get sassy," yells Sabin, aka Tyler Cooper of Hamtramck, as he folds his body into a full split in the middle of Washington Avenue Tuesday morning.

http://www.hometownlife.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080622/NEWS18/806220329/1035

Festival shoots for fans and filmmakers

Tom Long / Detroit News Film Critic - June 20, 2008

Brangelina won't be there. Russell Crowe won't wave to crowds, and Nicole Kidman won't walk down a red carpet in some high-priced gown.

But there will be something at the new Detroit Windsor International Film Festival, which runs Thursday through June 29, that should appeal to cinema fans: movies worth seeing.

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080620/ENT02/806200395

Give film industry tax credit a chance to grow state jobs

BY MIKE BINDER • Detroit Free Press • June 18, 2008

For Michigan to turn away from its newly enacted tax credit for film making would, quite simply, be one of the most sorrowful, spiritless, wrongheaded things a state government could possibly do.

This new law is just a few months old and already some of the legislators who voted for it are talking about repealing it or capping the tax breaks. That says more about the lawmaker than the law. Either they didn't understand what they were doing or don't have enough faith in their decision to stand behind it and let it work.

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008806180331

Roll 'Em: Film sets up shop in Leelanau

BY MELISSA DOMSIC - Traverse City Record Eagle - June 21, 2008

LAKE LEELANAU -- Tourists and locals in this small, usually quiet resort town were abuzz with excitement as production crews prepared to film a movie.

Workers painted, drilled and pieced together a two-story trailer at Lake Leelanau RV Park for the set of "Youth in Revolt," a flick starring Michael Cera, Steve Buscemi, Ray Liotta and Jean Smart.

http://www.record-eagle.com/local/local_story_173095607.html

Going Hollywood: How To Make Your Community Film Friendly

By: Melinda Clynes, MetroMode -- 6/19/2008

It's Friday afternoon on a normally sleepy Bloomfield Hills cul-de-sac lined with modest ranches and tri-levels with big, sloping yards. But today, 27 cars border the road. At the bottom of the street, adjacent to the neighborhood playground, are four RVs, a catering tent, a process trailer, a generator, three box trucks, three trailers – one with gold stars on the doors – and dozens of people milling around with headsets and walkie-talkies.

http://www.metromodemedia.com/features/FilmFriendly%20Michgan0072.aspx

Legislator, filmmaker praise film incentives program in Michigan

By STEVE RALPH - The Holland Sentinel - June 19, 2008

Holland, MI — The movies are coming to Michigan.

That’s the message Michigan Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Zeeland, and Holland native Scott Brooks of TicTock Studios, 479 Columbia Ave., delivered to a group gathered Thursday evening, June 19, at New Holland Brewing Co., 66 E. Eighth St. in Holland.

http://www.hollandsentinel.com/news/x1743977562/Legislator-filmmaker-praise-film-incentives-program-in-Michigan

Extras gather to film parade scene for Lifetime movie in Royal Oak

By Julie Hinds • Free Press Pop Culture Writer • June 17, 2008

Downtown Royal Oak is the star today, playing 1984 San Francisco in a parade scene that's being filmed for "Prayers for Bobby," the Lifetime cable movie starring Sigourney Weaver.

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080617/NEWS03/80617046/1046/ENT07

Filmmakers on the job in Royal Oak

By Catherine Kavanaugh - Daily Tribune Staff Writer - June 18, 2008

ROYAL OAK -- Emma Young of Detroit did some star gazing at Washington Avenue and Fifth Street Tuesday, pointing out actress Sigourney Weaver to people coming to watch the filming of Lifetime's "Prayers for Bobby."

http://www.dailytribune.com/stories/061808/loc_localn01.shtml

Royal Oak businesses welcome film crews

By KELLY KOZLOWSKI • FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER • June 17, 2008
It's not every day that Sigourney Weaver leads a gay pride parade through the streets of your hometown. But today, that's exactly what happened in Royal Oak.

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080617/NEWS03/80617077/1001

Royal Oak serves as backdrop for Lifetime movie

Catherine Jun / The Detroit News -- June 18, 2008

ROYAL OAK -- Many who were downtown on Tuesday afternoon might have spotted actress Sigourney Weaver and another rare sight: the Royal Oak mayor riding a convertible with three very leggy drag queens.

Washington Street in downtown Royal Oak turned into a Hollywood backdrop as a production crew filmed "Prayers for Bobby," a Lifetime cable movie about Mary Griffith, who became a gay rights advocate after her gay son committed suicide.

http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080618/METRO02/806180358

Royal Oak hosts movie filming

BY JULIE HINDS • DETROIT FREE PRESS POP CULTURE WRITER • June 18, 2008

The extras were invited to wear clothes appropriate for a summer parade -- shorts, tank tops, T-shirts and cutoffs or, if they felt like it, feathers and spangles and flamboyant drag.

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080618/FEATURES01/806180316&imw=Y

Locals get chance of a ‘Lifetime’ in new movie

By Terry OparkaC & G Staff Writer

TROY — Don’t be surprised to hear “quiet on the set,” or “action” as you’re strolling around town this summer.

State lawmakers passed tax incentives for the film industry this past winter in an effort to boost the state economy. The measure allows filmmakers to receive as much as a 42-percent tax credit for equipment, wages, travel expenses, catering, set construction, craft services, bonding and insurance costs.

http://www.candgnews.com/Homepage-Articles/2008/06-11-08/TF-HOLLYWOOD.asp

WaterMark plans film, TV studio

The Muskegon Chronicle - By Dave Alexander (June 14, 2008)

The developers of WaterMark Center condos in Muskegon are partnering with a New York film company to create a multimillion-dollar production studio in their sprawling former factory building to support expected growth of Michigan's film industry.

http://blog.mlive.com/chronicle/2008/06/watermark_plans_film_tv_studio.html

Holland filmmaker helps people learn trades needed on sets

Chicago Tribune -- By James Prichard / Associated Press (June 9, 2008)

HOLLAND, Mich. - Candace Lilley has done a little of everything as a single mom trying to support her two daughters. She has built and sold houses, painted parking lots, waited tables, tended bar and even assisted doctors performing surgery.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-mi-hopwoodshollywoo,0,4505046.story

'Cut!' cry critics of film law: Payouts, exemptions stir drive for rewrite

Crain's Detroit Business - By Bill Shea (June 9, 2008)

Michigan's new film incentive law could get a Hollywood-style script rewrite.

Signed into law in April, the legislation reimburses filmmakers up to 42 percent of production expenses accrued in Michigan. That has some legislators alarmed because early predictions say the state will pay out at least $120 million by next year in approved reimbursements.

http://crainsdetroit.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080609/SUB/806090331/1069

Keep movie tax credits rolling: Tax break will cost state millions, but long-term payoff should be worth costs

Detroit Free Press Editorial (June 8, 2008)

Two months ago, state lawmakers were falling all over themselves to enact hefty tax credits to lure more movies to Michigan. The legislation passed with just one dissenting vote among the 148 representatives and senators. So now that something they did seems to be working as intended, some lawmakers are having second thoughts, fretting that the costs will be too high and suggesting the credits be capped or otherwise limited.

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080608/OPINION01/806080557

Cut! Adult films and scenes unfriendly to Michigan don't qualify for tax breaks

By Ron Dzwonkowski - Detroit Free Press (June 8, 2008)

No porn and nothing that makes Michigan look bad.

Those are the broad parameters under which Janet Lockwood, director of the Michigan Film Office, is busily reading scripts from companies that suddenly want to make movies in Michigan, now that they can get a rebate (or "incentive," as the state prefers to call it) of up to 42% of their Michigan spending.

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080608/COL32/806080562/1081

Fresh Prince Of Belle Isle?

Jalopnik (June 6, 2008)

ABC has reportedly ordered up a new hour-long drama pilot, based upon the auto industry and set in our very own Motor City. The Prince of Motor City is said to contain "Hamlet overtones" and is set to begin filming at the end of June, airing this winter as a mid-season replacement. According to the casting call on the Michigan Film Office Web site, they're seeking actors for a variety of roles, including at least one apparent Dr. Z lookalike. More details and full release after the jump...

http://jalopnik.com/395293/fresh-prince-of-belle-isle

Hermansville brothers filming outdoors TV show

Daily Press - By Brandon Veale (June 6, 2008)

ESCANABA — The Whitens brothers of Hermansville are out to revolutionize outdoors television.Together with videographer Nick Jensen, they are preparing to debut “Real Outdoor Destinations” on The Sportsman Channel in January.

http://www.dailypress.net/page/content.detail/id/504169.html?nav=5003

Film industry needs stages, talent - and a fast pace

by Carol Marshall Oakland Business Review (Thursday June 05, 2008)
If you meet Jeff Spilman, you must remember one thing: His business moves at the speed of light. That's probably why he talks so fast. He's not trying to rush. He just has to talk to a lot of people.

http://www.mlive.com/businessreview/oakland/index.ssf/2008/06/carol_marshall_film_industry_n.html

City plans to build movie studio in downtown Lansing

By Kara Paliokas The MSU State News (June 3, 2008)

It could be lights, camera, action for MSU after Lansing officials announced a $9 million project Tuesday that would create a movie studio in downtown Lansing.

http://www.statenews.com/index.php/article/2008/06/city_plans_to_build_movie_studio_in_downtown_lansing

Film incentives have drawn $225 million in movie projects

by Nathan Bomey Ann Arbor Business Review (Friday May 30, 2008)

Film companies have opted to shoot movies in Michigan with plans to spend about $225 million since the state approved an aggressive incentives package in April, officials indicated this afternoon at the Mackinac Policy Conference.

http://www.mlive.com/business/index.ssf/2008/05/film_incentives_have_drawn_225.html

Proposal may deliver movie magic to Lansing

By Jeremy W. Steele, Lansing State Journal (June 3, 2008)

Vacant lot could become $9M studio complete with editing, screening rooms

Lansing may be ready for its Hollywood close-up.And to make sure the capital city gets its take, a local developer and film production firm want to build a 71,000-square-foot studio and production facility downtown.

http://www.wzzm13.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=93166

Michigan is a stage as incentives lure movie companies

by Carol Azizian The Flint Journal (Sunday June 01, 2008)

Clint Eastwood's making our day by filming his next movie, "Gran Torino," in Michigan.

A Saginaw native is shooting a television series in Flint and other Michigan cities. And Flint has been checked out as a possible site for a yet unnamed project.

http://www.mlive.com/movies/index.ssf/2008/06/michigan_is_a_stage_as_incenti.html

Filmmakers win, taxpayers lose in prison drama

Jackson Citizen Patriot (Sunday, June 01, 2008)

Last week, a movie was shot at the old Jackson prison the state shut down last year.
We're supposed to be excited.

http://www.mlive.com/business/citpat/index.ssf?/base/business-2/1212314723163420.xml&coll=3