Michigan Film Discussion Planned for November 5 in Charlevoix

(NORTHERN MICHIGAN | October 27, 2008) – Film producers from all over the United States are looking to Michigan as a prime venue for their upcoming projects, thanks to 40% tax incentives introduced back in April. Securing the projects is just half the battle, however. The success or failure of this program lies within the communities of Michigan who must be able to provide goods and services, with an unparalleled level of expertise, teamwork and communication.

On Wednesday, November 5, a group of concerned individuals with ties to the film industry – known collectively as the Northern Michigan Film & Media Group – is hosting an informational discussion geared toward chambers of commerce, visitor bureaus, economic development organizations, businesses and individuals interested in learning more about the incentives and the potential it provides for Michigan. The session will be held at Stafford’s Weathervane Restaurant in Charlevoix. A social hour for networking will start at 5pm, with a formal round-table discussion and Q&A session starting at 7pm.

http://www.onlinedistributionpipeline.com/2008/10/michigan-film-discussion-planned-for.html

Movie Starring Rob Schneider Looking For Extras

Click on Detroit

DETROIT -- A romantic comedy starring Rob Schneider and Jenna Dewan is holding a three-day open call for movie extras in Detroit.

Movie extras will not be paid, but prizes, such as plasma screen TVs, Xbox 360 and digital video cameras will be given away to some lucky participants.

Domain Entertainment Productions LLC is filming "Virgin on Bourbon Street" in various locations in Detroit on Oct. 28, 29 and 30.

http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/17788697/detail.html

Northern Michigan Film Industry Update

By Rick Coates | Northern Express | October 26, 2008

Michigan’s new tax incentives to attract major film productions have been working: The Michigan Film Office is reporting over 60 projects in the works and millions being invested into the state’s economy. But to date, only a few projects have been slated for Northern Michigan.

This past summer part of a production was filmed in Frankfort. There have been rumors flying of a major Warner Brothers project slated for next year in Petoskey and Grayling. The director of Hoosiers and Rudy is rumored to be filming Bassmaster this spring in Traverse City. There has been talk of the new Stephen King film being made on the Leelanau Peninsula.

Chambers, convention & visitors bureaus and location scouts have received other inquiries as well. Although downstate communities continue to get the bulk of the projects, community organizers are taking actions in Northern Michigan to change this course of direction.

http://www.northernexpress.com/editorial/features.asp?id=3459

Take One,Take Two, Take Michigan?

By Eden Cooney | October 24, 2008 | Sealander (Seaholm High School)

Lights. Camera. Action. Over the summer several teenagers were extras in movies filmed in the local area. Michigan is becoming a big hot spot for movie locations, not only because of the beautiful landscapes the state provides but also because of Governor Jennifer Granholm’s recently passed movie tax rebate.

The Michigan movie rebate law basically states that up to 42 percent of the money spent on making the film will be given back to the directors, producers, actors, actresses, etc. However, some say that Governor Granholm was being too generous with the movie tax rebate. After all, with big movie budgets, Michigan can end up losing a large amount of money.

http://seaholmhighlander.com/community/local/307-take-onetake-two-take-michigan

Extras Needed for Rob Schneider Film

Detroit (WWJ) | October 23, 2008

If you want a big break in the movie business, you don't have to move to California. Metro Detroit will look more like Hollywood when the new film "Virgin On Bourbon Street" starts shooting next week, starring Rob Schneider and Jenna Dewan.

The film will be shot entirely on location in Greektown, Indian Village, other downtown Detroit locations and at Orchard Lake St Mary’s Preparatory School in Orchard Lake.

Although there is no financial compensation for participation as a movie extra, major prizes will be given away to many lucky participants.

The prizes will include: Plasma Screen Televisions, Motor Scooters, Microsoft X-box 360, SR and Digital video cameras. Filming will be conducted rain or shine.

If you're interested, please call RealStyle Casting at (248) 220-1034.

http://www.wwj.com/Extras-Call-for-Rob-Schneider-Film/3189575

Midwest Hollywood

By Derek Smith | LAKE Magazine | November 2008

For Rick Hert, a drive through scenic west Michigan is never as relaxing as it sounds. At the helm of the new film office of the West Michigan Tourist Association, he’s constantly on the lookout for the right barn, the perfect house, an isolated roadside diner – locations where eager filmmakers can set up cameras for their next flick.

http://lakemagazine.com/magazine/article.asp?articleid=LID-1017-K7PH5-20084519

Movie mayhem invades K-College

BY CHRIS KILLIAN | October 22, 2008 | Kalamazoo Gazette

KALAMAZOO -- Inside the cramped interior of a 1980s Oldsmobile Cutlass Cruiser station wagon -- crammed with cords, microphones and other hardware -- the film slate's digital numbers tumbled downward until the assistant director called out the one word that perhaps most personifies moviemaking.

``Action!,'' he said.

Slowly, the Cutlass made its way up Academy Street in the heart of Kalamazoo College's stately campus, trailing a production car where producers of ``Cherry'' -- an independent film being shot here -- watched a monitor that showed the shots being filmed inside the station wagon by means of a wireless feed.

http://www.mlive.com/news/kzgazette/index.ssf?/base/news-31/1224687017152080.xml&coll=7

The big picture with Michigan's film incentives

By B. Candace Beeke | Business Review Western Michigan | Thursday October 16, 2008

Several weeks ago, Business Review Western Michigan editorialized against Michigan's film incentives. We questioned the logic in supporting an industry that seemed outside our state's focus on life sciences and advanced manufacturing.

Then the letters began. And the blogging.

We have received dozens of comments online and as letters to the editor weighing in on the incentives, which started in April. We have heard from representatives of the
Amway Grand Hotel how positive the incentives have been for business. We've also heard from Realtors who question the reasoning behind supporting out-of-state companies while increasing the tax burden for Michigan business investors.

http://www.mlive.com/businessreview/western/index.ssf/2008/10/the_big_picture.html

Film industry players say better film incentives needed to lure projects

By Scott E. Pacheco | Miami Today | October 16, 2008

If you think sunshine, sandy beaches and brilliant blue waters are enough to attract film projects in a tough economy, think again, film industry leaders say.

While Florida has cut its incentives by 80% for film projects, other states such as Michigan, New Mexico, Louisiana and Georgia are dangling lavish incentives.

http://www.miamitodaynews.com/news/081016/story5.shtml

Text size: Illinois, Michigan compete for films

By Robert K. Elder | Chicago Tribune | October 14, 2008

Michigan is drinking Illinois' milkshake, to paraphrase Daniel Day-Lewis in "There Will Be Blood."

That state's generous tax incentive—42 percent—to companies that make movies there has challenged Chicago's position as a Midwest filmmaking center. Illinois' incentive amounts to 20 percent of production costs.

"We're hemorrhaging dollars, literally, to Michigan right now," says Lars Ullberg, president of the Illinois Production Alliance, a non-profit advocacy group.

The Alliance plans to propose Tuesday that the state's incentive be increased to 30 percent and be extended to 2013, to be more competitive with Michigan.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/lifestyle/chi-film-incentive-1014oct14,0,987894.story

Michigan cashing in on movie law

David Eggert • Associated Press • October 13, 2008 • From Lansing State Journal

Six months after Michigan began handing out the nation's most generous moviemaking incentives, results are surpassing lofty expectations.

Studios that had planned to shoot elsewhere turned on a dime and flocked to the state, bringing stars such as Val Kilmer and Drew Barrymore with them. The number of scripts approved by the state film office is up 20-fold over last year. Hotels, caterers and other businesses are cashing in on new economic activity.

http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20081013/NEWS04/810130334/1005/NEWS04

Chasing Michigan: Michigan Gets a Reality Check

There's more than just movies filming in Michigan these days. Last week the crew of "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" was in Holt, Michigan where they rebuilt Arlene Nickless' 148 year old farm house.

Ty Pennington and crew worked in Holt all week before the big reveal on Friday when they moved that bus and gave the whole town a first look at the Nickless' new home.

http://www.jaunted.com/story/2008/10/12/23323/570/travel/Chasing+Michigan:+Michigan+Gets+a+Reality+Check+

Residents, officials meet to discuss Muskegon's place in film industry

By Eric Gaertner | The Muskegon Chronicle | October 13, 2008

NORTON SHORES — A discussion about the prospects for West Michigan, and specifically Muskegon, becoming a major player in the film industry took the place of a blockbuster movie Monday night in theater No. 5 inside the Cinema Carousel.

The audience, which numbered 70 people, seemed to be just as entertained as the economic and social implications of films being shot in West Michigan were highlighted. Michigan's new movie-making incentives have generated a recent surge in movies being made in the state.

http://blog.mlive.com/chronicle/2008/10/residents_officials_meet_to_di.html

Plan in Ogemaw County to go after film industry a smart move

By Dave Vizard | The Bay City Times | October 10, 2008

Hats off to Pete Fabbri and his cohorts from West Branch.

As noted in today's True North feature on this page, they're aiming for the stars.

No, not the ones up in the sky. They've got their sights set on attracting Hollywood stars and film-production crews to Ogemaw County.

Now, some might think the whole idea of bringing a chunk of the multi-million dollar movie industry to Northeast Michigan is pure science fiction - the stuff right out of the "X-Files."

http://blog.mlive.com/bcopinion/2008/10/plan_in_ogemaw_county_to_go_af.html

Will movie law boost last?

Traverse City Record Eagle | October 12, 2008


LANSING (AP) -- Six months after Michigan began handing out the nation's most generous moviemaking incentives, results are surpassing lofty expectations.

Studios that had planned to shoot elsewhere turned on a dime and flocked here, bringing stars such as Val Kilmer and Drew Barrymore with them. The number of scripts approved by the state film office is up 20-fold over last year. Hotels, caterers and other businesses are cashing in on new economic activity.

http://www.record-eagle.com/business/local_story_286093723.html

Incentives for Filming Cause Jitters

By Michael Cieply | New York Times | October 12, 2008

LOS ANGELES — Already on the hook for billions to bail out Wall Street, taxpayers are also finding themselves stuck with a growing tab for state programs designed to increase local film production.

One of the most shocking bills has come due in Louisiana, where residents are financing a hefty share of Brad Pitt's next movie — $27,117,737, to be exact, which the producers will receive by cashing or selling off valuable tax credits.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/12/us/12incentives.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=incentives%20for%20filming&st=cse&oref=slogin

Weighing The Pros and Cons of The Michigan Film Industry

By Garrett Godwin | Toledo News Blade | October 11, 2009

Despite the Great Recession and an increase in unemployment, Michigan is on the verge of going Hollywood. Since Governor Jennifer Granholm signed the Michigan Film Incentives bill as a law in April, forty-two percent in rebates on film money has been spent as one of the most generous film tax incentives in America.

This is paving the way for the state in developing a rising film industry, where upcoming films such as Drew Barrymore's Whip It and the Ben Carson bio pic Gifted Hands starring Oscar winner Cuba Gooding, Jr. are being shot in Michigan. Several residents are getting the opportunity to get cast as extras in a mainstream picture, while most decide to strike out on their own in setting up their own production company or group to make their own films.

http://newsblaze.com/story/20081011054334garr.nb/topstory.html

‘Steam Experiment’ Updates

By Aaron Lafferty | October 10, 2008 | WOOD TV8

Even more updates since I went to sleep… my email inbox is loaded with updates… like comments from the producer about working in Grand Rapids and a reference to the deadly plot, plus an update from the West Michigan Film Office on a possible release date….

http://blogs.woodtv.com/2008/10/10/steam-experiment-updates/

Area's film industry moves into spotlight

By Robert C. Burns | October 11, 2008 | Muskegon Chronicle

Muskegon's prospects as a film capital continue to evolve, frame by frame.

On the heels of a set of state financial incentives for filmmakers, the creation of WaterMark Studios in downtown Muskegon and the filming this summer of "Offspring," a feature-length horror film directed by Andrew van den Houten, the area is starting to attract some starring-role attention.

Tony Wenson, chief operating officer of the Michigan Film Office, will be the guest of state Rep. Mary Valentine, D-Muskegon, for a special town hall meeting set for 7 p.m. Monday at Cinema Carousel, 4289 Grand Haven.

http://www.mlive.com/news/chronicle/index.ssf?/base/news-15/1223720112145070.xml&coll=8

Movie law boosts Mich., lasting success unclear

KATC | October 9, 2008

LANSING, Mich. -- Six months after Michigan began handing out the nation's most generous moviemaking incentives, results are surpassing lofty expectations.

Studios that had planned to shoot elsewhere turned on a dime and flocked here, bringing stars such as Val Kilmer and Drew Barrymore with them. The number of scripts approved by the state film office is up 20-fold over last year. Hotels, caterers and other businesses are cashing in on new economic activity.

http://www.katc.com/Global/story.asp?S=9154020

Michigan films in focus for services supplier

By Neal Haldane / Special to The Detroit News / October 10, 2008

FERNDALE -- S3 Entertainment Group executives predict filmmakers will spend $60 million to $75 million this year making movies in Michigan.

Next year, Jeffrey Spilman and Larry August expect movie spending in the state could exceed $250 million and they want their firm to capture a share of that revenue.

Michigan's April adoption of lucrative incentives to lure filmmakers to the state has created a "gold rush" among companies that want to service moviemakers, said Spilman, who has worked as an entertainment lawyer. The state offers film producers 40 cents to 42 cents back for every dollar spent filming here.

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081010/BIZ/810100320/1010/BIZ01

Movie law boosts Michigan economy

By David Eggert | Associated Press | October 10, 2008

LANSING, Mich.–Six months after Michigan began handing out the nation's most generous moviemaking incentives, results are surpassing lofty expectations.

Studios that had planned to shoot elsewhere turned on a dime and flocked here, bringing stars such as Val Kilmer and Drew Barrymore with them.

The number of scripts approved by the state film office is up 20-fold over last year. And hotels, caterers and other businesses are cashing in.

http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/article/515191

Summary Box: Michigan gets boost from moviemaking

MLive.com | October 9, 2008

(AP) — MOVIE MECCA: Since Michigan approved hefty tax incentives for moviemakers, it has seen a 20-fold increase in films approved for production in the state.

TRICKLE DOWN: Hotels, rental companies and others report boosts in business because film crews spend weeks or months on set.

CRITICS: Some groups representing Michigan businesses don't like it that out-of-state movie companies will get generous checks from the state for coming to Michigan.

STALLED: Senate Republicans' attempt to cap how much the state can give in tax breaks so far is hitting fierce opposition from Democrats and some Republicans, who say the law needs time to work.

http://www.mlive.com/newsflash/index.ssf?/base/business-18/122358176590390.xml&storylist=newsmichigan

The “Scene” and the Unseen

By Mr. Michael D. LaFaive | The Mackinac Center for Public Policy | October 9, 2008

Tom Long of The Detroit News is a terrific movie reviewer - my favorite - but his Oct. 9 column is too weighted with reasons the state's film incentive program may be a good thing.

Long's piece is titled "Michigan's movie role pays off." If the words "for some" were added to the end it might be true, in the same sense that bank robbery pays off - for the robber. The analogy doesn't quite hold, though, because in this instance those absconding with the loot were invited into the vault by the bank's employees.

http://www.mackinac.org/article.aspx?ID=9873

Hollywood Comes to Town: Incentives can lure film directors to Michigan, but will it be enough to make them stay?

Michigan Radio

by Jennifer Guerra

(2008-10-09) Movie sets are popping up all over Michigan. Thanks in large part to the state's new film incentives. But incentives come and go. Next year another state could offer even better ones. Michigan Radio's Jennifer Guerra looks at what some people in the state are doing to get the film industry to stay here for good.

The Michigan Film Office has been swamped with scripts since April. That's when state legislators passed what are arguably the best film incentives in the country. Janet Lockwood is the director of the Michigan Film Office: Here she is with a breakdown of the incentives:

"It's a basic 40% across the board refundable tax credit," says Lockwood. "If they shoot in one of the 103 core communities, they are eligible for up to 42% across the board."

Incentives can only do so much to get a movie made here. Without the infrastructure in place to actually support those incentives – things like production houses, sound stages, and crew – it'll be harder to get Hollywood to come back to Michigan to shoot a 2nd time.

That's where Christos Moisides and Michael Sinanis come in. There the guys behind 23rd Street Studios in Detroit. 23rd Street is undergoing some massive renovations right now. That's because -- up until a year ago – it was a working auto factory. That is until General Motors took its business out of state and to Mexico.

Michael Sinanis says the "whole time I'm thinking: how do we bring labor work back to Michigan? The movie industry. The movie industry is a labor intensive industry. You cannot make these movies without labor."

Or, he adds, labor equipment. Sinanis plans to keep a lot of the old auto factory equipment in place...like the 25-ton crane hanging above our heads. Instead of using it to move auto parts around, it'll move movie sets.

Christos Moisides is the other guy behind 23rd Street. He made movies in L.A. for 15 years before he moved back to Detroit.

One of the things he wants to do at 23rd Street is teach people how "to become either electricians or grips or best boys and gaffers. At end of day, state looks at incentive and say: was it beneficial for the state financially and did it help unemployed workers become skilled and employed workers?"

Well frankly, it's too early to answer either of those questions. But we can speculate. The Michigan Film Office predicts it'll rake in $100 million for the state this year because of the incentives. That's up from the $2 million the film industry brought in last year.

In terms of saying how many new jobs the incentives created...there have been a couple smaller film-related businesses that have opened up – like casting agencies and catering companies. And in order to make a film, you need crew, right? So employment numbers should be going up, too. But David Hasham isn't convinced that's happening.

"Unfortunately," says Hasham, "I have a feeling, as do many of my friends, that they are bringing crew from L.A. That's frustrating."

Hasham recently graduated from the University of Michigan with a film degree. He had planned to do the L.A. thing right after graduation. But now he and some of his friends plan to stick around until January to see how the incentives pan out. So far, he says, they're feeling boxed out.

"We want to make movies," says Hasham. "That's basically what it boils down to. And if we're not making movies, we're going to go to someplace that will allow us to do that."

That's the last thing Mark Adler wants. Adler runs a non-profit called the Michigan Production Alliance. It's kind of like a middle man for the film industry. He provides the big, out-of-town production companies with a list of people who can help crew the set. People like David Hasham.

"We want to create a creative economy," says Adler. "For many years, the film schools have been putting these guys out. And if we can keep them here with this creative economy, that would be a wonderful thing."

David Hasham agrees. It would be wonderful to stay in Michigan. But it'd be more wonderful to make movies.

© Copyright 2008, MICHIGAN RADIO

Listen to the Audio Report:
http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/michigan/arts.artsmain?action=viewArticle&id=1384158

Novi sees firsthand the workings of Michigan Film Incentive

By Kelly Murad • Observer & Eccentric• October 9, 2008

Last week, almost exactly six months after the Michigan film production credit went into effect, the city of Novi served as the stomping grounds of the upcoming feature film Demoted, starring Sean Astin (The Lord of the Rings) and David Cross (Arrested Development).

"They're filming on the civic center campus, using the ball fields," Novi City Manager Clay Pearson said last Wednesday, of the city-owned Ella Mae Power Park property. "They're using local rental companies and hotels. It's a positive economic impact."

http://hometownlife.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081009/NEWS13/810090430/1030

Alternate ending for Michigan's film incentives?

by Jake LaDuke | Business Review Western Michigan | October 09, 2008

Freshness may be in bloom for Dot&Cross and others in the film industry looking to capitalize on Michigan's aggressive tax breaks aimed to court the film industry, but not everyone's smelling the roses.

Critics of what Gov. Jennifer Granholm called the most-aggressive film-incentive program in the country say the up-to 42 percent refundable tax credit offered to film companies that work in Michigan is too costly.

http://www.mlive.com/businessreview/annarbor/index.ssf/2008/10/alternate_ending_for_michigans.html

Michigan Film Incentives Pay Off; But the Debate Continues

Michigan State University | October 9, 2008

Six months after Gov. Jennifer Granholm signed the Michigan Film Incentives bill into law -- offering up to 42 percent in rebates on film money spent here, one of the most generous film tax incentives in the nation -- Michigan now has a burgeoning movie industry. And even though the new industry injects what some see as rays of fiscal and emotional sunshine into Michigan's seemingly unending economic downturn, the debate continues over whether the effort is a boon to the state.

"The problem is that you have certain companies paying high taxes in order to provide benefits to other companies," said Gary Wolfram, a former deputy state treasurer and current professor of economics at Hillsdale College. "Why should giving money to the film industry to come here be any better than giving money to the dental floss industry?"

http://blogpublic.lib.msu.edu/index.php/2008/10/09/michigan-film-incentives-pay-off?blog=5

Michigan's movie role pays off

By Tom Long | The Detroit News | October 9, 2008

Brian Meganck is a big movie fan. Not of watching them, necessarily. Of making them. In Michigan.

A few years ago, as the number of commercials shooting in Michigan began fading, Meganck had to move his business Kind Services, which provides drinks and snacks for film crews, to Oregon. There just wasn't enough work here. Now Meganck is back, and business is booming.

"We went from two full-time employees to now six and a host of part-timers," he said in August on the phone from the set of "Whip It," starring Drew Barrymore and Ellen Page. He's now working on the set of "Demoted," starring David Cross. "We went from the capability of doing one movie at a time to three movies," Meganck said. "We've knocked out six features and I've probably turned down six or eight more."

http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081009/BIZ/810090432

Michigan now a film mecca

MetroMode.com | October 9, 2008

The film incentives have been a bright spot for Michigan and everyone knows that people notice bright spots. So, with that said, the Los Angeles Times has called Michigan a film mecca, which jumped from just three films last year to over 60, and counting, this year.

Excerpt:
Once considered a relative backwater as a film destination, Michigan has lured more than 60 features and made-for-TV movies this year, up from just three last year, according to the Michigan Film Office. The projects include upcoming films as well as recently-wrapped movies such as Clint Eastwood’s "Gran Torino," a drama about at Korean War vet who befriends his young neighbor; "Whip It!," a Drew Barrymore-directed comedy starring Ellen Page of "Juno" fame; and the sci-fi thriller "Butterfly Effect: Revelation" (pictured above). Twentieth Century Fox, Warner Bros. and Sony Pictures all have films lined up to shoot in Michigan this fall.

Under Michigan's program, producers get 40 cents back for every $1 they spend on filming (double the existing rebate) and qualify for an additional 2% spending rebate if the film is shot in designated "core communities," including Detroit and Flint.

http://www.metromodemedia.com/inthenews/filmmecca0088.aspx

Chasing Michigan: Sex and the Midwestern Town

Jaunted.com | October 8, 2008

There have been several Kim Cattrall sightings reported in Michigan where she has been shooting the new HBO pilot, "Miss January" since the beginning of September.

In the show her character, a retired porn star, is tracked down by a young man who is infatuated with her. Filming has taken place around the state in several small communities including West Bloomfield, Livonia, and most recently, Romulus.


http://www.jaunted.com/story/2008/10/7/204227/952/travel/Chasing+Michigan:+Sex+and+the+Midwestern+Town

Valentine to Host Town Hall on Film Industry

Event to focus on local economic development, job creation
— October 07, 2008


MUSKEGON – On Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, State Representative Mary Valentine (D-Norton Shores) will host an informal town hall meeting about the film industry in Michigan and the new film studios being built in our community. Valentine will be joined by several special guests from the film industry here in Michigan and Hollywood. Valentine encourages any area resident who wants to learn about Michigan's film incentive package and the jobs it is bringing to Michigan to attend the event.

WHO: State Representative Mary Valentine (D-Norton Shores); Tony Wenson, Chief Operating Officer of the Michigan Film Office; Sarah Rooks, WaterMark Studios Project Manager; Delaine Roberts and Dominic Greenman from Entertainment 2 Educated; and Walter Canady, Founder and CEO of UpGrade Entertainment.

WHERE: Cinema Carousel Theatre, 4289 Grandhaven Road, Muskegon

WHEN: Monday, Oct. 13, at 7 p.m.

http://091.housedems.com/news/article/valentine-to-host-town-hall-on-film-industry-new-studio/event-to-focus-on-local-economic-development-job-creation/2008/10/07/

Sound studio grows ahead of film boom

By Maureen McDonald | Detroit News | October 7, 2008

SOUTHFIELD -- Anticipating a major boom in Michigan filmmaking, Ron Rose is expanding his Southfield studio to 20,000 square feet, turning a restaurant that bore a dozen names into high tech suites for audio, Internet and video editing.

"We want to be at the forefront of new media," said Rose, 63, who runs the business with his son and vice president, Chris Rose, 34; Chad Cooper, 35; and a team of 70 employees, some who have been with the company since it opened in the same Southfield strip mall back in 1976.

The expansion will be complete in January.

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081007/BIZ/810070339/1010/BIZ01

Former University of Michigan Student James Earl Jones Wins SAG Award

October 3, 2008

The Screen Actors Guild will honor former University of Michigan student James Earl Jones with the Life Achievement Award. The ceremony will take place on January 25... so you've got time to prepare the festivities.

http://www.collegeotr.com/university_of_michigan/former_university_of_michigan_student_james_earl_jones_wins_sag_award_proves_graduation_not_that_important_12607

Chasing Michigan: Christina Ricci is a Faire Maiden

10/03/2008

Lights, Camera... Michigan? That's right, thanks to a new incentives program from the Michigan Film Office, the state is experiencing a boom in filming with more than 60 movies on the shooting schedule for this year alone, up from just three last year. Looks like Michigan might just be Hollywood Midwest.

Of course big movies mean big stars. Recent celeb sightings have included Drew Barrymore, who was filming her directorial debut, "Whip It!" in Flint and Clint Eastwood who just wrapped "Gran Torino" in Detroit.

http://www.jaunted.com/story/2008/10/1/234426/533/travel/Chasing+Michigan:+Christina+Ricci+is+a+Faire+Maiden

Michigan Film Tax Incentive Endangered

By Joey Ostrander | October 3, 2008

Over the past couple days I've drafted a statement opposing a Michigan Senate Bill 1535 that would put a constricting cap on Michigan's current film tax incentive.

The cap would limit the state's support of the film/arts industry, turn away production companies from outside Michigan, and eliminate jobs.

http://alltoofrequent.blogspot.com/2008/10/michigan-film-tax-incentive-endangered.html

Hollywood Comes Home

By Mary Radigan | Rapid Growth Media | October 2, 2008

There were some distinctly Hollywood moments when Grand Rapids’ first major film production of the modern era landed in the city for a month-long shoot.

Although you couldn’t ask the star of "The Steam Experiment," Val Kilmer, for an autograph, you could have potentially shopped for eggs at the neighborhood Meijer store with actor Eric Roberts, made him breakfast in your apartment and helped read lines for his role in the film. The movie’s director, Philippe Martinez, was quick to offer a cigar, while actor Armand Assante wanted some specific listening music. His locally chosen personal assistant, Rebekah Fuller from the Compass Film Academy, found his tunes at Best Buy.

http://www.rapidgrowthmedia.com/features/film100208.aspx?utm_campaign=Pillow%20Talk%2FDreams%20of%20the%20Silver%20Screen%20and%20Michigan%20Scenes&utm_medium=Email&utm_source=VerticalResponse&utm_term=Hollywood%20Comes%20Home

Filming at High School Means Big Things for Community

A Livingston County school is just about ready for its close up. The Howell school board votes on a plan to use its shuttered high school as a movie set. Lights and cameras could mean major action for the district. Parker High School is the former home of the Howell Highlanders and it could be the future home of Hollywood.

Rick Terres, Asst. Superintendent for Business: "This contract may be the first of its kind with a public school system in the state of Michigan."

Parker only played the part of "high school" for one year before the cash-strapped district shut it down. Now a deal to reopen it as the backdrop for a movie could breathe new life and money into the building.

http://www.wlns.com/Global/story.asp?S=9096414&nav=0RbQ

Romulus is site of ‘Miss January’

Journal Newspapers | October 1, 2008

Heavy incentives given to the film industry are working in small communities throughout Michigan, and earlier this week, the stars came out in Romulus.

Los Angeles-based filmmakers converged on downtown Romulus and a select group of small Wayne County cities to shoot Miss January, a coming of age story starring Kim Cattrall of Sex and the City fame, and Brian Dennehy.

In all, about seven out of 27 production days were spent in Romulus by the time filmmakers packed up their cameras Tuesday, said Ernest Belding of Gilbert Films.

http://www.journalgroup.com/Romulus/8481/romulus-is-site-of-miss-january

Kalamazoo-made comedy film "Love Cancer" close to complete; area screenings set

By John Liberty | Kalamazoo Gazette | October 1, 2008

Local filmmaker Kevin Park said he learned a great deal from making his new comedy "Love Cancer."

Namely, production and audio people are hired for a reason -- it was too much for him to try to handle alone -- and it's important to consider the temperature of the location you do a majority of your filming. Park shot a good portion of the spoof at local musician Matt Helt's apartment this summer. It was hot. Many of the actors were sweating through their clothes.

"It was like 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre' gross," Park said.

http://blog.mlive.com/adlib/2008/10/kalamazoomade_comedy_film_love.html

Michigan's Future in Film

Blogger: Chrystal Gowens | October 1, 2008

Anyone who lives in Michigan and is at all familiar with the economic status should’ve been happy to hear that our state was a possible “place of interest” for Warner Bros, Co.’s new studio development plans.

Since the 4.7 million square foot Ford plant in Wixom, Michigan was closed (May of 2007), it has stood empty just waiting for someone to take an interest in it again. Although Warner Bros, Co. claims it was simply an exploratory visit when they scouted out the location on August 18th, it sparked conversation about the possibility of the company turning the old plant into a film studio.

After all, this wouldn’t be the first time that Warner Bros, Co. has turned a non-feature related building into a place to film their movies. The Harry Potter motion pictures were shot in an old air base in England and all the fans know how well those turned out.

http://myspaceformusicians.blogspot.com/2008/10/michigans-future-in-film.html

Hollywood Comes Home

By Mary Radigan | Rapid Growth Media | October 2, 2008

There were some distinctly Hollywood moments when Grand Rapids’ first major film production of the modern era landed in the city for a month-long shoot.

Although you couldn’t ask the star of "The Steam Experiment," Val Kilmer, for an autograph, you could have potentially shopped for eggs at the neighborhood Meijer store with actor Eric Roberts, made him breakfast in your apartment and helped read lines for his role in the film. The movie’s director, Philippe Martinez, was quick to offer a cigar, while actor Armand Assante wanted some specific listening music. His locally chosen personal assistant, Rebekah Fuller from the Compass Film Academy, found his tunes at Best Buy.

http://www.rapidgrowthmedia.com/features/film100208.aspx

Hollywood on the Huron: Michigan now a film mecca

By Richard Verrier | LA Times | September 30, 2008

First it was Louisiana. Then it was New Mexico and New York. Now it’s Michigan’s turn as the latest hot spot for film production. Not since Michael Moore’s documentary “Roger and Me” has the Great Lakes state garnered so much attention from Hollywood.

Once considered a relative backwater as a film destination, Michigan has lured more than 60 features and made-for-TV movies this year, up from just three last year, according to the Michigan Film Office. The projects include upcoming films as well as recently-wrapped movies such as Clint Eastwood’s "Gran Torino," a drama about at Korean War vet who befriends his young neighbor; "Whip It!," a Drew Barrymore-directed comedy starring Ellen Page of "Juno" fame; and the sci-fi thriller "Butterfly Effect: Revelation" (pictured above). Twentieth Century Fox, Warner Bros. and Sony Pictures all have films lined up to shoot in Michigan this fall.

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2008/09/michigan-film-f.html

Just checking

By Bill Iddings | September 30, 2008 | Muskegon Chronicle

A newspaper has obligations to its readers.

Foremost among them: Get it right.

We're not talking true facts here, because that's redundant.

A fact by definition is true. There's no such thing as getting the facts wrong.

The issue is correct information.

http://blog.mlive.com/extra_iddings/2008/09/just_checking.html