MotorCityRocks.com
Earlier this decade talented local filmmaker James R. Petix and producer Sarah Babila had a brilliant idea - document the incredible Detroit garage rock music scene that was making headlines all around the world (this was also basically the same reason that MotorCityRocks.com was created in 2003). Their brilliant idea became the highly sought after documentary It Came From Detroit. Now after years of post production starts and stops (which included a screening in 2006 at the DAFT), James and Sarah are bringing their “ready for prime time” film to the masses this Wednesday and Thursday at the Magic Bag’s Brew n’ View in Ferndale.
http://www.motorcityrocks.com/2009/05/interview-director-detroit.htm
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Robert De Niro, Edward Norton begin filming at Jackson prison
Detroit News (Associated Press) - May 20, 2009
The now-closed Jackson prison is the scene of "Stone," a psychological thriller starring Robert De Niro and Edward Norton.
The Michigan Film Office says filming began this morning.
As The Detroit News reported in April, the movie, which is being directed by John Curran ("The Painted Veil," starring Norton), is also being shot in Pittsburgh.
De Niro plays a correctional officer who is seduced by the wife of Norton, who portrays a convicted arsonist up for parole. Milla Jovovich plays the wife. Norton and De Niro starred together in the 2001 film "The Score."
Michigan Department of Corrections spokesman Russ Marlan says the movie is being shot at the Southern Michigan Correctional Facility, which closed in 2007.
http://www.detnews.com/article/20090520/ENT02/905200433/1361/Robert-De-Niro--Edward-Norton-begin-filming-at-Jackson-prison
The now-closed Jackson prison is the scene of "Stone," a psychological thriller starring Robert De Niro and Edward Norton.
The Michigan Film Office says filming began this morning.
As The Detroit News reported in April, the movie, which is being directed by John Curran ("The Painted Veil," starring Norton), is also being shot in Pittsburgh.
De Niro plays a correctional officer who is seduced by the wife of Norton, who portrays a convicted arsonist up for parole. Milla Jovovich plays the wife. Norton and De Niro starred together in the 2001 film "The Score."
Michigan Department of Corrections spokesman Russ Marlan says the movie is being shot at the Southern Michigan Correctional Facility, which closed in 2007.
http://www.detnews.com/article/20090520/ENT02/905200433/1361/Robert-De-Niro--Edward-Norton-begin-filming-at-Jackson-prison
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
'High-profile' movie to be shot in West Michigan
Muskegon Chronicle | May 19, 2009
WEST MICHIGAN -- It's not quite the same as seeing your name in lights, but West Michigan movie enthusiasts will get another chance to check out a big-screen film set later this summer.
Holland-based TicTock Studios is producing the feature film "What's Wrong With Virginia," starring Liam Neeson and Jennifer Connelly.
Dustin Lance Black, Academy Award-winning screenwriter of "Milk," wrote the film and is set to make his directorial debut. He will be joined by former "Milk" counterpart and director Gus Van Sant, who will take on the executive producer role.
TicTock CEO Hopwood DePree said he plans to have all actors and crew in Michigan for the shoot, although filming locations have not been determined. Production starts in late summer.
"The script has a coastal community feel, so West Michigan is really a natural fit," DePree said.
http://www.mlive.com/news/chronicle/index.ssf?/base/news-16/1242728124159960.xml&coll=8
WEST MICHIGAN -- It's not quite the same as seeing your name in lights, but West Michigan movie enthusiasts will get another chance to check out a big-screen film set later this summer.
Holland-based TicTock Studios is producing the feature film "What's Wrong With Virginia," starring Liam Neeson and Jennifer Connelly.
Dustin Lance Black, Academy Award-winning screenwriter of "Milk," wrote the film and is set to make his directorial debut. He will be joined by former "Milk" counterpart and director Gus Van Sant, who will take on the executive producer role.
TicTock CEO Hopwood DePree said he plans to have all actors and crew in Michigan for the shoot, although filming locations have not been determined. Production starts in late summer.
"The script has a coastal community feel, so West Michigan is really a natural fit," DePree said.
http://www.mlive.com/news/chronicle/index.ssf?/base/news-16/1242728124159960.xml&coll=8
Kalamazoo native McG still feels 'a real kinship' to the people of Michigan
By James Sanford | Kalamazoo Gazette | May 19, 2009
Monday night, director and Kalamazoo native McG gave an audience in Novi a first-look at "Terminator Salvation," his addition to the long-running science-fiction franchise. Prior to the screening, McG conferred with several representatives from the Michigan Film Office about possible projects.
"I feel a real kinship to the people of the state," McG said, "and I thought it would be appropriate to show the film (here) to the first public audience."
The 40-year-old filmmaker was born in Kalamazoo and moved to Newport Beach, Cal. as a child. But he seemed delighted to return to his home state, especially after he heard the cheers and applause that greeted "Salvation."
http://blog.mlive.com/james_sanford/2009/05/kalamazoo_native_mcg_still_fee.html
Monday night, director and Kalamazoo native McG gave an audience in Novi a first-look at "Terminator Salvation," his addition to the long-running science-fiction franchise. Prior to the screening, McG conferred with several representatives from the Michigan Film Office about possible projects.
"I feel a real kinship to the people of the state," McG said, "and I thought it would be appropriate to show the film (here) to the first public audience."
The 40-year-old filmmaker was born in Kalamazoo and moved to Newport Beach, Cal. as a child. But he seemed delighted to return to his home state, especially after he heard the cheers and applause that greeted "Salvation."
http://blog.mlive.com/james_sanford/2009/05/kalamazoo_native_mcg_still_fee.html
Monday, May 18, 2009
Holland film to star
WOOD TV8 | May 18, 2009
HOLLAND, Mich (WOOD) - Holland's TicTock Studios will produce "Whats Wrong With Virginia," starring Jennifer Connelly and Liam Neeson.
The announcement was made Saturday at the Cannes Film Festival in France.
"Milk" scribe and Academy Award-winner Dustin Lance Black will write and direct the film. Gus Van Zant, director of "Good Will Hunting," will serve as executive producer and TicTock CEO Hopwood DePree will help.
They will scout for locations in a few weeks. Filming will begin late this summer.
http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/entertainment/Michigan_film_to_star_Neeson_Connelly
HOLLAND, Mich (WOOD) - Holland's TicTock Studios will produce "Whats Wrong With Virginia," starring Jennifer Connelly and Liam Neeson.
The announcement was made Saturday at the Cannes Film Festival in France.
"Milk" scribe and Academy Award-winner Dustin Lance Black will write and direct the film. Gus Van Zant, director of "Good Will Hunting," will serve as executive producer and TicTock CEO Hopwood DePree will help.
They will scout for locations in a few weeks. Filming will begin late this summer.
http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/entertainment/Michigan_film_to_star_Neeson_Connelly
Movie 'What's Wrong With Virginia' to be shot in West Michigan, features Liam Neeson, Jennifer Connelly, screenwriter of 'Milk'
By Beth Heinen Bell | The Grand Rapids Press | May 18, 2009
It's not quite the same as seeing your name in lights, but West Michigan movie enthusiasts will get another chance to check out a big-screen film set later this summer.
Holland-based TicTock Studios is producing the feature film "What's Wrong With Virginia," starring Liam Neeson and Jennifer Connelly.
Dustin Lance Black, Academy Award-winning screenwriter of "Milk," wrote the film and is set to make his directorial debut. He will be joined by former "Milk" counterpart and director Gus Van Sant, who will take on the executive producer role.
TicTock CEO Hopwood DePree said he plans to have all actors and crew on location in Michigan for the shoot, although filming locations have not been determined. Production is set to begin in late summer.
http://www.mlive.com/entertainment/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2009/05/movie_whats_wrong_with_virgini.html
It's not quite the same as seeing your name in lights, but West Michigan movie enthusiasts will get another chance to check out a big-screen film set later this summer.
Holland-based TicTock Studios is producing the feature film "What's Wrong With Virginia," starring Liam Neeson and Jennifer Connelly.
Dustin Lance Black, Academy Award-winning screenwriter of "Milk," wrote the film and is set to make his directorial debut. He will be joined by former "Milk" counterpart and director Gus Van Sant, who will take on the executive producer role.
TicTock CEO Hopwood DePree said he plans to have all actors and crew on location in Michigan for the shoot, although filming locations have not been determined. Production is set to begin in late summer.
http://www.mlive.com/entertainment/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2009/05/movie_whats_wrong_with_virgini.html
SWM Lawmakers Talk Tax Incentives
Andrew Green Reporting | WSJM AM1400 | May 18, 2009
A new study suggests that Michigan's tax incentive programs aren't drawing in as many businesses as had been hoped. The Michigan film production tax incentives, in particular, are under fire in a recent report by the Anderson Economic Group, which says that Michigan paid moviemakers 50-thousand dollars for each job they created in the state in 2008. State Representative John Proos says that in this competitive environment, Michigan has to keep its options open, and offer tax incentives targeted at industries that will suit the state's workforce:
Listen to the interview online:
http://www.wsjm.com/pages/4420859.php?contentType=4&contentId=4020181
A new study suggests that Michigan's tax incentive programs aren't drawing in as many businesses as had been hoped. The Michigan film production tax incentives, in particular, are under fire in a recent report by the Anderson Economic Group, which says that Michigan paid moviemakers 50-thousand dollars for each job they created in the state in 2008. State Representative John Proos says that in this competitive environment, Michigan has to keep its options open, and offer tax incentives targeted at industries that will suit the state's workforce:
Listen to the interview online:
http://www.wsjm.com/pages/4420859.php?contentType=4&contentId=4020181
TicTock Studios will produce film this summer in Michigan
By JEREMY GONSIOR | The Holland Sentinel | May 18, 2009
Holland, MI — Liam Neeson and Jennifer Connelly will be the stars, but an as-yet-unnamed “boardwalk, beachfront community” — quite possibly in West Michigan — will make a cameo appearance as Holland-based TicTock Studios produces “What’s Wrong with Virginia” this summer.
Company founder Hopwood DePree said filming will be done in Michigan but just where is not yet known.
Crews will arrive soon to decide the film’s location, he said, with the studio searching for varied backgrounds. Shooting begins in late summer.
“We have to do a scout of Michigan, but we would love to see it shot in West Michigan,” he said. “We need the backdrop of a boardwalk, beachfront community.”
http://www.hollandsentinel.com/lifestyle_entertainment/x1194178824/TicTock-Studios-will-produce-film-this-summer-in-Michigan
Holland, MI — Liam Neeson and Jennifer Connelly will be the stars, but an as-yet-unnamed “boardwalk, beachfront community” — quite possibly in West Michigan — will make a cameo appearance as Holland-based TicTock Studios produces “What’s Wrong with Virginia” this summer.
Company founder Hopwood DePree said filming will be done in Michigan but just where is not yet known.
Crews will arrive soon to decide the film’s location, he said, with the studio searching for varied backgrounds. Shooting begins in late summer.
“We have to do a scout of Michigan, but we would love to see it shot in West Michigan,” he said. “We need the backdrop of a boardwalk, beachfront community.”
http://www.hollandsentinel.com/lifestyle_entertainment/x1194178824/TicTock-Studios-will-produce-film-this-summer-in-Michigan
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Lawmakers must push for details on film money
By Rich Perlberg | Livingston Daily | May 17, 2009
If lawmakers would just think outside the box, they might find a way to save the jobs of the 100 or so Michigan State Police troopers who are facing layoffs. Why not give all the troopers video cameras so they can film what they do every day?
Then, they can claim they are making movies and get a 40 percent appropriations boost, courtesy of the new Michigan Film Office.
Here's the really good part of my plan. When the state police determine how much they need, all they need to do is to pitch a number of how much they are spending on filming. The higher the number, the more money they get.
What's really special is that virtually no one will be allowed to see if the expenditures are valid or even make sense.
What could be simpler than that?
I'm being sarcastic here. But just a little.
http://www.livingstondaily.com/article/20090517/OPINION01/905170337/1014/rss03
If lawmakers would just think outside the box, they might find a way to save the jobs of the 100 or so Michigan State Police troopers who are facing layoffs. Why not give all the troopers video cameras so they can film what they do every day?
Then, they can claim they are making movies and get a 40 percent appropriations boost, courtesy of the new Michigan Film Office.
Here's the really good part of my plan. When the state police determine how much they need, all they need to do is to pitch a number of how much they are spending on filming. The higher the number, the more money they get.
What's really special is that virtually no one will be allowed to see if the expenditures are valid or even make sense.
What could be simpler than that?
I'm being sarcastic here. But just a little.
http://www.livingstondaily.com/article/20090517/OPINION01/905170337/1014/rss03
Tweens take their shot at stardom
By Sara Callender • ECCENTRIC STAFF WRITER • May 17, 2009
Jenny Scherzininger always dreamed of being an actress.
She might now be one step closer. The Lake Orion 10-year-old, along with hundreds of other actors at the Radisson Inn in Bloomfield Hills, recently auditioned for The Wannabes — a television show about the lives of “tweens.”
The Wannabes will be the first TV series fully produced and filmed in Michigan.
“I really like Julia Roberts and Jennifer Aniston,” Jenny said. “I think they're really talented. I really enjoy performing.”
The casting call was sponsored by S3 Entertainment Group, a Ferndale-based company that provides production services, film financing, gear rental and tax incentive consulting. The group was specifically looking for children between the ages of 9 and 15 for principal roles.
http://www.hometownlife.com/article/20090517/NEWS23/905170340/1040/rss16
Jenny Scherzininger always dreamed of being an actress.
She might now be one step closer. The Lake Orion 10-year-old, along with hundreds of other actors at the Radisson Inn in Bloomfield Hills, recently auditioned for The Wannabes — a television show about the lives of “tweens.”
The Wannabes will be the first TV series fully produced and filmed in Michigan.
“I really like Julia Roberts and Jennifer Aniston,” Jenny said. “I think they're really talented. I really enjoy performing.”
The casting call was sponsored by S3 Entertainment Group, a Ferndale-based company that provides production services, film financing, gear rental and tax incentive consulting. The group was specifically looking for children between the ages of 9 and 15 for principal roles.
http://www.hometownlife.com/article/20090517/NEWS23/905170340/1040/rss16
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Michigan Makes Movies Expo On July 12
CBS Radio Detroit presents the “Michigan Makes Movies Expo” July 12, 2009 at the Rock Financial Showplace from 10am to 6 pm.
This event will include an expo portion where you can meet and receive information from a variety of people and companies involved in the Michigan film industry. There will be 35 different breakout sessions for you to choose from throughout the day including topics like “how do I become an extra?”, “how do I get my child into films?,” cinematography, tv and film production, indy films, script writing, hear from casting directors, receive acting lessons from working Hollywood character actor David Dean Bottrell and much, much more!
You are invited to attend as many sessions as you’d like. All breakout sessions will be conducted by top notch industry professionals. Keep checking back on this site ofte, because we’ll have more details… soon.
Tickets at $25 each will be available for purchase on this site beginning in mid June (ages 16 and up only, please).
If you are an industry professional and are interested in conducting a session or purchasing an expo booth, please email Rebecca.falk@cbsradio.com.
http://mifilmconnection.com/?p=225
This event will include an expo portion where you can meet and receive information from a variety of people and companies involved in the Michigan film industry. There will be 35 different breakout sessions for you to choose from throughout the day including topics like “how do I become an extra?”, “how do I get my child into films?,” cinematography, tv and film production, indy films, script writing, hear from casting directors, receive acting lessons from working Hollywood character actor David Dean Bottrell and much, much more!
You are invited to attend as many sessions as you’d like. All breakout sessions will be conducted by top notch industry professionals. Keep checking back on this site ofte, because we’ll have more details… soon.
Tickets at $25 each will be available for purchase on this site beginning in mid June (ages 16 and up only, please).
If you are an industry professional and are interested in conducting a session or purchasing an expo booth, please email Rebecca.falk@cbsradio.com.
http://mifilmconnection.com/?p=225
Dreams of the big screen
By Jeff Meade | Monroe News | May 16. 2009
The Floral City could become the Film City if some Monroe movie aficionados get their way.
Monroe Councilman Jeremy Molenda is working with TK Productions to document what Monroe has to offer movie producers.
"All of the things that make Monroe a great community make it attractive to film producers," he said. "We have great neighborhoods of character, the lake, industry, wetlands, agriculture, an airport, the classic downtown.
"Allen Park has this potential full-scale production studio that’s in the works, but Monroe has so much more to offer."
Michigan’s aggressive pursuit of Hollywood has resulted in more than 30 movies shot in the state in the past year, including in such communities as Detroit, Ferndale, Royal Oak, Ann Arbor, Milford, Howell, Saginaw, Frankenmuth and Traverse City.
Tax breaks of up to 42 percent — including 2 percent because Monroe is considered a Michigan Core Community — would be available on labor, goods and services to filmmakers who set up shop in Monroe.
http://www.monroenews.com/article/20090517/NEWS01/705179964
The Floral City could become the Film City if some Monroe movie aficionados get their way.
Monroe Councilman Jeremy Molenda is working with TK Productions to document what Monroe has to offer movie producers.
"All of the things that make Monroe a great community make it attractive to film producers," he said. "We have great neighborhoods of character, the lake, industry, wetlands, agriculture, an airport, the classic downtown.
"Allen Park has this potential full-scale production studio that’s in the works, but Monroe has so much more to offer."
Michigan’s aggressive pursuit of Hollywood has resulted in more than 30 movies shot in the state in the past year, including in such communities as Detroit, Ferndale, Royal Oak, Ann Arbor, Milford, Howell, Saginaw, Frankenmuth and Traverse City.
Tax breaks of up to 42 percent — including 2 percent because Monroe is considered a Michigan Core Community — would be available on labor, goods and services to filmmakers who set up shop in Monroe.
http://www.monroenews.com/article/20090517/NEWS01/705179964
Friday, May 15, 2009
Study: Tax incentives oversight is lacking (with report download)
BY MATT MILLER • GANNETT NEWS SERVICE • May 15, 2009
Michigan’s tax abatement and incentive programs hand out hundreds of millions of dollars to businesses; however, according to a study re-leased Thursday, the state doesn’t know whether it’s getting it’s money’s worth. “We have no proper inventory of tax incentives in Michigan. We do not know how many there are, what the purpose is, how much they cost,” said Patrick Anderson, chief executive officer of the Anderson Economic Group in East Lansing, which prepared the study for the Michigan Education Association union and its national counterpart.
http://www.livingstondaily.com/article/20090515/NEWS01/90515001/-1/NEWSFRONT2/Study++Tax+incentives+oversight+is+lacking
Michigan’s tax abatement and incentive programs hand out hundreds of millions of dollars to businesses; however, according to a study re-leased Thursday, the state doesn’t know whether it’s getting it’s money’s worth. “We have no proper inventory of tax incentives in Michigan. We do not know how many there are, what the purpose is, how much they cost,” said Patrick Anderson, chief executive officer of the Anderson Economic Group in East Lansing, which prepared the study for the Michigan Education Association union and its national counterpart.
http://www.livingstondaily.com/article/20090515/NEWS01/90515001/-1/NEWSFRONT2/Study++Tax+incentives+oversight+is+lacking
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