The Holland Sentinel | February 05, 2009
Grand Rapids, MI — Grand Rapids Community College is adding a series of classes offering training for those wanting to become involved in the film industry.
Skilled technical crews are in high demand, a statement from the college says.
GRCC is responding to this need by partnering with various film industry professionals.
In partnership with the West Michigan Film Office and Fletcher Camera- Detroit, GRCC will offer a two-hour workshop for film camera loaders March 31. Fletcher Camera will train participants in the use of high-end film cameras used in the production of feature films.
In addition, GRCC, with Tic Tock Studios in Holland is offering basic film set training, introduction to technical labor: Electrician and introduction to technical labor: The film grip in March and April.
To register for courses at Grand Rapids Community College go online to
www.GRCClearn.com and click on "Film Production"
http://www.hollandsentinel.com/news/x494339876/GRCC-adding-classes
Friday, February 6, 2009
Thursday, February 5, 2009
We've got stars in our eyes
By Laura Berman | Detroit News | February 5, 2009
Clint Eastwood split but Hilary Swank has been shooting in Ann Arbor. Since Michigan unrolled its red carpet to the film industry in April, every actor from Sigourney Weaver to Oscar the Dog has been here, enticed by an array of tax goodies you just can't get in California or anywhere else.
Movie producers used to go to Bulgaria for what Michigan is now selling: up to 42 percent tax refunds for costs incurred while making movies in Michigan. And, hey, the big discounts are creating more than buzz.
Two new movie studios are being built for about $140 million -- studios with jobs for thousands.
But will the great deals really pay off in the end?
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090205/OPINION03/902050372
Clint Eastwood split but Hilary Swank has been shooting in Ann Arbor. Since Michigan unrolled its red carpet to the film industry in April, every actor from Sigourney Weaver to Oscar the Dog has been here, enticed by an array of tax goodies you just can't get in California or anywhere else.
Movie producers used to go to Bulgaria for what Michigan is now selling: up to 42 percent tax refunds for costs incurred while making movies in Michigan. And, hey, the big discounts are creating more than buzz.
Two new movie studios are being built for about $140 million -- studios with jobs for thousands.
But will the great deals really pay off in the end?
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090205/OPINION03/902050372
Residents clamor to get Michigan movie jobs rolling
BY JOHN GALLAGHER • DETROIT FREE PRESS • February 5, 2009
It's a cast of thousands.
Word that Hollywood studios are planning to open shop in metro Detroit has drawn surging interest from layoff-weary Michiganders.
Janet Lockwood, director of the Michigan Film Office, was losing her voice Wednesday from taking so many inquiries.
Hundreds of former autoworkers and others in need of work were calling the Free Press this week after the paper ran stories about the studio projects.
http://www.freep.com/article/20090205/BUSINESS06/902050397/1036
It's a cast of thousands.
Word that Hollywood studios are planning to open shop in metro Detroit has drawn surging interest from layoff-weary Michiganders.
Janet Lockwood, director of the Michigan Film Office, was losing her voice Wednesday from taking so many inquiries.
Hundreds of former autoworkers and others in need of work were calling the Free Press this week after the paper ran stories about the studio projects.
http://www.freep.com/article/20090205/BUSINESS06/902050397/1036
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Clooney and Swank set to star in movies to be filmed in Detroit area (not the same film)
BY MARY FRANCIS MASSON • FREE PRESS BUSINESS WRITER • FEBRUARY 4, 2009
George Clooney and Hilary Swank, two of Hollywood’s biggest box office draws, are expected to film movies in the newly starstruck Detroit area in the next two months.
Clooney is set to star in the Paramount film “Up in the Air,” part of which is set to be filmed at the Berry and McNamara Terminals at Detroit Metro Airport likely for a week in late February.
http://www.freep.com/article/20090204/BUSINESS06/90204121/Clooney+and+Swank+set+to+star+in+movies+to+be+filmed+in+Detroit+area
George Clooney and Hilary Swank, two of Hollywood’s biggest box office draws, are expected to film movies in the newly starstruck Detroit area in the next two months.
Clooney is set to star in the Paramount film “Up in the Air,” part of which is set to be filmed at the Berry and McNamara Terminals at Detroit Metro Airport likely for a week in late February.
http://www.freep.com/article/20090204/BUSINESS06/90204121/Clooney+and+Swank+set+to+star+in+movies+to+be+filmed+in+Detroit+area
Sterling Heights Ready to Open Film Office
Reported by Dave LewAllen | WXYZ | February 4, 2009
STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. (WXYZ) - The latest metro Detroit community to jump on the movie bandwagon by establishing a film office is -- the envelope, please -- Sterling Heights.
Filmmakers will be able to look up information about shooting in the city, such as policies and procedures, quickly and easily online. Any applications they need to fill out and any unique locales, such as the Clinton River and Upton House, will also be outlined on the site.
Officials started work on the project about six months ago and borrowed ideas from other cities in the region and state.
A Michigan Film Industry Networking Event February 19 will kick off the establishment of www.sterlingheightsfilm.net.
The announcement follows Pontiac's news that it landed a $54-million film studio and Utica Mayor Jacqueline Noonan last week saying she would like the film industry to bring jobs and money to her city, which borders Sterling Heights.
http://www.wxyz.com/news/local/story/Sterling-Heights-Ready-to-Open-Film-Office/1fqloLoIhk6D0eqAHqyUuA.cspx?rss=785
STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. (WXYZ) - The latest metro Detroit community to jump on the movie bandwagon by establishing a film office is -- the envelope, please -- Sterling Heights.
Filmmakers will be able to look up information about shooting in the city, such as policies and procedures, quickly and easily online. Any applications they need to fill out and any unique locales, such as the Clinton River and Upton House, will also be outlined on the site.
Officials started work on the project about six months ago and borrowed ideas from other cities in the region and state.
A Michigan Film Industry Networking Event February 19 will kick off the establishment of www.sterlingheightsfilm.net.
The announcement follows Pontiac's news that it landed a $54-million film studio and Utica Mayor Jacqueline Noonan last week saying she would like the film industry to bring jobs and money to her city, which borders Sterling Heights.
http://www.wxyz.com/news/local/story/Sterling-Heights-Ready-to-Open-Film-Office/1fqloLoIhk6D0eqAHqyUuA.cspx?rss=785
New Film Studios Spark More Interest In Movies
WWJ | February 4, 2009
Michigan's Film Office was receiving a number of phone calls and emails Wednesday from people seeking more information about jobs related to the movie industry.
The interest was sparked by announcements Tuesday that three companies plan to open up or expand movie production studios in Michigan. The projects are expected to create six-thousand jobs.
Motown Motion Pictures will set up a film studio and production company at a vacant General Motors facility in Pontiac.
http://www.wwj.com/New-Film-Studios-Spark-More-Interest-In-Movies/3788329
Michigan's Film Office was receiving a number of phone calls and emails Wednesday from people seeking more information about jobs related to the movie industry.
The interest was sparked by announcements Tuesday that three companies plan to open up or expand movie production studios in Michigan. The projects are expected to create six-thousand jobs.
Motown Motion Pictures will set up a film studio and production company at a vacant General Motors facility in Pontiac.
http://www.wwj.com/New-Film-Studios-Spark-More-Interest-In-Movies/3788329
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Film companies can put abandoned buildings to work
BY ROCHELLE RILEY • FREE PRESS COLUMNIST • February 3, 2009
There was a wonderful, golden nugget of information in the major revelation today that a new Hollywood film studio and talent agency is opening in Pontiac.
Oh, don't get me wrong: The big news, reported in the Free Press and to be announced later tonight by Gov. Jennifer Granholm, is that Motown Motion Picture Studios is opening the $54-million facility in the first place.
And it's great news that the 600,000-square foot company will employ 5,000 people.
But here's the other exciting thing: The new facility, which will be run by Raleigh Studios, will move into the old General Motors Centerpoint truck plant and office complex.
Yay!
http://www.freep.com/article/20090203/COL10/90203073/1081/Film+companies+can+put+abandoned+buildings+to+work
There was a wonderful, golden nugget of information in the major revelation today that a new Hollywood film studio and talent agency is opening in Pontiac.
Oh, don't get me wrong: The big news, reported in the Free Press and to be announced later tonight by Gov. Jennifer Granholm, is that Motown Motion Picture Studios is opening the $54-million facility in the first place.
And it's great news that the 600,000-square foot company will employ 5,000 people.
But here's the other exciting thing: The new facility, which will be run by Raleigh Studios, will move into the old General Motors Centerpoint truck plant and office complex.
Yay!
http://www.freep.com/article/20090203/COL10/90203073/1081/Film+companies+can+put+abandoned+buildings+to+work
Wonderstruck Studios to open in former MGM Grand casino
By Bill Shea | Crain's Detroit | February 3, 2009
The vacant Detroit building formerly used as MGM Grand’s temporary casino will be transformed this year into an $86 million Hollywood-style digital animation and visual effects studio directly employing more than 400 people.
The Detroit Center Studios is a partnership between Wonderstruck Studios L.L.C. owned by film and video game deal-maker Michelle Richards, a Detroit native, and Los Angeles-based real estate developers SHM Partners.
The state today awarded the project a 12-year, $16.9 million Michigan Economic Growth Authority tax credit and an $11.7 million infrastructure credit under the state’s new film incentive laws.
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20090203/FREE/902039983/-1
The vacant Detroit building formerly used as MGM Grand’s temporary casino will be transformed this year into an $86 million Hollywood-style digital animation and visual effects studio directly employing more than 400 people.
The Detroit Center Studios is a partnership between Wonderstruck Studios L.L.C. owned by film and video game deal-maker Michelle Richards, a Detroit native, and Los Angeles-based real estate developers SHM Partners.
The state today awarded the project a 12-year, $16.9 million Michigan Economic Growth Authority tax credit and an $11.7 million infrastructure credit under the state’s new film incentive laws.
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20090203/FREE/902039983/-1
Patterson: Oakland County will 'ride out' economic storm
Catherine Jun / The Detroit News ? February 3, 2009
TROY -- Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson said the county will weather the economic storm afflicting Michigan through long term financial planning and projects slated to bring new jobs, despite the challenges presented by widespread layoffs and a besieged auto industry.In his State of the County address tonight, Patterson highlighted several bright spots on the horizon: a multi-million dollar film studio slated for Pontiac, a growing health care sector, affordable expansion of Cobo Hall and the launching of a new e-mail/text messaging service for county residents to get notice of events, emergencies and programs.
Patterson, in an address delivered at the MSU Management Education Center in Troy, attempted to strike a balanced tone, highlighting pockets of hope while painting a picture of a county that -- despite being the richest in the state -- has not been immune to the subprime mortgage mess and statewide belt-tightening. As many as one in 47 homes in the county is in foreclosure.
http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090203/METRO02/902030451
TROY -- Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson said the county will weather the economic storm afflicting Michigan through long term financial planning and projects slated to bring new jobs, despite the challenges presented by widespread layoffs and a besieged auto industry.In his State of the County address tonight, Patterson highlighted several bright spots on the horizon: a multi-million dollar film studio slated for Pontiac, a growing health care sector, affordable expansion of Cobo Hall and the launching of a new e-mail/text messaging service for county residents to get notice of events, emergencies and programs.
Patterson, in an address delivered at the MSU Management Education Center in Troy, attempted to strike a balanced tone, highlighting pockets of hope while painting a picture of a county that -- despite being the richest in the state -- has not been immune to the subprime mortgage mess and statewide belt-tightening. As many as one in 47 homes in the county is in foreclosure.
http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090203/METRO02/902030451
Movie studio in Pontiac a boon for Genesee County, officials say
By Carol Azizian | The Flint Journal | February 03, 2009
GENESEE COUNTY, Michigan -- Flint officials say the opening of a $54-million Hollywood film production and facility in Pontiac will translate into a boon for the area.
"It's the next best place to Genesee County," said Jerry Preston, president of the Flint Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. "We have a lot of craftsmen who work in the (film industry) in this area. They'll be able to keep more of those jobs in southeast Michigan."
A new company called Motown Motion Picture Studios will invest $70 million in a 600,000 square-foot development with nine sound stages. It will be at the site of a former General Motors Corp. truck plant and office complex, Gov. Jennifer Granholm was expected to announce today in her State of the State address.
http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2009/02/movie_studio_in_pontiac_a_boon.html
GENESEE COUNTY, Michigan -- Flint officials say the opening of a $54-million Hollywood film production and facility in Pontiac will translate into a boon for the area.
"It's the next best place to Genesee County," said Jerry Preston, president of the Flint Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. "We have a lot of craftsmen who work in the (film industry) in this area. They'll be able to keep more of those jobs in southeast Michigan."
A new company called Motown Motion Picture Studios will invest $70 million in a 600,000 square-foot development with nine sound stages. It will be at the site of a former General Motors Corp. truck plant and office complex, Gov. Jennifer Granholm was expected to announce today in her State of the State address.
http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2009/02/movie_studio_in_pontiac_a_boon.html
Studio plans breed movie mania in Allen Park
BY BILL MCGRAW • MOTOR CITY JOURNAL • February 2, 2009
Allen Park officials either have previewed an exciting new era for their city or pumped up residents for a blockbuster letdown.
They issued a statement Jan. 6 that said the city is "in heavy discussions with a Hollywood studio executive with ties to Michigan who intends to build a $100-million film production studio in Allen Park."
One marquee detail that was mentioned: 3,500 full-time jobs.
The statement was highly unusual. Negotiations for such big projects almost always remain secret until there is a deal to announce. However, officials said they had to move because word was beginning to leak. One line in the statement cautioned: "It may not happen."
http://www.freep.com/article/20090202/COL27/902020327/1001/NEWS/Studio+plans+breed+movie+mania+in+Allen+Park
Allen Park officials either have previewed an exciting new era for their city or pumped up residents for a blockbuster letdown.
They issued a statement Jan. 6 that said the city is "in heavy discussions with a Hollywood studio executive with ties to Michigan who intends to build a $100-million film production studio in Allen Park."
One marquee detail that was mentioned: 3,500 full-time jobs.
The statement was highly unusual. Negotiations for such big projects almost always remain secret until there is a deal to announce. However, officials said they had to move because word was beginning to leak. One line in the statement cautioned: "It may not happen."
http://www.freep.com/article/20090202/COL27/902020327/1001/NEWS/Studio+plans+breed+movie+mania+in+Allen+Park
2 groups shooting to have 1st movie studio in Detroit
By Daniel Duggan and Bill Shea | Crain's Detroit | February 3, 2009
As momentum for Michigan's film industry grows, two groups are vying to have the state's first studio complex.
In Oakland County, Ferndale-based S3 Entertainment Group has narrowed its search for a studio to a short-list of two sites. In Detroit, 23rd Street Studios expects to start construction on its project by spring.
Both projects have initial budgets of $40 million and both expect to be a go-to place for film-oriented businesses to be located.
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20090201/FREE/902020339
As momentum for Michigan's film industry grows, two groups are vying to have the state's first studio complex.
In Oakland County, Ferndale-based S3 Entertainment Group has narrowed its search for a studio to a short-list of two sites. In Detroit, 23rd Street Studios expects to start construction on its project by spring.
Both projects have initial budgets of $40 million and both expect to be a go-to place for film-oriented businesses to be located.
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20090201/FREE/902020339
Pontiac lands movie studio, 5,000 new jobs expected
By JOHN GALLAGHER, KATHLEEN GRAY and CHRIS CHRISTOFF • FREE PRESS STAFF WRITERS • February 2, 2009
Michigan’s bid to become a Midwest center of movie production is to get a huge boost Tuesday with the announcement of a Hollywood film production studio and talent agency opening shop in Pontiac.
Motown Motion Picture Studios, a new company, will open a $54-million, 600,000-square-foot studio and production facility at General Motors Corp.’s former Centerpoint truck plant and office complex in Pontiac, said Gov. Jennifer Granholm’s spokeswoman Liz Boyd.
The project is expected to generate more than 3,500 direct and 1,500 indirect jobs.
The governor plans to announce the deal Tuesday night in her State of the State address.
http://www.freep.com/article/20090202/NEWS03/90202081/Pontiac+lands+movie+studio+expected+to+create+5+000+jobs
Michigan’s bid to become a Midwest center of movie production is to get a huge boost Tuesday with the announcement of a Hollywood film production studio and talent agency opening shop in Pontiac.
Motown Motion Picture Studios, a new company, will open a $54-million, 600,000-square-foot studio and production facility at General Motors Corp.’s former Centerpoint truck plant and office complex in Pontiac, said Gov. Jennifer Granholm’s spokeswoman Liz Boyd.
The project is expected to generate more than 3,500 direct and 1,500 indirect jobs.
The governor plans to announce the deal Tuesday night in her State of the State address.
http://www.freep.com/article/20090202/NEWS03/90202081/Pontiac+lands+movie+studio+expected+to+create+5+000+jobs
Granholm to announce $54M film studio
Mark Hicks / The Detroit News / February 3, 2009
PONTIAC -- Gov. Jennifer Granholm is expected to announce today plans for a $54 million film studio project that could bring about 5,000 new jobs to the state, her spokeswoman confirmed Monday.
"This is the direct result of the aggressive film incentive that the governor called for in her State of the State in 2008," Liz Boyd said late Monday. "The film incentives were designed to not just bring new film projects to Michigan ... but also to grow an industry that will provide long-term job growth for the state."
The project is pending approval of incentives during a Michigan Economic Growth Authority board meeting scheduled for this morning, Boyd said.
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090203/BIZ/902030362
PONTIAC -- Gov. Jennifer Granholm is expected to announce today plans for a $54 million film studio project that could bring about 5,000 new jobs to the state, her spokeswoman confirmed Monday.
"This is the direct result of the aggressive film incentive that the governor called for in her State of the State in 2008," Liz Boyd said late Monday. "The film incentives were designed to not just bring new film projects to Michigan ... but also to grow an industry that will provide long-term job growth for the state."
The project is pending approval of incentives during a Michigan Economic Growth Authority board meeting scheduled for this morning, Boyd said.
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090203/BIZ/902030362
Film production studios coming to Detroit, Pontiac
Associated Press | February 3, 2009
DETROIT - Michigan's film incentive program has lured two production studios to the state, including one in Detroit that will focus on computer-generated and animation work.
Michigan Economic Development Corp. spokesman Mike Shore says the Detroit Center Studios could create 700 permanent jobs and attract more film projects to the state.
It will be housed in the former MGM Grand temporary casino just west of downtown.
A state tax credit of $16.9 million over 12 years has been approved for the venture.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-mi-filmstudios-mich,0,66891.story
DETROIT - Michigan's film incentive program has lured two production studios to the state, including one in Detroit that will focus on computer-generated and animation work.
Michigan Economic Development Corp. spokesman Mike Shore says the Detroit Center Studios could create 700 permanent jobs and attract more film projects to the state.
It will be housed in the former MGM Grand temporary casino just west of downtown.
A state tax credit of $16.9 million over 12 years has been approved for the venture.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-mi-filmstudios-mich,0,66891.story
New, expanded Metro Detroit movie studios to add thousands of jobs
Louis Aguilar / The Detroit News / February 3, 2009
A former Pontiac auto plant and the defunct MGM Grand Casino will be converted into film production studios that will create 4,000 new direct jobs in Metro Detroit, boosting one of the state's few fast-growing industries.
Gov. Jennifer Granholm will formally announce plans for the news studios during her State of the State address tonight.
An $86 million digital animation and visual effects studio to be called the Detroit Center Studios will set up shop in the former MGM Grand Casino downtown, and is set to open by the end of the year. In Pontiac, a $54 million film production studio called Motown Motion Picture Studios will be built at General Motors Corp.'s former Centerpoint plant, according to Granholm's spokeswoman Liz Boyd. Granholm also will announce a $900,000 expansion of video and computer gaming company called Stardock Systems Inc. in Plymouth.
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090203/BIZ/902030431&imw=Y
A former Pontiac auto plant and the defunct MGM Grand Casino will be converted into film production studios that will create 4,000 new direct jobs in Metro Detroit, boosting one of the state's few fast-growing industries.
Gov. Jennifer Granholm will formally announce plans for the news studios during her State of the State address tonight.
An $86 million digital animation and visual effects studio to be called the Detroit Center Studios will set up shop in the former MGM Grand Casino downtown, and is set to open by the end of the year. In Pontiac, a $54 million film production studio called Motown Motion Picture Studios will be built at General Motors Corp.'s former Centerpoint plant, according to Granholm's spokeswoman Liz Boyd. Granholm also will announce a $900,000 expansion of video and computer gaming company called Stardock Systems Inc. in Plymouth.
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090203/BIZ/902030431&imw=Y
Sterling Heights close to opening film office
BY CHRISTINA HALL • FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER • February 3, 2009
Sterling Heights is the latest metro Detroit community to jump on the movie bandwagon by establishing a film office.
Filmmakers will be able quickly find out information about shooting in the city, such as policies and procedures, any applications they need to fill out and unique locales, such as the Clinton River and Upton House.
Officials have been working on the project about six months and borrowed ideas from other cities in the region and state, said Steve Guitar, community relations director, whose department established the office.
http://www.freep.com/article/20090203/NEWS04/90203067
Sterling Heights is the latest metro Detroit community to jump on the movie bandwagon by establishing a film office.
Filmmakers will be able quickly find out information about shooting in the city, such as policies and procedures, any applications they need to fill out and unique locales, such as the Clinton River and Upton House.
Officials have been working on the project about six months and borrowed ideas from other cities in the region and state, said Steve Guitar, community relations director, whose department established the office.
http://www.freep.com/article/20090203/NEWS04/90203067
Monday, February 2, 2009
Hollywood in Michigan
By ANGELA G. KING | The Oakland Press | February 2, 2009
He has grossed some $2.5 billion bringing one of his favorite boyhood comic book heroes to life on big screens the world over.
Now Sam Raimi, director of the blockbuster “Spider-Man” movies, is on his way to Michigan to once again shoot motion pictures in his home state.
Born and raised in Oakland County, he plans to begin production in the summer locally on a small-budget otherworldly thriller dubbed, for the time being, “Room 205.” And he’s just the latest big Hollywood name attracted to Michigan since the state rolled out the nation’s most generous financial incentives last year to get more movies, TV shows and commercials made here. Others include:
http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2009/02/02/business/doc4986c12ccf20c392659695.txt
He has grossed some $2.5 billion bringing one of his favorite boyhood comic book heroes to life on big screens the world over.
Now Sam Raimi, director of the blockbuster “Spider-Man” movies, is on his way to Michigan to once again shoot motion pictures in his home state.
Born and raised in Oakland County, he plans to begin production in the summer locally on a small-budget otherworldly thriller dubbed, for the time being, “Room 205.” And he’s just the latest big Hollywood name attracted to Michigan since the state rolled out the nation’s most generous financial incentives last year to get more movies, TV shows and commercials made here. Others include:
http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2009/02/02/business/doc4986c12ccf20c392659695.txt
Sunday, February 1, 2009
The Scene and the Unseen: Act II
Mackinac Center for Public Policy | February 1, 2009
Thanks to the state of Michigan’s film incentive program — the most aggressive in the nation — the silver screen to many is a silver bullet for the state’s foundering economy.
Under the program, filmmakers still pay Michigan business taxes, but to entice filmmakers to shoot movies here and employ Michigan workers, state government provides movie producers...
http://www.mackinac.org/articlemedia.aspx?ID=10234#2747
Thanks to the state of Michigan’s film incentive program — the most aggressive in the nation — the silver screen to many is a silver bullet for the state’s foundering economy.
Under the program, filmmakers still pay Michigan business taxes, but to entice filmmakers to shoot movies here and employ Michigan workers, state government provides movie producers...
http://www.mackinac.org/articlemedia.aspx?ID=10234#2747
State needs to explore impact of movie tax credits
Livingston Daily | February 1, 2009
A couple of scenes linger from the filming of the movie "High School" in Howell late last year.
One was the vision of a film crew shoveling all of the snow from a home's front yard. Then there were actors sucking ice cubes so their breath wouldn't show in the cold when they talked.
These steps were necessary because, while filming took place outside in Michigan in November and December, the story for the movie actually takes place in Southern California, where snow doesn't cover front lawns and where it's usually not cold enough to see your breath.
Why, then, didn't the production company film somewhere warm? The answer is easy. Because of a so-called refundable tax credit offered by the state of Michigan, the production could recoup up to 40 percent of its expenses.
http://www.livingstondaily.com/article/20090201/OPINION01/90201001/1014/OPINION
A couple of scenes linger from the filming of the movie "High School" in Howell late last year.
One was the vision of a film crew shoveling all of the snow from a home's front yard. Then there were actors sucking ice cubes so their breath wouldn't show in the cold when they talked.
These steps were necessary because, while filming took place outside in Michigan in November and December, the story for the movie actually takes place in Southern California, where snow doesn't cover front lawns and where it's usually not cold enough to see your breath.
Why, then, didn't the production company film somewhere warm? The answer is easy. Because of a so-called refundable tax credit offered by the state of Michigan, the production could recoup up to 40 percent of its expenses.
http://www.livingstondaily.com/article/20090201/OPINION01/90201001/1014/OPINION
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