MSU News | February 17, 2009
EAST LANSING, Mich. — Andrea Meditch, a noted film executive producer whose credits include the Oscar-nominated films “Man on Wire” and “Encounters at the End of the World,” has joined the Michigan State University College of Communication Arts and Sciences as director of the Film and Media Arts Initiative.
The new initiative is designed to work collaboratively with Michigan’s burgeoning film industry. Specifically, she will serve as a liaison between the college and the film industry, with much of her work focusing on the film industry’s needs related to work force, and what kind of training/education people need if they want to work in the film industry.
http://news.msu.edu/story/5958/
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
CNN takes a look at film industry in Michigan, reminds us stop crying in our beer
CNN | February 17, 2009
"Enough crying in your beer," says CNN. Some of this is mildly insulting to anyone with a Midwest zip code, but all in all it's a decent piece from the TV news factory on what's going on with film in Detroit. Bonus points for Jeff Daniels espousing our good old fashioned work ethic here in these parts. Aw shucks, Hollywood.
Watch the clip here.
"Enough crying in your beer," says CNN. Some of this is mildly insulting to anyone with a Midwest zip code, but all in all it's a decent piece from the TV news factory on what's going on with film in Detroit. Bonus points for Jeff Daniels espousing our good old fashioned work ethic here in these parts. Aw shucks, Hollywood.
Watch the clip here.
City welcomes movie industry
By Gordon Wilczynski | Macomb Daily | February 16, 2009
Because a new Michigan law gives filmmakers a 40 percent tax break for working in Michigan, the Sterling Heights City Council is expected to act Tuesday on a new ordinance that would set rules and regulations for production houses, producers, directors and filmmakers.
The city's Communications Director Steve Guitar said the recommended ordinance borrows from such ordinances already established in California while incorporating provisions based on the unique needs and offerings of Sterling Heights.
http://www.macombdaily.com/articles/2009/02/16/news/srv0000004712258.txt
Because a new Michigan law gives filmmakers a 40 percent tax break for working in Michigan, the Sterling Heights City Council is expected to act Tuesday on a new ordinance that would set rules and regulations for production houses, producers, directors and filmmakers.
The city's Communications Director Steve Guitar said the recommended ordinance borrows from such ordinances already established in California while incorporating provisions based on the unique needs and offerings of Sterling Heights.
http://www.macombdaily.com/articles/2009/02/16/news/srv0000004712258.txt
Wayne County Community College District Sponsors Film Industry Conference
February 16, 2009
DETROIT, Feb 16, 2009 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- As movie production becomes one of Michigan's fastest growing industries, Wayne County Community College District (WCCCD) is preparing metro Detroit's workforce for more than 5,000 film-related jobs coming to the region.
WCCCD, in partnership with a consortium of industry professionals, is sponsoring a Continuing Education seminar titled, "The Business of Show Business," which starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2009. The seminar, which is free to the public, will be held in the Welcome Center of the District's Northwest Campus, located at 8200 West Outer Drive in Detroit.
"This state is on the precipice of a powerful movement in media production," WCCCD's Chancellor, Dr. Curtis L. Ivery said. "We understand the need for training and skill development that will support this emerging industry. This seminar provides an opportunity for local citizens to see how they can successfully enter the field."
http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/wayne-county-community-college-district/story.aspx?guid=%7B6361F10C-3788-4475-B1FC-C8FCC4A650C0%7D&dist=msr_1
DETROIT, Feb 16, 2009 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- As movie production becomes one of Michigan's fastest growing industries, Wayne County Community College District (WCCCD) is preparing metro Detroit's workforce for more than 5,000 film-related jobs coming to the region.
WCCCD, in partnership with a consortium of industry professionals, is sponsoring a Continuing Education seminar titled, "The Business of Show Business," which starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2009. The seminar, which is free to the public, will be held in the Welcome Center of the District's Northwest Campus, located at 8200 West Outer Drive in Detroit.
"This state is on the precipice of a powerful movement in media production," WCCCD's Chancellor, Dr. Curtis L. Ivery said. "We understand the need for training and skill development that will support this emerging industry. This seminar provides an opportunity for local citizens to see how they can successfully enter the field."
http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/wayne-county-community-college-district/story.aspx?guid=%7B6361F10C-3788-4475-B1FC-C8FCC4A650C0%7D&dist=msr_1
Sunday, February 15, 2009
TV, film jobs leave California in a rush
By Troy Anderson | Los Angels Daily News | February 15, 2009
It started when Clint Eastwood went to Michigan to film "Gran Torino."
Since then, George Clooney, Cuba Gooding Jr., Hilary Swank and other movie stars have made the pilgrimage to make movies in The Wolverine State.
Now, the phones are ringing off the hook in the "Hollywood of the Midwest," where Los Angeles film and television crews are flocking to take advantage of filming incentives - something the state of California doesn't do.
"We're not the new Hollywood," said Mark Adler, director of the Michigan Production Alliance, a trade organization that supports film and video production.
http://www.dailynews.com/news/ci_11713631
It started when Clint Eastwood went to Michigan to film "Gran Torino."
Since then, George Clooney, Cuba Gooding Jr., Hilary Swank and other movie stars have made the pilgrimage to make movies in The Wolverine State.
Now, the phones are ringing off the hook in the "Hollywood of the Midwest," where Los Angeles film and television crews are flocking to take advantage of filming incentives - something the state of California doesn't do.
"We're not the new Hollywood," said Mark Adler, director of the Michigan Production Alliance, a trade organization that supports film and video production.
http://www.dailynews.com/news/ci_11713631
Role of movie mecca subsidies is complex
BY JOHN GALLAGHER • DETROIT FREE PRESS • February 15, 2009
If Michigan wants to know what the movie industry can do for its image, look to New Mexico.
The southwestern state created film incentives in 2002 similar to what Michigan approved last year. And just as Michigan has hosted a surge in movie productions, New Mexico saw a huge boost in movies shot there in recent years, including 2008's Oscar winner "No Country for Old Men."
Jon Hendry, a union official representing movie industry workers in New Mexico, said his state's new identity as a film mecca has done wonders.
http://www.freep.com/article/20090215/BUSINESS06/902150386
If Michigan wants to know what the movie industry can do for its image, look to New Mexico.
The southwestern state created film incentives in 2002 similar to what Michigan approved last year. And just as Michigan has hosted a surge in movie productions, New Mexico saw a huge boost in movies shot there in recent years, including 2008's Oscar winner "No Country for Old Men."
Jon Hendry, a union official representing movie industry workers in New Mexico, said his state's new identity as a film mecca has done wonders.
http://www.freep.com/article/20090215/BUSINESS06/902150386
Friday, February 13, 2009
Tax Incentives are Popular among Film Industry
By Jenni Riehle | February 13, 2009
The tax incentives for the film industry, which were approved last April by Governor Granholm, are in full swing. In an effort to encourage job growth and stimulate Michigan’s economy, competitive incentives were designed to reel in industries in the highly competitive market.
Michigan is now standing at the top with arguably the most generous tax incentives in the country. The Michigan Film Incentives bill gives industries up to a 42 percent rebate on the Michigan Business Tax for all production expenditures. In addition, if companies choose to set up shop in the state they will receive a 25 percent rebate on the Michigan Business Tax for infrastructures at 100,000 dollars or more.
The incentives are not only for the film industry but also apply to television and digital media companies.
http://www.michiganpolicy.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=306:tax-incentives-are-popular-among-film-industry&catid=80:taxes-blog&Itemid=237
The tax incentives for the film industry, which were approved last April by Governor Granholm, are in full swing. In an effort to encourage job growth and stimulate Michigan’s economy, competitive incentives were designed to reel in industries in the highly competitive market.
Michigan is now standing at the top with arguably the most generous tax incentives in the country. The Michigan Film Incentives bill gives industries up to a 42 percent rebate on the Michigan Business Tax for all production expenditures. In addition, if companies choose to set up shop in the state they will receive a 25 percent rebate on the Michigan Business Tax for infrastructures at 100,000 dollars or more.
The incentives are not only for the film industry but also apply to television and digital media companies.
http://www.michiganpolicy.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=306:tax-incentives-are-popular-among-film-industry&catid=80:taxes-blog&Itemid=237
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Movie Students
TV 20 - Detroit | February 11, 2009
The movie industry is meaning big bucks for Michigan. Millions of dollars have been pumped into the state since the "Film Tax Incentives Program" went into effect last year. We told you about a studio coming to Pontiac last week. That's going to mean thousands of jobs for the area. My TV 20's Dave Leval shows us how you can get ready for one.
"Action"
That's probably the easiest word we know on a movie set. The rest, well, it's a language all its own. Most of us know "grip" is when you have a firm hold of something. While gaffe refers to a mistake we made. However, both have different meanings on a set. You have the chance to learn that language while possibly starting a new career.
http://www.tv20detroit.com/news/39442587.html
The movie industry is meaning big bucks for Michigan. Millions of dollars have been pumped into the state since the "Film Tax Incentives Program" went into effect last year. We told you about a studio coming to Pontiac last week. That's going to mean thousands of jobs for the area. My TV 20's Dave Leval shows us how you can get ready for one.
"Action"
That's probably the easiest word we know on a movie set. The rest, well, it's a language all its own. Most of us know "grip" is when you have a firm hold of something. While gaffe refers to a mistake we made. However, both have different meanings on a set. You have the chance to learn that language while possibly starting a new career.
http://www.tv20detroit.com/news/39442587.html
Filmmaking Farmers
February 11, 2009 | WLAJ
With Hollywood coming to Michigan for tax incentives, the state's farming industry is now getting its hands on some of the benefits.
Since April of last year, 71 film productions have been approved in Michigan, with 37 already completed.
Three thousand jobs have been created, impacting Michigan's economy by at least 57 million in wages and benefits.
http://www.wlaj.com/news/michigan_14309___article.html/owners_productions.html
With Hollywood coming to Michigan for tax incentives, the state's farming industry is now getting its hands on some of the benefits.
Since April of last year, 71 film productions have been approved in Michigan, with 37 already completed.
Three thousand jobs have been created, impacting Michigan's economy by at least 57 million in wages and benefits.
http://www.wlaj.com/news/michigan_14309___article.html/owners_productions.html
Hollywood to Michigan film company: Stop using Walk of Fame star in ad
BY JOHN GALLAGHER • DETROIT FREE PRESS • February 11, 2009
Hollywood to Michigan: Hands off!
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce has sent a “cease and desist” letter to a Michigan film production company for using the famous image of a Hollywood Walk of Fame star to tout Michigan’s new film incentives.
Daniel Cobb, president of Axiom Entertainment, a Rochester-based film marketing and production company with about 50 employees, ran his ad recently in the Hollywood Reporter, a film industry publication. The ad shows a typical Walk of Fame star but instead of the name of a movie personality the name reads “Michigan.”
http://www.freep.com/article/20090211/BUSINESS06/90211093/Hollywood+to+Michigan+film+company++Stop+using+Walk+of+Fame+star+in+ad
Hollywood to Michigan: Hands off!
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce has sent a “cease and desist” letter to a Michigan film production company for using the famous image of a Hollywood Walk of Fame star to tout Michigan’s new film incentives.
Daniel Cobb, president of Axiom Entertainment, a Rochester-based film marketing and production company with about 50 employees, ran his ad recently in the Hollywood Reporter, a film industry publication. The ad shows a typical Walk of Fame star but instead of the name of a movie personality the name reads “Michigan.”
http://www.freep.com/article/20090211/BUSINESS06/90211093/Hollywood+to+Michigan+film+company++Stop+using+Walk+of+Fame+star+in+ad
Training programs spring up around state's growing film industry
By Mark Lewis | February 8, 2009 | Crain's Detroit
Six weeks ago, Ferndale resident Julie Goode was making $54,000 a year working as a textiles designer and engineer for supplier Lear Corp. Then, three days before Christmas, she was laid off. Goode, 28, now is preparing to start a new career.
She is one of hundreds of Michigan residents who have enrolled in a film industry training program, at least four of which have sprung up across the state since last April. Most are run by small colleges that have contracts with private film studios to provide instructors, equipment and studio time.
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20090208/FREE/902090306/1068
Six weeks ago, Ferndale resident Julie Goode was making $54,000 a year working as a textiles designer and engineer for supplier Lear Corp. Then, three days before Christmas, she was laid off. Goode, 28, now is preparing to start a new career.
She is one of hundreds of Michigan residents who have enrolled in a film industry training program, at least four of which have sprung up across the state since last April. Most are run by small colleges that have contracts with private film studios to provide instructors, equipment and studio time.
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20090208/FREE/902090306/1068
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Roaring Good Time at Red Carpet Ready
WZZM 13 - Take 5 - February 10, 2009
It will be a roaring good time as we roll out the red carpet for a night on the town with a 1920s theme gala fundraiser. Don your flapper dress, spit shine your spats and join in the costume contest or celebrity look-a-like contest. Get your photo taken with Oscar, bid on silent auction items and of course, view The Academy Awards on the big screen. Come hob-knob at the party of the year, with the Red Carpet Ready.
http://www.wzzm13.com/life/programming/local/take_five/take_five_story.aspx?storyid=105298&catid=205
It will be a roaring good time as we roll out the red carpet for a night on the town with a 1920s theme gala fundraiser. Don your flapper dress, spit shine your spats and join in the costume contest or celebrity look-a-like contest. Get your photo taken with Oscar, bid on silent auction items and of course, view The Academy Awards on the big screen. Come hob-knob at the party of the year, with the Red Carpet Ready.
http://www.wzzm13.com/life/programming/local/take_five/take_five_story.aspx?storyid=105298&catid=205
Sunday, February 8, 2009
West Michigan Film & Video Alliance hosts "look-a-like" contest
By Jennifer Pascua | WZZM 13 | February 8, 2009
The Academy Awards show is coming up towards the end of this month. Many of you can attend an Oscar Watch party hosted by the West Michigan Film and Video Alliance. If you're thinking about going, you're encouraged to show up as a look-a-like.
This week the WMFVA will hold a contest looking for people who look like stars from the 1920's. The contest will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 11th at Wealthy Street Theater in Grand Rapids. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Finalists will be selected at 7:30 p.m. Those finalists will then get to attend the Red Carpet Ready event for free.
http://www.wzzm13.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=105193&catid=48
The Academy Awards show is coming up towards the end of this month. Many of you can attend an Oscar Watch party hosted by the West Michigan Film and Video Alliance. If you're thinking about going, you're encouraged to show up as a look-a-like.
This week the WMFVA will hold a contest looking for people who look like stars from the 1920's. The contest will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 11th at Wealthy Street Theater in Grand Rapids. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Finalists will be selected at 7:30 p.m. Those finalists will then get to attend the Red Carpet Ready event for free.
http://www.wzzm13.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=105193&catid=48
LTU, film school sign agreement
Hometown Life | February 8, 2009
Lawrence Technological University and the Motion Picture Institute in Troy have signed an agreement that makes it easier for MPI students to transfer credits to the bachelor's degree program in media communication at Lawrence Tech.
Under the agreement, MPI students who have successfully completed the film production program at MPI can transfer up to 21 credits toward a bachelor's degree in media communication at Lawrence Tech. These transfer students will take courses in the College of Arts and Sciences to fulfill the general education requirements for a bachelor's degree at Lawrence Tech.
http://www.hometownlife.com/article/20090208/NEWS22/902080400
Lawrence Technological University and the Motion Picture Institute in Troy have signed an agreement that makes it easier for MPI students to transfer credits to the bachelor's degree program in media communication at Lawrence Tech.
Under the agreement, MPI students who have successfully completed the film production program at MPI can transfer up to 21 credits toward a bachelor's degree in media communication at Lawrence Tech. These transfer students will take courses in the College of Arts and Sciences to fulfill the general education requirements for a bachelor's degree at Lawrence Tech.
http://www.hometownlife.com/article/20090208/NEWS22/902080400
New film studio a boom for local training facilities
By Carol Hopkins | The Oakland Press | February 8, 2009
Jeff Spilman has 300 people on a waiting list to get into film training courses offered through his company and Oakland Community College.
“It’s so exciting for the state and our people who need jobs,” said Spilman, who is the managing partner with Ferndale-based S3 Entertainment Group. “We want to get people to work.”
In the wake of the news last year that Michigan was working to lure the film industry and last week’s announcement that two film studios would be opening in Metro Detroit, there’s a real boomtime around the area for another industry — schools that will train people who want to break into showbiz.
http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2009/02/07/news/doc498e71a4105dd372727872.txt
Jeff Spilman has 300 people on a waiting list to get into film training courses offered through his company and Oakland Community College.
“It’s so exciting for the state and our people who need jobs,” said Spilman, who is the managing partner with Ferndale-based S3 Entertainment Group. “We want to get people to work.”
In the wake of the news last year that Michigan was working to lure the film industry and last week’s announcement that two film studios would be opening in Metro Detroit, there’s a real boomtime around the area for another industry — schools that will train people who want to break into showbiz.
http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2009/02/07/news/doc498e71a4105dd372727872.txt
Thought leader in entertainment law
By Olivia Pulsinelli | Business Review Western Michigan | January 29, 2009
"Like most kids, I grew up loving movies. Then in college I had a chance to be in some student films. When I got to law school, I became particularly interested in what I call the intersection of visual arts and law," Butterer says.
Firm: Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge, Grand Rapids office
Title: Shareholder
Education: University of Michigan, B.A., 1989; Indiana University, J.D., 1994
Practicing since: 1994
Speciality: Entertainment law and litigation
Karl Butterer chairs the entertainment law industry group at Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge and has been a part of many panel discussions and forums about the film industry. He is a member of the West Michigan Film and Video Alliance and the Michigan Production Alliance.
http://www.mlive.com/business/west-michigan/index.ssf/2009/01/thought_leader_in_entertainmen.html
"Like most kids, I grew up loving movies. Then in college I had a chance to be in some student films. When I got to law school, I became particularly interested in what I call the intersection of visual arts and law," Butterer says.
Firm: Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge, Grand Rapids office
Title: Shareholder
Education: University of Michigan, B.A., 1989; Indiana University, J.D., 1994
Practicing since: 1994
Speciality: Entertainment law and litigation
Karl Butterer chairs the entertainment law industry group at Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge and has been a part of many panel discussions and forums about the film industry. He is a member of the West Michigan Film and Video Alliance and the Michigan Production Alliance.
http://www.mlive.com/business/west-michigan/index.ssf/2009/01/thought_leader_in_entertainmen.html
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Movies now, more than ever
Detroit Free Press | February 7, 2009
The Michigan movie tax credit has already paid off in some important ways, attracting more and more filmmakers to the Great Lakes State seeking cheaper production costs.
But the fear had to be that the program's appeal might have an abbreviated shelf life. As soon as another state came up with a better tax break, the Hollywood crowd would flock there instead.
That's why it has been so encouraging to see the tax credits inspire more permanent movie-making infrastructure: the $86-million studio planned for the old MGM site in Detroit, and a $70-million studio slated to rise in Pontiac, at the old General Motors Centerpoint plant.
These fixtures, along with other production houses and studios, will more fundamentally lower the cost of filmmaking in Michigan than the tax credit, giving the state a potential long-term edge.
http://www.freep.com/article/20090207/OPINION01/902070328
The Michigan movie tax credit has already paid off in some important ways, attracting more and more filmmakers to the Great Lakes State seeking cheaper production costs.
But the fear had to be that the program's appeal might have an abbreviated shelf life. As soon as another state came up with a better tax break, the Hollywood crowd would flock there instead.
That's why it has been so encouraging to see the tax credits inspire more permanent movie-making infrastructure: the $86-million studio planned for the old MGM site in Detroit, and a $70-million studio slated to rise in Pontiac, at the old General Motors Centerpoint plant.
These fixtures, along with other production houses and studios, will more fundamentally lower the cost of filmmaking in Michigan than the tax credit, giving the state a potential long-term edge.
http://www.freep.com/article/20090207/OPINION01/902070328
West Michigan has a bright future in the movies
WZZM 13 | February 7, 2009
Last year was a busy year for the film industry in Michigan and 2009 is slated to be even better.
"I'm hardly able to contain myself. It's been that exciting," said Rick Hert, film commissioner for the West Michigan Film Office.
In April, the state passed what is considered the most aggressive film incentives in the country. Hert says since then there has been an onslaught of projects coming to Michigan.
"On a daily basis I'm talking to people interested in filming in West Michigan," said Hert. "I have about 6 feature films that are showing an interest, three scripts in hand and a project that is looking at the Grand Rapids area and surrounding area. I also have some documentaries, tv shows and commercials."
http://www.wzzm13.com/news/news_story.aspx?storyid=105190&catid=14
Last year was a busy year for the film industry in Michigan and 2009 is slated to be even better.
"I'm hardly able to contain myself. It's been that exciting," said Rick Hert, film commissioner for the West Michigan Film Office.
In April, the state passed what is considered the most aggressive film incentives in the country. Hert says since then there has been an onslaught of projects coming to Michigan.
"On a daily basis I'm talking to people interested in filming in West Michigan," said Hert. "I have about 6 feature films that are showing an interest, three scripts in hand and a project that is looking at the Grand Rapids area and surrounding area. I also have some documentaries, tv shows and commercials."
http://www.wzzm13.com/news/news_story.aspx?storyid=105190&catid=14
Friday, February 6, 2009
Opportunities in movies are knocking at our door
By Dave Vizard | The Bay City Times | February 06, 2009
Did anyone else hear that thumping noise amid all the doom and gloom of Governor Granholm's annual report to the people of Michigan the other night?
If I'm not mistaken - and I usually have a very good ear for banging noises, especially when it involves either my friend Rob falling off a bar stool or the state's ailing economy - it was a definite knocking sound. Yes, I'm sure of it. Opportunity beckoned for us all.
In the midst of all the nasty things happening to our great state, the gov's State of the State announced Michigan's latest plunge into the film-making and the creative-arts industries. In other words, great opportunity stands before us in movies, music, graphic design and digital gaming. All we have to do is answer the door.
http://www.mlive.com/opinion/bay-city/index.ssf/2009/02/opportunities_in_movies_are_kn.html
Did anyone else hear that thumping noise amid all the doom and gloom of Governor Granholm's annual report to the people of Michigan the other night?
If I'm not mistaken - and I usually have a very good ear for banging noises, especially when it involves either my friend Rob falling off a bar stool or the state's ailing economy - it was a definite knocking sound. Yes, I'm sure of it. Opportunity beckoned for us all.
In the midst of all the nasty things happening to our great state, the gov's State of the State announced Michigan's latest plunge into the film-making and the creative-arts industries. In other words, great opportunity stands before us in movies, music, graphic design and digital gaming. All we have to do is answer the door.
http://www.mlive.com/opinion/bay-city/index.ssf/2009/02/opportunities_in_movies_are_kn.html
New movie studios bright spots in dim economic forecast
Daily Tribune | February 6, 2009
Amid all of the promises and predictions we heard Tuesday from Gov. Jennifer Granholm and Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson, there was at least one bit of very good, definite news.
The governor gave her state of the state address and Patterson gave his state of the county speech.
They said tough economic times will last at least into 2010 but moves to increase job opportunities outside of the auto industry is key to ending the recession in the state and particularly in southeastern Michigan.
http://www.dailytribune.com/articles/2009/02/06/opinion/srv0000004639696.txt
Amid all of the promises and predictions we heard Tuesday from Gov. Jennifer Granholm and Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson, there was at least one bit of very good, definite news.
The governor gave her state of the state address and Patterson gave his state of the county speech.
They said tough economic times will last at least into 2010 but moves to increase job opportunities outside of the auto industry is key to ending the recession in the state and particularly in southeastern Michigan.
http://www.dailytribune.com/articles/2009/02/06/opinion/srv0000004639696.txt
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