(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
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
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
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
Sunday, October 26, 2008
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
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
Thursday, October 23, 2008
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
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
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
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
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
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
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
Thursday, October 16, 2008
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
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
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
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
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 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
Monday, October 13, 2008
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
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+
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
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
Sunday, October 12, 2008
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
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
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
Saturday, October 11, 2008
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
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
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/
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
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
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
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