By Mark Maynard | February 26, 2009
I think it’s an incredible long shot, but, when my friend Arun told me today that Michael Cera, the last remaining holdout for the long-awaited Arrested Development feature film, had signed-on, my first thought was that maybe, somehow, we might be able to lure the production here to Ypsi. I know it’s a reach, seeing as how we have neither the West coast sunshine, nor the marina backdrop that viewers of the ground-breaking sitcom have come to expect, but we do have a local man with a fleet of Segways, which I’m sure he would make available to Gob, and, of course, there are those aggressive incentives for producers bringing projects to Michigan. And, there’s really no reason it couldn’t be a road movie. Maybe it already is… I haven’t seen a script.
http://markmaynard.com/?p=4249
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Filming of hockey movie 'The Genesis Code' expected to benefit Grand Rapids-area economy
By John Serba | The Grand Rapids Press | February 26, 2009
GRAND RAPIDS -- A new film project hopes to pump up to $4 million into the West Michigan economy.
"The Genesis Code," a feature-length drama from American Saga Productions, was approved Tuesday for state film incentives by the Michigan Film Office in Lansing. Principal photography is scheduled to begin in mid-April.
According to Jerry Zandstra, vice president of American Saga Productions, the film's budget is between $8 million and $9.5 million. It will shoot in Lowell and Grand Rapids with "name actors that folks will recognize," he said.
http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2009/02/filming_of_hockey_movie_the_ge.html
GRAND RAPIDS -- A new film project hopes to pump up to $4 million into the West Michigan economy.
"The Genesis Code," a feature-length drama from American Saga Productions, was approved Tuesday for state film incentives by the Michigan Film Office in Lansing. Principal photography is scheduled to begin in mid-April.
According to Jerry Zandstra, vice president of American Saga Productions, the film's budget is between $8 million and $9.5 million. It will shoot in Lowell and Grand Rapids with "name actors that folks will recognize," he said.
http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2009/02/filming_of_hockey_movie_the_ge.html
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Moves made for more movies
BY STEFANIE MURRAY | The Ann Arbor News | February 25, 2009
The fledgling Washtenaw County movie industry last year generated about $1 million in local economic impact from the three movies filmed locally, and tourism officials hope that figure will more than double in the coming year.
As many as five films are expected here in the next 12 months, generating an estimated $2.4 million in economic impact, said Mary Kerr, president of the Ann Arbor Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.
During the group's annual meeting Tuesday, tourism officials said they are focused on making this area a go-to spot for Hollywood producers taking advantage of Michigan's tax breaks for filmmakers.
http://www.mlive.com/news/annarbornews/index.ssf?/base/news-31/1235576450296380.xml&coll=2
The fledgling Washtenaw County movie industry last year generated about $1 million in local economic impact from the three movies filmed locally, and tourism officials hope that figure will more than double in the coming year.
As many as five films are expected here in the next 12 months, generating an estimated $2.4 million in economic impact, said Mary Kerr, president of the Ann Arbor Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.
During the group's annual meeting Tuesday, tourism officials said they are focused on making this area a go-to spot for Hollywood producers taking advantage of Michigan's tax breaks for filmmakers.
http://www.mlive.com/news/annarbornews/index.ssf?/base/news-31/1235576450296380.xml&coll=2
Ann Arbor Convention Bureau seeing stars, as in Hollywood movies
By Stefanie Murray | The Ann Arbor News | February 25, 2009
As many as five films are expected here this year, generating an estimated $2.4 million in economic impact, Mary Kerr, president of the Ann Arbor Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, told the group's annual meeting Tuesday. The bureau is focusing its efforts on making this area a go-to spot for Hollywood producers taking advantage of Michigan's tax breaks for filmmakers.
Additional revenue coming into the bureau from the recently increased hotel room accommodations tax will help fund the new initiatives, which include increased advertising, film scout hosting and becoming a member of the Association of Film Commissioners International.
http://www.mlive.com/business/ann-arbor/index.ssf/2009/02/ann_arbor_convention_bureau_se.html
As many as five films are expected here this year, generating an estimated $2.4 million in economic impact, Mary Kerr, president of the Ann Arbor Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, told the group's annual meeting Tuesday. The bureau is focusing its efforts on making this area a go-to spot for Hollywood producers taking advantage of Michigan's tax breaks for filmmakers.
Additional revenue coming into the bureau from the recently increased hotel room accommodations tax will help fund the new initiatives, which include increased advertising, film scout hosting and becoming a member of the Association of Film Commissioners International.
http://www.mlive.com/business/ann-arbor/index.ssf/2009/02/ann_arbor_convention_bureau_se.html
L.A. scrambling to bring back film crews
By Rick Orlov, Contra Consta Times | February 25, 2009
Facing a sharp decline in the shooting of big-budget productions in Los Angeles, city officials are considering hiring a "film czar" to promote their interests with the multibillion-dollar entertainment industry.
Just three major films - those with budgets more than $75 million - are scheduled to be shot in L.A. this year, city officials said.
...
Michigan last year approved a lucrative package of incentives that includes cash refunds of 40 percent or more to studios that spend more than $50,000 on production in the state. Since then, the Michigan Film Office has approved incentives for 73 productions, compared to three in 2007.
http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_11787163?nclick_check=1
Facing a sharp decline in the shooting of big-budget productions in Los Angeles, city officials are considering hiring a "film czar" to promote their interests with the multibillion-dollar entertainment industry.
Just three major films - those with budgets more than $75 million - are scheduled to be shot in L.A. this year, city officials said.
...
Michigan last year approved a lucrative package of incentives that includes cash refunds of 40 percent or more to studios that spend more than $50,000 on production in the state. Since then, the Michigan Film Office has approved incentives for 73 productions, compared to three in 2007.
http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_11787163?nclick_check=1
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
The new film industry in Michigan
LookingOutForMichigan.Blogspot.com | Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Mitch Albom from the Detroit Free Press offers great rationale for Michigan's government to offer incentives to movie companies to make movies in Michigan. The famous movie Gran Torino was filmed in Michigan because of these incentives.
This is great analysis and if you care about Michigan's economy or the movie business in general, please watch these short clips.
http://lookingoutformichigan.blogspot.com/2009/02/new-film-industry-in-michigan.html
Mitch Albom from the Detroit Free Press offers great rationale for Michigan's government to offer incentives to movie companies to make movies in Michigan. The famous movie Gran Torino was filmed in Michigan because of these incentives.
This is great analysis and if you care about Michigan's economy or the movie business in general, please watch these short clips.
http://lookingoutformichigan.blogspot.com/2009/02/new-film-industry-in-michigan.html
Freep building eyed for film jobs
Louis Aguilar | The Detroit News | February 24, 2009
The new owners of the former Free Press building are looking to convert the abandoned newspaper offices into a production studio that will tap into the state's burgeoning film industry.
Go to the Web site of Motor City Film Works and the new company lists its address as 321 W. Lafayette Blvd. and displays an image of the old Free Press building, which has been empty for several years.
"We intend to turn the former printing press area into a sound stage. That's 80,000-square-feet of space," said Richard Gerber, 46, of Troy, who owns a technology firm called Intelegen Inc.
http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090224/BIZ/902240365
The new owners of the former Free Press building are looking to convert the abandoned newspaper offices into a production studio that will tap into the state's burgeoning film industry.
Go to the Web site of Motor City Film Works and the new company lists its address as 321 W. Lafayette Blvd. and displays an image of the old Free Press building, which has been empty for several years.
"We intend to turn the former printing press area into a sound stage. That's 80,000-square-feet of space," said Richard Gerber, 46, of Troy, who owns a technology firm called Intelegen Inc.
http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090224/BIZ/902240365
Monday, February 23, 2009
Grand Rapids hits big screen in 'The Steam Experiment' on Sunday, but no time set for West Michigan screenings
By John Serba | The Grand Rapids Press | February 23, 2009
GRAND RAPIDS -- "The Steam Experiment" is hitting the big screen soon -- but not necessarily at a theater near you.
The thriller starring Val Kilmer and Armand Assante, shot in Grand Rapids last fall, will make its debut Sunday night at the Gasparilla International Film Festival in Tampa, Fla., the neighborhood of the film's Clearwater-based production company, Cinepro Pictures.
As for a local screening of the film, producer Luc Campeau said it's in the works.
http://www.mlive.com/entertainment/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2009/02/tax_breaks_lures_hollywood_to.html
GRAND RAPIDS -- "The Steam Experiment" is hitting the big screen soon -- but not necessarily at a theater near you.
The thriller starring Val Kilmer and Armand Assante, shot in Grand Rapids last fall, will make its debut Sunday night at the Gasparilla International Film Festival in Tampa, Fla., the neighborhood of the film's Clearwater-based production company, Cinepro Pictures.
As for a local screening of the film, producer Luc Campeau said it's in the works.
http://www.mlive.com/entertainment/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2009/02/tax_breaks_lures_hollywood_to.html
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Tax breaks lure Hollywood to Michigan, but Grand Rapids yet to land big movie star
By John Serba | The Grand Rapids Press | February 22, 2009
GRAND RAPIDS -- Clint Eastwood. George Clooney. Hilary Swank -- all Oscar winners who have shot or will shoot films in the Detroit area.
But what about Grand Rapids? When it comes to Michigan's budding movie business, the state seems sharply divided: Detroit -- where the majority of film projects have landed -- and everywhere else.
Add the recent announcement of three studios to be built in Detroit, Plymouth and Pontiac, and West Michiganders may be wondering, why not us?
http://www.mlive.com/entertainment/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2009/02/tax_breaks_lures_hollywood_to.html
GRAND RAPIDS -- Clint Eastwood. George Clooney. Hilary Swank -- all Oscar winners who have shot or will shoot films in the Detroit area.
But what about Grand Rapids? When it comes to Michigan's budding movie business, the state seems sharply divided: Detroit -- where the majority of film projects have landed -- and everywhere else.
Add the recent announcement of three studios to be built in Detroit, Plymouth and Pontiac, and West Michiganders may be wondering, why not us?
http://www.mlive.com/entertainment/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2009/02/tax_breaks_lures_hollywood_to.html
Red Carpet Ready Event to Celebrate Academy Awards
WZZM 13 | February 22, 2009
GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM) -- The 81st Annual Academy Award Show airs tonight on WZZM 13. While you can watch the show from the comfort of your own home, why not consider gettind dressed up and head out to an Oscar night event in Grand Rapids. This evening is the West Michigan Film and Video Alliance's Red Carpet Ready event.
This year's event theme is the Roaring 20's. Guests are encouraged to dress the part. There will be a contest for the best costume. In addition to the contests there will be a cash bar, food, and a special gift bag. Another surprise? The guest emcee is our very own Stephanie Webb.
The Red Carpet Ready event begins at 8 p.m. and lasts until midnight at the Amway Grand Hotel. Tickets are $70 for members, $100 for non-members, and $40 for students.
http://www.wzzm13.com/news/news_story.aspx?storyid=105851&catid=14
GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM) -- The 81st Annual Academy Award Show airs tonight on WZZM 13. While you can watch the show from the comfort of your own home, why not consider gettind dressed up and head out to an Oscar night event in Grand Rapids. This evening is the West Michigan Film and Video Alliance's Red Carpet Ready event.
This year's event theme is the Roaring 20's. Guests are encouraged to dress the part. There will be a contest for the best costume. In addition to the contests there will be a cash bar, food, and a special gift bag. Another surprise? The guest emcee is our very own Stephanie Webb.
The Red Carpet Ready event begins at 8 p.m. and lasts until midnight at the Amway Grand Hotel. Tickets are $70 for members, $100 for non-members, and $40 for students.
http://www.wzzm13.com/news/news_story.aspx?storyid=105851&catid=14
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Welcome to our neighborhoods: Three student teams to present their video documentaries
By Stephanie Esters | Kalamazoo Gazette | February 18, 2009
KALAMAZOO -- The community is invited to see video documentaries Thursday night that were filmed in three Kalamazoo neighborhoods by 15 Kalamazoo high school students.
The students spent six weeks last summer interviewing and filming their parents, neighbors and community leaders as they talked about education, The Kalamazoo Promise scholarship program, their struggles, hopes and dreams. The students were supervised by several Western Michigan University and University of Michigan film students and a graduate student from Western's Lewis Walker Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnic Relations.
http://www.mlive.com/living/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2009/02/welcome_to_our_neighborhoods_t.html
KALAMAZOO -- The community is invited to see video documentaries Thursday night that were filmed in three Kalamazoo neighborhoods by 15 Kalamazoo high school students.
The students spent six weeks last summer interviewing and filming their parents, neighbors and community leaders as they talked about education, The Kalamazoo Promise scholarship program, their struggles, hopes and dreams. The students were supervised by several Western Michigan University and University of Michigan film students and a graduate student from Western's Lewis Walker Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnic Relations.
http://www.mlive.com/living/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2009/02/welcome_to_our_neighborhoods_t.html
Hollywood in Michigan, Break into the Biz
WXYZ Webcast - February 18, 2009
Michigan is the place to be if you're looking to break into the film industry. New studios are coming to our area, there are casting calls taking place for feature films and the Michigan movie business is only growing bigger day by day.
So, how do you break into the business or land a job working at a movie studio? Get the inside scoop on Michigan's burgeoning movie industry by watching our webcast featuring three of the area's movers and shakers in the Michigan film biz!
http://www.wxyz.com/content/news/seenon7priority/story/Hollywood-in-Michigan-Break-into-the-Biz/JVylqarBm0KVimoyO5g2Pw.cspx
Michigan is the place to be if you're looking to break into the film industry. New studios are coming to our area, there are casting calls taking place for feature films and the Michigan movie business is only growing bigger day by day.
So, how do you break into the business or land a job working at a movie studio? Get the inside scoop on Michigan's burgeoning movie industry by watching our webcast featuring three of the area's movers and shakers in the Michigan film biz!
http://www.wxyz.com/content/news/seenon7priority/story/Hollywood-in-Michigan-Break-into-the-Biz/JVylqarBm0KVimoyO5g2Pw.cspx
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Michael Landon Jr. directs 'The Velveteen Rabbit'; considers filming in Michigan
AmericanJR.com | February 17, 2009
Michael Landon Jr. is an actor, director, writer and producer. Fame is something he's used to. He is the son of the late Michael Landon, who became famous on TV's Bonanza. Landon Jr. directed the motion picture The Velveteen Rabbit, which is set to hit theatres on February 27 and be released on DVD on March 17. Landon Jr. is also interested in selecting Michigan to shoot upcoming films.
The Hollywood director started his career as an actor on TV's Little House on the Prarie. He played the character of Jim on a single episode.
http://americajr.com/news/michaellandonjr0216.html
Michael Landon Jr. is an actor, director, writer and producer. Fame is something he's used to. He is the son of the late Michael Landon, who became famous on TV's Bonanza. Landon Jr. directed the motion picture The Velveteen Rabbit, which is set to hit theatres on February 27 and be released on DVD on March 17. Landon Jr. is also interested in selecting Michigan to shoot upcoming films.
The Hollywood director started his career as an actor on TV's Little House on the Prarie. He played the character of Jim on a single episode.
http://americajr.com/news/michaellandonjr0216.html
Other States Cutting into Hollywood TV, Film Jobs
Daily Breeze | February 17, 2009
It started when Clint Eastwood went to Michigan to film "Gran Torino." Since then, George Clooney, Cuba Gooding Jr., Hilary Swank and other stars have made the pilgrimage to the Wolverine State to make movies. '
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 provide.
"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://nab365.bdmetrics.com/NST-11-50189963/Other-States-Cutting-into-Hollywood-TV-Film-Jobs.aspx
It started when Clint Eastwood went to Michigan to film "Gran Torino." Since then, George Clooney, Cuba Gooding Jr., Hilary Swank and other stars have made the pilgrimage to the Wolverine State to make movies. '
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 provide.
"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://nab365.bdmetrics.com/NST-11-50189963/Other-States-Cutting-into-Hollywood-TV-Film-Jobs.aspx
MSU college names director of Film and Media Arts Initiative
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/
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/
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
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