list http://www.spout.com/ Michigan recent group discussions Copyright 2005-9 Spout, LLC Spout RSS http://www.spout.com/images/SpoutLogoRSS.jpg http://www.spout.com/ 136 30 http://www.spout.com/groups/Michigan/West_Michiagn_Film_Office_has_12_projects/609/32846/1/ShowPost.aspx Post Subject: West Michiagn Film Office has 12 projects
Group Name: Michigan
Last Post By: lopezdash
Post Date: 7/21/2008 2:29:21 PM
Body: By John Serba The Grand Rapids Press A dozen projects, eh? That's how many potential films Rick Hert has on his plate as head of the West Michigan Film Office, a newly formed arm of the West Michigan Tourist Association. As executive director of the WMTA, selling the area's photographic assets to filmmakers is something Hert has done before -- but never so much as he is now. "I've been working weekends to keep up with everything," he said last week. That's a common predicament. Janet Lockwood, head of the Michigan Film Office in Lansing, left a phone message at 9 one night: "I do work long hours," she said. "I'm delighted there's a West Michigan Film Office now. We've been working with Rick Hert and the WMTA for ever so long -- he has been helping us without any particular affiliation as a film office." The West Michigan Film Office is a separate entity from the government-run Michigan Film Office. And the West Michigan Tourist Association is a long-standing nonprofit, privately funded organization in Grand Rapids. It has helped filmmakers who have come to the area before, including for 2002's "Road to Perdition," starring Tom Hanks. So last week's announcement regarding the WMFO is a formality, and a reaction to reality: In the wake of the state's new tax incentives, moviemakers are seriously considering shooting their films in the area. Hert could talk only vaguely about what work could come to West Michigan in the coming months. "We really needed an office to advocate for our side of the state," he said. "I just did some scouting for a low-budget horror film, and we'll be doing a lot of commercials. "I can tell you about this one, because we lost it: 'Red Sonja,' Robert Rodriguez's new $25 million project. We didn't have what he was looking for here -- but a lot of filmmakers are looking at Michigan first." Hert anticipated between 12 and 16 films could be shot in the area annually, to the tune of tens of millions of dollars for West Michigan. Lockwood concurred. "It's a good thing for West Michigan," she said. "Producers like having a film commission handy -- boots on the ground, as it were. This is a win-win situation." Source: MLive
]]>Mon, 21 Jul 2008 18:29:21 GMTWest Michiagn Film Office has 12 projectsMichiganBy John Serba The Grand Rapids Press A dozen projects, eh? That's how many potential films Rick Hert has on his plate as head of the West Michigan Film Office, a newly formed arm of the West Michigan Tourist Association. As executive director of the WMTA, selling the area's photographic assets to filmmakers is something Hert has done before -- but never so much as he is now. "I've been working weekends to keep up with everything," he said last week. That's a common predicament. Janet Lockwood, head of the Michigan Film Office in Lansing, left a phone message at 9 one night: "I do work long hours," she said. "I'm delighted there's a West Michigan Film Office now. We've been working with Rick Hert and the WMTA for ever so long -- he has been helping us without any particular affiliation as a film office." The West Michigan Film Office is a separate entity from the government-run Michigan Film Office. And the West Michigan Tourist Association is a long-standing nonprofit, privately funded organization in Grand Rapids. It has helped filmmakers who have come to the area before, including for 2002's "Road to Perdition," starring Tom Hanks. So last week's announcement regarding the WMFO is a formality, and a reaction to reality: In the wake of the state's new tax incentives, moviemakers are seriously considering shooting their films in the area. Hert could talk only vaguely about what work could come to West Michigan in the coming months. "We really needed an office to advocate for our side of the state," he said. "I just did some scouting for a low-budget horror film, and we'll be doing a lot of commercials. "I can tell you about this one, because we lost it: 'Red Sonja,' Robert Rodriguez's new $25 million project. We didn't have what he was looking for here -- but a lot of filmmakers are looking at Michigan first." Hert anticipated between 12 and 16 films could be shot in the area annually, to the tune of tens of millions of dollars for West Michigan. Lockwood concurred. "It's a good thing for West Michigan," she said. "Producers like having a film commission handy -- boots on the ground, as it were. This is a win-win situation." Source: MLive7/21/2008 2:29:21 PMBy John Serba The Grand Rapids Press A dozen projects, eh? That's how many potential films Rick Hert has on his plate as head of the West Michigan Film Office, a newly formed arm of the West Michigan Tourist Association. As executive director of the WMTA, selling the area's photographic assets to filmmakers is something Hert has done before -- but never so much as he is now. "I've been working weekends to keep up with everything," he said last week. That's a common predicament. Janet Lockwood, head of the Michigan Film Office in Lansing, left a phone message at 9 one night: "I do work long hours," she said. "I'm delighted there's a West Michigan Film Office now. We've been working with Rick Hert and the WMTA for ever so long -- he has been helping us without any particular affiliation as a film office." The West Michigan Film Office is a separate entity from the government-run Michigan Film Office. And the West Michigan Tourist Association is a long-standing nonprofit, privately funded organization in Grand Rapids. It has helped filmmakers who have come to the area before, including for 2002's "Road to Perdition," starring Tom Hanks. So last week's announcement regarding the WMFO is a formality, and a reaction to reality: In the wake of the state's new tax incentives, moviemakers are seriously considering shooting their films in the area. Hert could talk only vaguely about what work could come to West Michigan in the coming months. "We really needed an office to advocate for our side of the state," he said. "I just did some scouting for a low-budget horror film, and we'll be doing a lot of commercials. "I can tell you about this one, because we lost it: 'Red Sonja,' Robert Rodriguez's new $25 million project. We didn't have what he was looking for here -- but a lot of filmmakers are looking at Michigan first." Hert anticipated between 12 and 16 films could be shot in the area annually, to the tune of tens of millions of dollars for West Michigan. Lockwood concurred. "It's a good thing for West Michigan," she said. "Producers like having a film commission handy -- boots on the ground, as it were. This is a win-win situation." Source: MLive http://www.spout.com/groups/Michigan/Actress_Needed_ASAP_in_Flint_MI/609/31597/1/ShowPost.aspxPost Subject: Actress Needed ASAP in Flint, MI
Group Name: Michigan
Last Post By: lopezdash
Post Date: 6/24/2008 11:02:45 AM
Body: Anarchy Productions needs an attractive female immediately for Hostel/Saw type B horror film, Fatal Charade: The Legacy. Role is for a female assassin/cleaner. Race and acting level unimportant. Age range 21-40, no pay, but you will be provided copies of completed film, other promotional materials, and will be also be able to participate in public appearances for the promotion of the film. Must take direction well, be reliable, hard working, and available for a handful of weekdays or weekends depending on the availability of everyone involved. Please respond to executive producer, Dangerous Lee at askdangerouslee@hotmail.com with bio and photo.
]]>Tue, 24 Jun 2008 15:02:45 GMTActress Needed ASAP in Flint, MIMichiganAnarchy Productions needs an attractive female immediately for Hostel/Saw type B horror film, Fatal Charade: The Legacy. Role is for a female assassin/cleaner. Race and acting level unimportant. Age range 21-40, no pay, but you will be provided copies of completed film, other promotional materials, and will be also be able to participate in public appearances for the promotion of the film. Must take direction well, be reliable, hard working, and available for a handful of weekdays or weekends depending on the availability of everyone involved. Please respond to executive producer, Dangerous Lee at askdangerouslee@hotmail.com with bio and photo.6/24/2008 11:02:45 AMAnarchy Productions needs an attractive female immediately for Hostel/Saw type B horror film, Fatal Charade: The Legacy. Role is for a female assassin/cleaner. Race and acting level unimportant. Age range 21-40, no pay, but you will be provided copies of completed film, other promotional materials, and will be also be able to participate in public appearances for the promotion of the film. Must take direction well, be reliable, hard working, and available for a handful of weekdays or weekends depending on the availability of everyone involved. Please respond to executive producer, Dangerous Lee at askdangerouslee@hotmail.com with bio and photo. http://www.spout.com/groups/Michigan/Waterfront_2008_Follow_Up/609/31399/1/ShowPost.aspx Post Subject: Waterfront 2008 Follow-Up
Group Name: Michigan
Last Post By: lopezdash
Post Date: 6/19/2008 12:18:14 AM
Body: Just found out that ticket sales at last weekend's Waterfront Film Festival topped 2007 numbers, with more than 14,000 admissions sold. The Saturday night screening of "Bart Got a Room" was the best-attended show, selling out the Saugatuck Yacht Services building with 699 seats filled. Other big sellers were "Kabluey," "The Flyboys," "Yonkers Joe," "Dakota Skye," "Man on Wire" and "Bonneville." Next year's festival will take place June 11-14. Source: MLive.com
]]>Thu, 19 Jun 2008 04:18:14 GMTWaterfront 2008 Follow-UpMichiganJust found out that ticket sales at last weekend's Waterfront Film Festival topped 2007 numbers, with more than 14,000 admissions sold. The Saturday night screening of "Bart Got a Room" was the best-attended show, selling out the Saugatuck Yacht Services building with 699 seats filled. Other big sellers were "Kabluey," "The Flyboys," "Yonkers Joe," "Dakota Skye," "Man on Wire" and "Bonneville." Next year's festival will take place June 11-14. Source: MLive.com6/19/2008 12:18:14 AMJust found out that ticket sales at last weekend's Waterfront Film Festival topped 2007 numbers, with more than 14,000 admissions sold. The Saturday night screening of "Bart Got a Room" was the best-attended show, selling out the Saugatuck Yacht Services building with 699 seats filled. Other big sellers were "Kabluey," "The Flyboys," "Yonkers Joe," "Dakota Skye," "Man on Wire" and "Bonneville." Next year's festival will take place June 11-14. Source: MLive.com http://www.spout.com/groups/Michigan/Locals_get_chance_of_a_Lifetime_in_new_movie/609/31313/1/ShowPost.aspxPost Subject: Locals get chance of a ‘Lifetime’ in new movie
Group Name: Michigan
Last Post By: lopezdash
Post Date: 6/17/2008 10:00:28 AM
Body: Don’t be surprised to hear “quiet on the set,” or “action” as you’re strolling around town this summer. State lawmakers passed tax incentives for the film industry this past winter in an effort to boost the state economy. The measure allows filmmakers to receive as much as a 42-percent tax credit for equipment, wages, travel expenses, catering, set construction, craft services, bonding and insurance costs. And filmmakers are taking the bait. Birmngham Groves High School theater teacher John Rutherford got wind of the need for local actors and moved fast to get his students up to speed on casting-call protocol. “It’s nothing like auditioning for theater,” he said. “All the kids needed a head shot, a resume, and they needed to understand how to prepare for a screen test.” It paid off. Eight students from Groves High School landed parts last month for the Lifetime Original Movie production of “Prayers for Bobby.” The film stars Sigourney Weaver and tells the story Mary Griffith, who can’t accept that her son Bobby is gay. She attempts to “cure” Bobby of his homosexuality. Bobby, hopeless and distraught, commits suicide, forcing the family to confront its guilt and grief. “When I saw how many high school-age actors they needed for this film, I immediately thought of John and his theater program,” said casting director Janet Pound. “I knew he’d be able to send us the caliber of talent we needed.” The Groves actors beat out actors in Los Angeles for their parts. Groves students cried on cue, dressed like characters in the Rocky Horror Picture Show, got trailers with their names on them, and sat in makeup next to Weaver. “It felt really cool to be in the middle of it all when we were filming in a church parking lot,” said Anna Bandalamenti, a Groves junior, who plays Bobby’s girlfriend. “People in the neighborhood kept stopping by asking what was going on.” And it’s only beginning, said Jeffrey Spilman, managing partner of the S3 Entertainment Group, a full-services film production company based in Los Angeles and Troy. S3 is working with Clint Eastwood’s film production of “Gran Torino” in the Detroit area, although he couldn’t say specifically where, due to security concerns. He couldn’t talk about the plot, other than to say that Eastwood is directing and starring in the film, and some parts are being cast locally. He said eight feature film companies have contracted with his company to come to Michigan for some or all of the services his company offers. He said the tax incentives would bring hundreds of millions of dollars to the state. “They’re not necessarily looking to film specific Michigan locations,” he explained. “We’re blessed with … natural beauty. Lakes can be oceans. Urban centers can look like any city. The sand dunes on the west side of the state can depict the desert. Landmarks are the exception, rather than the rule.” Film production companies need a variety of services, Spilman explained. “They need people to work the cameras, decorate sets, operate audio and film equipment, people to build the sets, caterers to feed the crews, travel services, logistical assistance, help with tax incentive information and warehouses to store the equipment.” They try to hire as much of the crew locally as possible, he said. He said that a new organization, the Michigan Film Institute, is working with local community colleges to provide entry-level vocational training for various technical aspects of the film industry. “Some classes are expected to be offered as early as this fall,” he said. Feature film productions can bring as many as 100 people to the area for as long as 60 days, he said. “That means at least 3,000 hotel nights. These people are also buying clothes in retail stores, dining in restaurants, attending sporting events and spending money here. The companies also need lots of office space. This has positive impact. Excitement is in the air.” Source: http://www.candgnews.com/Homepage-Articles/2008/06-11-08/TF-HOLLYWOOD.asp
]]>Tue, 17 Jun 2008 14:00:28 GMTLocals get chance of a ‘Lifetime’ in new movieMichiganDon’t be surprised to hear “quiet on the set,” or “action” as you’re strolling around town this summer. State lawmakers passed tax incentives for the film industry this past winter in an effort to boost the state economy. The measure allows filmmakers to receive as much as a 42-percent tax credit for equipment, wages, travel expenses, catering, set construction, craft services, bonding and insurance costs. And filmmakers are taking the bait. Birmngham Groves High School theater teacher John Rutherford got wind of the need for local actors and moved fast to get his students up to speed on casting-call protocol. “It’s nothing like auditioning for theater,” he said. “All the kids needed a head shot, a resume, and they needed to understand how to prepare for a screen test.” It paid off. Eight students from Groves High School landed parts last month for the Lifetime Original Movie production of “Prayers for Bobby.” The film stars Sigourney Weaver and tells the story Mary Griffith, who can’t accept that her son Bobby is gay. She attempts to “cure” Bobby of his homosexuality. Bobby, hopeless and distraught, commits suicide, forcing the family to confront its guilt and grief. “When I saw how many high school-age actors they needed for this film, I immediately thought of John and his theater program,” said casting director Janet Pound. “I knew he’d be able to send us the caliber of talent we needed.” The Groves actors beat out actors in Los Angeles for their parts. Groves students cried on cue, dressed like characters in the Rocky Horror Picture Show, got trailers with their names on them, and sat in makeup next to Weaver. “It felt really cool to be in the middle of it all when we were filming in a church parking lot,” said Anna Bandalamenti, a Groves junior, who plays Bobby’s girlfriend. “People in the neighborhood kept stopping by asking what was going on.” And it’s only beginning, said Jeffrey Spilman, managing partner of the S3 Entertainment Group, a full-services film production company based in Los Angeles and Troy. S3 is working with Clint Eastwood’s film production of “Gran Torino” in the Detroit area, although he couldn’t say specifically where, due to security concerns. He couldn’t talk about the plot, other than to say that Eastwood is directing and starring in the film, and some parts are being cast locally. He said eight feature film companies have contracted with his company to come to Michigan for some or all of the services his company offers. He said the tax incentives would bring hundreds of millions of dollars to the state. “They’re not necessarily looking to film specific Michigan locations,” he explained. “We’re blessed with … natural beauty. Lakes can be oceans. Urban centers can look like any city. The sand dunes on the west side of the state can depict the desert. Landmarks are the exception, rather than the rule.” Film production companies need a variety of services, Spilman explained. “They need people to work the cameras, decorate sets, operate audio and film equipment, people to build the sets, caterers to feed the crews, travel services, logistical assistance, help with tax incentive information and warehouses to store the equipment.” They try to hire as much of the crew locally as possible, he said. He said that a new organization, the Michigan Film Institute, is working with local community colleges to provide entry-level vocational training for various technical aspects of the film industry. “Some classes are expected to be offered as early as this fall,” he said. Feature film productions can bring as many as 100 people to the area for as long as 60 days, he said. “That means at least 3,000 hotel nights. These people are also buying clothes in retail stores, dining in restaurants, attending sporting events and spending money here. The companies also need lots of office space. This has positive impact. Excitement is in the air.” Source: http://www.candgnews.com/Homepage-Articles/2008/06-11-08/TF-HOLLYWOOD.asp6/17/2008 10:00:28 AMDon’t be surprised to hear “quiet on the set,” or “action” as you’re strolling around town this summer. State lawmakers passed tax incentives for the film industry this past winter in an effort to boost the state economy. The measure allows filmmakers to receive as much as a 42-percent tax credit for equipment, wages, travel expenses, catering, set construction, craft services, bonding and insurance costs. And filmmakers are taking the bait. Birmngham Groves High School theater teacher John Rutherford got wind of the need for local actors and moved fast to get his students up to speed on casting-call protocol. “It’s nothing like auditioning for theater,” he said. “All the kids needed a head shot, a resume, and they needed to understand how to prepare for a screen test.” It paid off. Eight students from Groves High School landed parts last month for the Lifetime Original Movie production of “Prayers for Bobby.” The film stars Sigourney Weaver and tells the story Mary Griffith, who can’t accept that her son Bobby is gay. She attempts to “cure” Bobby of his homosexuality. Bobby, hopeless and distraught, commits suicide, forcing the family to confront its guilt and grief. “When I saw how many high school-age actors they needed for this film, I immediately thought of John and his theater program,” said casting director Janet Pound. “I knew he’d be able to send us the caliber of talent we needed.” The Groves actors beat out actors in Los Angeles for their parts. Groves students cried on cue, dressed like characters in the Rocky Horror Picture Show, got trailers with their names on them, and sat in makeup next to Weaver. “It felt really cool to be in the middle of it all when we were filming in a church parking lot,” said Anna Bandalamenti, a Groves junior, who plays Bobby’s girlfriend. “People in the neighborhood kept stopping by asking what was going on.” And it’s only beginning, said Jeffrey Spilman, managing partner of the S3 Entertainment Group, a full-services film production company based in Los Angeles and Troy. S3 is working with Clint Eastwood’s film production of “Gran Torino” in the Detroit area, although he couldn’t say specifically where, due to security concerns. He couldn’t talk about the plot, other than to say that Eastwood is directing and starring in the film, and some parts are being cast locally. He said eight feature film companies have contracted with his company to come to Michigan for some or all of the services his company offers. He said the tax incentives would bring hundreds of millions of dollars to the state. “They’re not necessarily looking to film specific Michigan locations,” he explained. “We’re blessed with … natural beauty. Lakes can be oceans. Urban centers can look like any city. The sand dunes on the west side of the state can depict the desert. Landmarks are the exception, rather than the rule.” Film production companies need a variety of services, Spilman explained. “They need people to work the cameras, decorate sets, operate audio and film equipment, people to build the sets, caterers to feed the crews, travel services, logistical assistance, help with tax incentive information and warehouses to store the equipment.” They try to hire as much of the crew locally as possible, he said. He said that a new organization, the Michigan Film Institute, is working with local community colleges to provide entry-level vocational training for various technical aspects of the film industry. “Some classes are expected to be offered as early as this fall,” he said. Feature film productions can bring as many as 100 people to the area for as long as 60 days, he said. “That means at least 3,000 hotel nights. These people are also buying clothes in retail stores, dining in restaurants, attending sporting events and spending money here. The companies also need lots of office space. This has positive impact. Excitement is in the air.” Source: http://www.candgnews.com/Homepage-Articles/2008/06-11-08/TF-HOLLYWOOD.asp http://www.spout.com/groups/Michigan/Crewing_Opportunity_On_My_Own/609/31109/1/ShowPost.aspxPost Subject: Crewing Opportunity: On My Own
Group Name: Michigan
Last Post By: lopezdash
Post Date: 6/11/2008 10:40:58 AM
Body: ON MY OWN We're making a short film which we'll submit on the festival circuit, but the main purpose of which is to aid in fund-raising for a feature film effort to follow in late 2009. Anyone with whom we establish a good relationship now can expect to be asked to work on the subsequent feature, at which time the budget will allow for everyone to be paid considerably more. We're shooting in a couple of excellent locations. Including The Whistle Stop diner in Birmingham and Chen Chow Brasserie. Key Positions (Pay Negotiable) Director of Photography - Must be able to provide a light kit. PM/AD - A highly organized individual who can come on during Pre-Production and serve as Production Manager, then function as Assistant Director during the week of shooting. Gaffer - Must provide a basic Gaff Kit. Sound Mixer - Must be able to provide Mixer. Possession of a lavalier w/ transmitter and receiver a big plus. Skill and Experience are essential. Crew Positions Camera Operator - Shooting on JVC - GYHD11OU Grip - Someone looking to become a Gaffer down the road. Production Assistants - Needn't be available for entire shoot. Can come and go as you're free. Any help is greatly appreciated. For More Information Contact Natalie Pero natalie.pero@gmail.com (248) 703-0033
]]>Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:40:58 GMTCrewing Opportunity: On My OwnMichigan ON MY OWN We're making a short film which we'll submit on the festival circuit, but the main purpose of which is to aid in fund-raising for a feature film effort to follow in late 2009. Anyone with whom we establish a good relationship now can expect to be asked to work on the subsequent feature, at which time the budget will allow for everyone to be paid considerably more. We're shooting in a couple of excellent locations. Including The Whistle Stop diner in Birmingham and Chen Chow Brasserie. Key Positions (Pay Negotiable) Director of Photography - Must be able to provide a light kit. PM/AD - A highly organized individual who can come on during Pre-Production and serve as Production Manager, then function as Assistant Director during the week of shooting. Gaffer - Must provide a basic Gaff Kit. Sound Mixer - Must be able to provide Mixer. Possession of a lavalier w/ transmitter and receiver a big plus. Skill and Experience are essential. Crew Positions Camera Operator - Shooting on JVC - GYHD11OU Grip - Someone looking to become a Gaffer down the road. Production Assistants - Needn't be available for entire shoot. Can come and go as you're free. Any help is greatly appreciated. For More Information Contact Natalie Pero natalie.pero@gmail.com (248) 703-0033 6/11/2008 10:40:58 AM ON MY OWN We're making a short film which we'll submit on the festival circuit, but the main purpose of which is to aid in fund-raising for a feature film effort to follow in late 2009. Anyone with whom we establish a good relationship now can expect to be asked to work on the subsequent feature, at which time the budget will allow for everyone to be paid considerably more. We're shooting in a couple of excellent locations. Including The Whistle Stop diner in Birmingham and Chen Chow Brasserie. Key Positions (Pay Negotiable) Director of Photography - Must be able to provide a light kit. PM/AD - A highly organized individual who can come on during Pre-Production and serve as Production Manager, then function as Assistant Director during the week of shooting. Gaffer - Must provide a basic Gaff Kit. Sound Mixer - Must be able to provide Mixer. Possession of a lavalier w/ transmitter and receiver a big plus. Skill and Experience are essential. Crew Positions Camera Operator - Shooting on JVC - GYHD11OU Grip - Someone looking to become a Gaffer down the road. Production Assistants - Needn't be available for entire shoot. Can come and go as you're free. Any help is greatly appreciated. For More Information Contact Natalie Pero natalie.pero@gmail.com (248) 703-0033 http://www.spout.com/groups/Michigan/New_Haylie_Duff_movie_to_be_filmed_in_Michigan/609/31074/1/ShowPost.aspxPost Subject: New Haylie Duff movie to be filmed in Michigan
Group Name: Michigan
Last Post By: lopezdash
Post Date: 6/10/2008 4:12:52 PM
Body: Good news for Grand Rapids? Haylie Duff, the elder sister of Hilary Duff, will act in a new film called “Tug.” Her co-star will be Sam Huntington. Both celebrities have signed to work in the new movie.Tug is about the story of a man in Michigan who is torn between two women. The man will be played by Sam Huntington. He has difficulty choosing between his present girlfriend and his ex-girlfriend. The ex will be played by Haylie Duff.The director of this movie is Abram Makowka. The film will be shot on location in Michigan. In April, Michigan passed a film tax incentive law to encourage the making of films in this State. “Tug” is one of the pioneer projects to be filmed in Michigan since this new law is in place. Originally posted on:Cerebral Politics
]]>Tue, 10 Jun 2008 20:12:52 GMTNew Haylie Duff movie to be filmed in MichiganMichiganGood news for Grand Rapids? Haylie Duff, the elder sister of Hilary Duff, will act in a new film called “Tug.” Her co-star will be Sam Huntington. Both celebrities have signed to work in the new movie.Tug is about the story of a man in Michigan who is torn between two women. The man will be played by Sam Huntington. He has difficulty choosing between his present girlfriend and his ex-girlfriend. The ex will be played by Haylie Duff.The director of this movie is Abram Makowka. The film will be shot on location in Michigan. In April, Michigan passed a film tax incentive law to encourage the making of films in this State. “Tug” is one of the pioneer projects to be filmed in Michigan since this new law is in place. Originally posted on:Cerebral Politics6/10/2008 4:12:52 PMGood news for Grand Rapids? Haylie Duff, the elder sister of Hilary Duff, will act in a new film called “Tug.” Her co-star will be Sam Huntington. Both celebrities have signed to work in the new movie.Tug is about the story of a man in Michigan who is torn between two women. The man will be played by Sam Huntington. He has difficulty choosing between his present girlfriend and his ex-girlfriend. The ex will be played by Haylie Duff.The director of this movie is Abram Makowka. The film will be shot on location in Michigan. In April, Michigan passed a film tax incentive law to encourage the making of films in this State. “Tug” is one of the pioneer projects to be filmed in Michigan since this new law is in place. Originally posted on:Cerebral Politics http://www.spout.com/groups/Michigan/Michigan_to_court_Hollywood_with_hefty_incentives/609/30333/1/ShowPost.aspxPost Subject: Michigan to court Hollywood with hefty incentives
Group Name: Michigan
Last Post By: kristen
Post Date: 6/2/2008 2:36:14 PM
Body: "Michigan has a great work force, great locations and now this great incentive," said Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm, who pushed for the legislation as part of a stimulus plan to boost jobs in a state that has been buffeted by layoffs in the auto industry. "We are rolling out the red carpet for the film industry." Michigan, home of the automotive industry, is raising the stakes in the nationwide competition for Hollywood's lucrative film jobs. In what it bills as the most generous film incentives program in the country, the Great Lake State is announcing today that it will begin offering a 40% rebate on production spending to filmmakers, as well as tax credits for companies that invest in new studios."Michigan has a great work force, great locations and now this great incentive," said Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm, who pushed for the legislation as part of a stimulus plan to boost jobs in a state that has been buffeted by layoffs in the auto industry. "We are rolling out the red carpet for the film industry."So are many others. Dozens of states offer a barrage of rebates, tax credits and training programs designed to carve out their share of Hollywood's entertainment pie.The move underscores California's vulnerability to so-called runaway production. Unlike most other states, California does not offer film incentives to keep its signature industry at home. That has cost the Los Angeles region thousands of feature film jobs in the last decade as producers have taken their projects to cheaper locales in foreign countries such as Canada and increasingly to states such as New Mexico and Connecticut.Despite having a former movie star in Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, California officials have been unable to agree on how many, if any, sweeteners the industry deserves.By contrast, Michigan's incentive package was overwhelmingly approved by the state legislature and is expected to be signed into law today by Granholm.Michigan is hoping to duplicate the huge success that states such as New York, Louisiana and New Mexico have had in growing their film businesses through incentives. For example, production spending in New Mexico, which offers a 25% rebate on spending, has jumped tenfold since 2004 to about $500 million.Michigan, which has hosted such films as "8 Mile," starring rapper Eminem, and the Tom Hanks gangster movie "Road to Perdition," currently draws only about $2 million a year in film production. "We felt we needed to grab everyone's attention by having such an aggressive package," Michigan state Rep. Bill Huizenga said. "This is now the new gold standard for any incentive program."Under the new program, producers would get 40 cents back for every $1 they spend on filming (double the existing rebate) and qualify for an additional 2% spending rebate if the film is shot in certain communities. The rebate covers salaries of crew members and above-the-line talent up to $2 million per person.Additionally, the new law would provide a 25% tax credit for companies that invest in new film and digital media studios and would cover 50% of on-the-job training expenses for Michigan residents working as crew members.Such incentives are appealing to film producers such as Hopwood DePree, a Michigan native who is converting a recently shuttered Reddi-wip factory in the city of Holland into a film studio. DePree, who lobbied for the film program, said some of the laid-off factory workers would be retrained as crew members for his upcoming film."The types of skills that these manufacturing workers have can easily translate into below-the-line crew positions," said DePree, who produced and starred in the independent film "Rhinoskin." "I think it's going to be tremendously successful."
]]>Mon, 02 Jun 2008 18:36:14 GMTMichigan to court Hollywood with hefty incentivesMichigan"Michigan has a great work force, great locations and now this great incentive," said Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm, who pushed for the legislation as part of a stimulus plan to boost jobs in a state that has been buffeted by layoffs in the auto industry. "We are rolling out the red carpet for the film industry." Michigan, home of the automotive industry, is raising the stakes in the nationwide competition for Hollywood's lucrative film jobs. In what it bills as the most generous film incentives program in the country, the Great Lake State is announcing today that it will begin offering a 40% rebate on production spending to filmmakers, as well as tax credits for companies that invest in new studios."Michigan has a great work force, great locations and now this great incentive," said Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm, who pushed for the legislation as part of a stimulus plan to boost jobs in a state that has been buffeted by layoffs in the auto industry. "We are rolling out the red carpet for the film industry."So are many others. Dozens of states offer a barrage of rebates, tax credits and training programs designed to carve out their share of Hollywood's entertainment pie.The move underscores California's vulnerability to so-called runaway production. Unlike most other states, California does not offer film incentives to keep its signature industry at home. That has cost the Los Angeles region thousands of feature film jobs in the last decade as producers have taken their projects to cheaper locales in foreign countries such as Canada and increasingly to states such as New Mexico and Connecticut.Despite having a former movie star in Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, California officials have been unable to agree on how many, if any, sweeteners the industry deserves.By contrast, Michigan's incentive package was overwhelmingly approved by the state legislature and is expected to be signed into law today by Granholm.Michigan is hoping to duplicate the huge success that states such as New York, Louisiana and New Mexico have had in growing their film businesses through incentives. For example, production spending in New Mexico, which offers a 25% rebate on spending, has jumped tenfold since 2004 to about $500 million.Michigan, which has hosted such films as "8 Mile," starring rapper Eminem, and the Tom Hanks gangster movie "Road to Perdition," currently draws only about $2 million a year in film production. "We felt we needed to grab everyone's attention by having such an aggressive package," Michigan state Rep. Bill Huizenga said. "This is now the new gold standard for any incentive program."Under the new program, producers would get 40 cents back for every $1 they spend on filming (double the existing rebate) and qualify for an additional 2% spending rebate if the film is shot in certain communities. The rebate covers salaries of crew members and above-the-line talent up to $2 million per person.Additionally, the new law would provide a 25% tax credit for companies that invest in new film and digital media studios and would cover 50% of on-the-job training expenses for Michigan residents working as crew members.Such incentives are appealing to film producers such as Hopwood DePree, a Michigan native who is converting a recently shuttered Reddi-wip factory in the city of Holland into a film studio. DePree, who lobbied for the film program, said some of the laid-off factory workers would be retrained as crew members for his upcoming film."The types of skills that these manufacturing workers have can easily translate into below-the-line crew positions," said DePree, who produced and starred in the independent film "Rhinoskin." "I think it's going to be tremendously successful."6/2/2008 2:36:14 PM"Michigan has a great work force, great locations and now this great incentive," said Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm, who pushed for the legislation as part of a stimulus plan to boost jobs in a state that has been buffeted by layoffs in the auto industry. "We are rolling out the red carpet for the film industry." Michigan, home of the automotive industry, is raising the stakes in the nationwide competition for Hollywood's lucrative film jobs. In what it bills as the most generous film incentives program in the country, the Great Lake State is announcing today that it will begin offering a 40% rebate on production spending to filmmakers, as well as tax credits for companies that invest in new studios."Michigan has a great work force, great locations and now this great incentive," said Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm, who pushed for the legislation as part of a stimulus plan to boost jobs in a state that has been buffeted by layoffs in the auto industry. "We are rolling out the red carpet for the film industry."So are many others. Dozens of states offer a barrage of rebates, tax credits and training programs designed to carve out their share of Hollywood's entertainment pie.The move underscores California's vulnerability to so-called runaway production. Unlike most other states, California does not offer film incentives to keep its signature industry at home. That has cost the Los Angeles region thousands of feature film jobs in the last decade as producers have taken their projects to cheaper locales in foreign countries such as Canada and increasingly to states such as New Mexico and Connecticut.Despite having a former movie star in Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, California officials have been unable to agree on how many, if any, sweeteners the industry deserves.By contrast, Michigan's incentive package was overwhelmingly approved by the state legislature and is expected to be signed into law today by Granholm.Michigan is hoping to duplicate the huge success that states such as New York, Louisiana and New Mexico have had in growing their film businesses through incentives. For example, production spending in New Mexico, which offers a 25% rebate on spending, has jumped tenfold since 2004 to about $500 million.Michigan, which has hosted such films as "8 Mile," starring rapper Eminem, and the Tom Hanks gangster movie "Road to Perdition," currently draws only about $2 million a year in film production. "We felt we needed to grab everyone's attention by having such an aggressive package," Michigan state Rep. Bill Huizenga said. "This is now the new gold standard for any incentive program."Under the new program, producers would get 40 cents back for every $1 they spend on filming (double the existing rebate) and qualify for an additional 2% spending rebate if the film is shot in certain communities. The rebate covers salaries of crew members and above-the-line talent up to $2 million per person.Additionally, the new law would provide a 25% tax credit for companies that invest in new film and digital media studios and would cover 50% of on-the-job training expenses for Michigan residents working as crew members.Such incentives are appealing to film producers such as Hopwood DePree, a Michigan native who is converting a recently shuttered Reddi-wip factory in the city of Holland into a film studio. DePree, who lobbied for the film program, said some of the laid-off factory workers would be retrained as crew members for his upcoming film."The types of skills that these manufacturing workers have can easily translate into below-the-line crew positions," said DePree, who produced and starred in the independent film "Rhinoskin." "I think it's going to be tremendously successful." http://www.spout.com/groups/Michigan/A_71_000_square_foot_movie_studio_in_Lansing/609/30416/1/ShowPost.aspxPost Subject: A 71,000 square foot movie studio in Lansing?
Group Name: Michigan
Last Post By: kristen
Post Date: 6/3/2008 2:48:15 PM
Body: Lansing may be ready for its Hollywood close-up. A team led by East Lansing's Gillespie Group and Lansing-based Ahptic Film & Digital are set to announce plans today for City Center Studios, which would have twin 24,000-square-foot soundstages large enough to handle a blockbuster. It would likely be late 2009 before the studios could open, and no movie deals are yet in the works. But the group is being spurred by a flurry of film-related activity coming to Michigan thanks to its new production incentives. State officials have green-lighted 19 projects for tax rebates of up to 42 percent of their Michigan production costs since the incentives were approved in April. The building - about the size of a small department store - would replace a largely vacant lot between Cedar and Larch streets south of Saginaw Street. It would cost about $9 million to build, Gillespie said. Millions more likely would be spent on equipment. The building would be about 58 feet tall - a few feet taller than Gillespie's nearby four-story Stadium District building to the south. That would give the structure's soundstages a ceiling height of 50 feet. It also would include editing suites, a screening room and office space. The Ahptic partners estimate the studio would have about 20 full-time employees and could need 100 to 300 freelance workers for various projects. That work would range from building sets to editing footage with sophisticated computer software. "Already, our friends from L.A., Chicago and elsewhere are looking to move back," said Martyn, Ahptic's executive producer. "We weren't having even remotely those conversations last year." The Ahptic team plans to fly to Los Angeles soon to meet with producers who might be interested in using the studios. The partners hope they can link the facility to area film studies programs. LCC, for instance, has about 500 students in its digital media, audio and cinema program. "We are very interested in sitting down with those folks and exploring the possibilities that would enhance the educational experience of our students," LCC spokeswoman Chris Hollister said. MSU also has expressed interest in the facility.
]]>Tue, 03 Jun 2008 18:48:15 GMTA 71,000 square foot movie studio in Lansing?MichiganLansing may be ready for its Hollywood close-up. A team led by East Lansing's Gillespie Group and Lansing-based Ahptic Film & Digital are set to announce plans today for City Center Studios, which would have twin 24,000-square-foot soundstages large enough to handle a blockbuster. It would likely be late 2009 before the studios could open, and no movie deals are yet in the works. But the group is being spurred by a flurry of film-related activity coming to Michigan thanks to its new production incentives. State officials have green-lighted 19 projects for tax rebates of up to 42 percent of their Michigan production costs since the incentives were approved in April. The building - about the size of a small department store - would replace a largely vacant lot between Cedar and Larch streets south of Saginaw Street. It would cost about $9 million to build, Gillespie said. Millions more likely would be spent on equipment. The building would be about 58 feet tall - a few feet taller than Gillespie's nearby four-story Stadium District building to the south. That would give the structure's soundstages a ceiling height of 50 feet. It also would include editing suites, a screening room and office space. The Ahptic partners estimate the studio would have about 20 full-time employees and could need 100 to 300 freelance workers for various projects. That work would range from building sets to editing footage with sophisticated computer software. "Already, our friends from L.A., Chicago and elsewhere are looking to move back," said Martyn, Ahptic's executive producer. "We weren't having even remotely those conversations last year." The Ahptic team plans to fly to Los Angeles soon to meet with producers who might be interested in using the studios. The partners hope they can link the facility to area film studies programs. LCC, for instance, has about 500 students in its digital media, audio and cinema program. "We are very interested in sitting down with those folks and exploring the possibilities that would enhance the educational experience of our students," LCC spokeswoman Chris Hollister said. MSU also has expressed interest in the facility.6/3/2008 2:48:15 PMLansing may be ready for its Hollywood close-up. A team led by East Lansing's Gillespie Group and Lansing-based Ahptic Film & Digital are set to announce plans today for City Center Studios, which would have twin 24,000-square-foot soundstages large enough to handle a blockbuster. It would likely be late 2009 before the studios could open, and no movie deals are yet in the works. But the group is being spurred by a flurry of film-related activity coming to Michigan thanks to its new production incentives. State officials have green-lighted 19 projects for tax rebates of up to 42 percent of their Michigan production costs since the incentives were approved in April. The building - about the size of a small department store - would replace a largely vacant lot between Cedar and Larch streets south of Saginaw Street. It would cost about $9 million to build, Gillespie said. Millions more likely would be spent on equipment. The building would be about 58 feet tall - a few feet taller than Gillespie's nearby four-story Stadium District building to the south. That would give the structure's soundstages a ceiling height of 50 feet. It also would include editing suites, a screening room and office space. The Ahptic partners estimate the studio would have about 20 full-time employees and could need 100 to 300 freelance workers for various projects. That work would range from building sets to editing footage with sophisticated computer software. "Already, our friends from L.A., Chicago and elsewhere are looking to move back," said Martyn, Ahptic's executive producer. "We weren't having even remotely those conversations last year." The Ahptic team plans to fly to Los Angeles soon to meet with producers who might be interested in using the studios. The partners hope they can link the facility to area film studies programs. LCC, for instance, has about 500 students in its digital media, audio and cinema program. "We are very interested in sitting down with those folks and exploring the possibilities that would enhance the educational experience of our students," LCC spokeswoman Chris Hollister said. MSU also has expressed interest in the facility.