Making Movies in Michigan

When Michgan Governor Grantholm signed the incentive bill to encourage the motion picture industry to set up shop in Michigan last March, the impact was immediate and impressive. Prior to this spring, I had auditioned for only three films over a two year period and was fortunate to be cast in one. Since the bill was signed, (making Michigan the destination for film makers), I have appeared in four films and have had audition opportunities for 6 more movies and two television pilots. And that's just me! An aging hippie with limited talent and a 38 inch waist! As a result of the Governor's initiative, which passed the state legislature with tremendous bi-partisan support, plans are now underway for no less than three independent studio locations to be constructed or retro-fitted in Oakland County, Muskegon and a proposed 48,000 sq. ft. studio in Lansing. which would rival anything on the west coast in terms of size.

Several films shot here over the summer were re-written to reflect Michigan locations, including "The Steam Experiment", shot last month in Grand Rapids and "Grand Torino" directed by and starring Clint Eastwood. Next year at this time, people all over America and the world will be watching films that take place in our great state. I can only imagine the potential impact on tourism this may have, not to mention the boost to our states image which has been less than stellar in the past, and for the economy of the communities where these films have been produced. (Not that they need the money, what with things going so well in manufacturing and the low price of gas pushing the tourist industry).

Much of the set for "Steam Experiment" was built in the second floor ballroom at the Amway Grand Hotel in Grand Rapids. As I have noted before, at any given time there were no less than 50 people working on the set, from grips and gaffers and videographers to hair and make-up people, caterers and more. At times there were many more people employed by the producer on hand. Lot's of work for lot's of Michiganders, not to mention hotel rooms rented, restaurants entertaining guests and ton's of money being generated for local and state economies.

I have recently received the following from Barbara Coven-Ellis, a fellow actor who keeps very active in the arts scene in Metro Detroit and all of Michigan:

"Have YOU or has someone - or some business - you know benefited from the new incentives put in place to attract the film industry? Are they important to your family's ability to pay the bills, or perhaps even remain in Michigan??
Then take a moment and tell your state representative!! Over the last two days the Michigan State Senate has begun a process of effectively hamstringing these new incentives - the result of which will be less films produced here which will mean less trickle down revenue which will, of course, be used as evidence that the incentives don't work. Thus supporting their removal!!
Find out who YOUR representative is, and call up their office and tell them, "Don't hamstring these wonderful, progressive incentives before they've even begun to get a full head of steam. They are working to employ actors, technicians, people in the service industries (caterers, restaurants, hotels, dry cleaners, equipment rentals, commercial Realtors, and many more); people that this economy is crushing!! Keeping artists and designers here to work with the film industry will further all areas of the performing arts because it will strengthen and deepen our pool of talent! Capping these incentives not only will hurt Michigan's already struggling service industry, but it will act like yet another cut in funding for Michigan's performing arts institutions! DON'T WAIT!!!
CALL TODAY!!!
and if you are involved with or know of a non- arts business that is reaping the benefits of this package, encourage THEM to call.
The naysayers are speaking out!!
It's up to us to show/tell them that, as usual, they are totally out of touch with those of us work for a living!"

I have recently written to Governor Grantholm and have called my state representative to ask them to oppose bill 1535 which drasticly reduces incentives to the film industry to work in Michigan.

Here's a form letter from the Michigan Production Alliances. They suggest people either send it as is, or personalize it with their own comments, observations, etc. I think it makes it a lot easier for folks to actually go ahead and DO something when they have something already formatted for them - then all they have to do is personalize it (or not) and send it out:

Honorable Governor Jennifer M. GranholmP.O. Box 30013Lansing, Michigan 48909
(517) 335-6863 FAX

Dear Governor Granholm,

As you know, from Traverse City to Detroit film companies have discovered Michigan. Because of the visionary bill you signed in April, Michigan crews are working like never before.
Hotels Condominium brokers, restaurateurs and other business (not directly related to film) have also benefited.

We were dismayed when we discovered that bill 1535 was introduced proposing to cap the incentives at $50,000,000. We believe that this will send the wrong message to investors and producers who would consider building infrastructure in Michigan.

We urge you to help maintain the incentive package as it stands. Don’t let them change the bill. Let’s wait and see until we are able to get a better financial picture in ‘09.

Most Sincerely,


You all know that I love California. But I also love my girlfriend. She's staying in Michigan and I would like to be able to do the same and still work in my chosen profession. Please take a moment to make your own impact by contacting the Governors office and your State Representitive.

Support the arts! (Or at least the Artist...). And let's look forward to seeing Michigan and Michigan actors in movies for a long time to come.

Better days ahead?
There can be....

dA

Meanwhile, back on the set with Armand and Val...

Back to the subject of my time on the set of "Steam Experiment" with Val Kilmer and Armand Assante...

Honestly, it couldn't have gone better. On the second day of filming, towards the end of our last scene together, Armand came up to me and said, "Doug, I'm embarrassed to say this. I know I've seen you in a hundred films, but for the life of me, I just can't remember which ones."

I laughed and said, "Armand, I've been acting professionally for two and a half years. This is just my fourth movie and by far my biggest role. Last week I returned empty pop bottles so I could get gas money to get to a commercial audition in Detroit. This week, I'm here with you."

He was unbelievably kind and a real professional to work with. He told me he would look forward to working with me again any time. He pronounced me "an excellent actor" and he assured me that I had more movies in my future. I can't begin to tell you what a boon to my confidence he was. He was beyond generous in his encouragement and I will always be thankful that he took the time to make me feel accepted as peer.

Phillipe Martinez, the director of the film was also incredibly cool. He is French, and he's a big guy. He tooled around the set on an electric cart, wearing a big fedora, ("my inspiration"), with the brim turned up in front, all continental and very hip. He would drive by me on his cart and I would say, "Looking good, Phillipe!" And he would say, in his French accent, "Yes. I know.", and give me a wink.

I had an idea about how my character would relate to Armand's character. I knew I didn't like him, but I thought I should "look for the love" in our dialogue. Philippe took me aside and said, "Doug, you and I are bohemian actors. I know you look for the love. But this guy, this Lt. Tanner, he is a boss. He is corporate. He doesn't like this guy and he doesn't have time to smile. You don't like him and that is how you treat him."

It was absolutely the right advice. I had to get in Armands face a couple of times, and I couldn't have pulled it off going my way. "You been played, Jack." just doesn't work when you're smiling.

As it worked out there were some technical difficulties during the filming and we had to re-shoot several scenes. Twice Phillipe came up to me and said, "Is not you, Doug. Is the fucking camera. You are great. Do it again now. Just the same".

All my scenes were filmed on the second floor of the Amway Grand Hotel in Grand Rapids where they had taken over the ballroom and created sets for the interrogation room, the jail cell and the observation room. There were probably 50 people on the set at any given time: gaffers and grips and carpenters, make-up and hair, assistant directors, videographers and still-photographers and sound techs, electricians and actors and extras and stand-ins. Lot's of people to pay. Lot's of work for Michigan workers and lot's of money spent in G.R.
Good for Michigan and thank you Madam Governor.

I was high as a kite for a week afterwards.
I want to do this every day.
All day every day.

And, believe me, it's scary to say it out loud. You sure as hell don't want to jinx yourself, so I'll just whisper it here....
I can hang with these guys.
I can do this.
And I thank god and all creation that I've had the opportunity

And you know what?
Better days ahead....
Oh yeah.

Right God?

...hellooo?

All I know is, I may be unemployed today, but I'm still the happiest man in America!

dA

So there! (A poem by Doug Alchin)

So There! (A poem by Doug Alchin)

I'm a go on back to my used to be,
quit cuttin' my hair
and go live in a tree.
Won't take no showers,
won't wear no shoes,
just make up songs,
sing whatever I choose.

So there!
What'cha gonna do about that?
You can't make me do what I don't want to
& I guess this'll settle that.
I may be stupid,
but I ain't so dumb:
you don't make no money, you don't pay no tax.
Right now that sounds like fun.

Get up one day
go down to the road,
stick out my thumb
and see where I go.
If the cars don't stop,
can't catch no ride?
I'll just cross to the other side.

So there!
What'cha gonna do about that?
You can't make me do
what I don't want to what I don't want to
& I guess this'll settle that.
I may be stupid,
but I ain't so dumb:
you don't make no money, you don't pay no tax.
Right now that sounds like fun.

Won't need no cash,
Won't take no drugs.
Stay away from the city
so I don't get mugged.
If they lock me up?
OK, that's cool.
I'll just sit in a corner and drool.

So there!
What'cha gonna do about that?
You can't make me do what I don't want to
& I guess this'll settle that.
I may be stupid
but I ain't so dumb:
you don't make no money,
you don't pay no tax.
Right now that sounds like fun.

I'll just eat them berries
and run around nude.
I tell you right now
I'll be a happenin' dude.
And if you don't like it,
YOU CAN STUFF IT IN YOUR HAT!
NOW,
what'cha gonna do about that?

A good man goes home...

A few posts back, I wrote about my former father-in-law, Gib Simon.

I was a bit concerned when I published that post about how it would be received by ol' Gibber and the Simon clan, being that I kind of put his business out there for the whole world to see, coupled by the fact that I am a relative once removed.
As it turns out I needn't have worried. The family was (as usual) gracious and kind and even appreciative that I'd made the request for prayer on his behalf.

I'm sorry to tell you that Gibber passed on this last weekend.

He spent a few days in the hospital, but managed to get home at the end, where he was made comfortable and was able to spend his last days and hours in the company of his family.
His funeral was yesterday and he was sent off in the style he would have loved; a beautiful service at the church he attended virtually every morning for the past 30 years or so;
a touching and well deserved eulogy from his eldest daughter, Mary;
attendance by a host of family and friends and his peers from the real estate industry who acknowledged him as a pioneer and a leader in his field;
a luncheon back at the parish hall featuring his favorite: pumpkin pie for everyone!

I was touched when I attended the viewing at the funeral home on Monday evening, and as I gave my former mother-in-law a hug she told me her daughter Mary had something for me from Gib. As I was saying my goodbye's to the family, she handed me a scrap of paper and asked me to read it when I got home.
It was a note from Gibber that he had written just a few days before he died, thanking me for "saying those kind things" about him on this site and for all the good thoughts and prayers he received "from all those people I don't even know...."

So allow me to pass that forward to all of you who took the time to say a word of prayer or to write a few kind things of your own or who just took a moment to think a good thought on his behalf. You should know that I received many notes and e-mails after that post which I passed on to the family. They were truly touched by every one.

It has been a crazy time here, as any of you who've lost a family member can understand. All five of my children were in town to say goodbye to their grandpa, arriving from California (2), Texas (2) and Chicago. They, all but one, returned to their homes far away within hours of the funeral. My Meggie Mae will be heading back to Chi-town tomorrow.
I was made proud once again by my kids.
My son Aaron (who served as a pall-bearer) and my daughters Andrea and Katie Rose arrived in town on Friday and were able to be with their grandfather when he passed.
Meg got into town on Sunday and Leah fought through flight delays, missed connections and a forced overnight in Philly to get here on Tuesday. They were all a comfort and a help to their mother and their grandmother. Audible gasps at the sight of their beauty were heard from the congregation when they brought the gifts to the altar during the funeral mass.
(I swear it's true. Ask anyone who was there...)

So.

The Simon family will carry on, as families do. Gib's bride Virginia will be held close by her children and grandchildren and her church community and the wide circle of friends that she and ol' Gibber have built over the decades.
Time will dull the acute pain of loss. Grief will pass and the stories will get funnier. The belly will get rounder and the deeds will get bigger. In our memories the blue eyes will retain their mischievous twinkle and whatever faults that may have been will disappear completely.

Somewhere right now, just beyond the range of the naked eye, that ol' lefty is teeing up a little white ball . He's keeping his head down and his right arm straight and he's taking a slooow back-swing, coming around hard and pointing his little round belly at the pin and letting her fly.
I can almost hear him now, can't you?

"Well, I'll be go to hell! I finally got rid of that slice!"

first day on the set

I had my first day on the set with Val Kilmer and Armand Assante last Friday and I shot my first scenes for 'Steam Experiment'.
Everything I had heard prior to Labor Day was that we would begin shooting the third week in September.
On Labor Day I got the word that I would have my first call on Friday.

Being that I'd thought I had a couple of weeks, I have to confess that I hadn't fully given myself over to line study....

Give me a break! I don't know how other people do it. I had read the script through a couple of times to get a feel for the characters and especially to gain a sense for how my character, Police Lt. Tanner Clark, related to them.
I received the new, revised script on Tuesday, and by Friday morning I hadn't quite committed all the lines to memory, so I have to admit I was a shade nervous getting to the set. How nervous?

Well, I used the time to make the 70 mile trip from home to location to call everyone I know who prays and ask them for a favor...

But my scenes required me to be pissed at Armand's character, (I like to call him Armand. He refers to me as 'Doug, my man'), so I was able to put that nervous energy to good use yelling at a movie star.

(One of my lines as his boss is, "Damn it Jack! The guy's a fruit loop! Get your ass over to Fletcher Street!" Niiice...). We filmed until 12:55 Saturday morning. I got home from Grand Rapids about 2:30. (Being that most of the cast and a good portion of the crew is from the west coast, they run on California time).

I got there at 1:20 Friday afternoon, got to wardrobe at 2:00 (they put me in a black Hugo Boss suit with a white shirt and red and blackspot design tie. Stylin' fine with a much thinner profile all in black).

Next came hair and make-up, where I got all prettyed -up and got my hair parted in police-Lt fashion.

Then it was sit around and sweat until 6::00 when they called lunch, (a gorgeous buffet with baked salmon in a dill and basil sauce, baked chicken wrapped in proscuito with capers and lemon sauce, stuffed grapeleaves Lebanese style, chilled crab and lobster and various fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables and an entire table dedicated to deserts of the mostly continental style.

(I went ahead and had a slice of the apple pie with a big-ass wedge of cheddar cheese in honor of the recentley concluded Democratic and Republican National Conventions.)

I shot my first scene at 8:00 (walk into interigation, give Val Kilmer a dirty look, turn to Armand and say, "Jack! Get out here. I need to talk to you!"). Then I sat around memorizing lines and getting pissed at Armand (because it was in the script) until my last scene at 12:35. Which, as it turned out, didn't get shot until the next day due to time issues.

My friend Bobby asked me how it felt to be hanging with movie stars. "Was it other-worldly?" Mmmm, no. Not really. The toughest part was the trip over. It was a lot like the first day at a new school.... Will the other kids like me? Am I dressed okay? Am I gonna fit in??

There's an old saying in sports, "Act like you been there before."
Hell man. I can act like that.

And it turned out I can.

I will say this in all humility, boys and girls: I felt like I belonged there. I'm not Tom Hanks, but I can hang with these guys. These things can just be a nice adventure, but they always have the potential to lead to more. That, now, is my hope. This is all I want to do and I believe now more than ever that it's possible. The director Phillipe Martinez congratulated me on a good job and I got pat on the back in passing from Val (I'm your Huckelberry) Kilmer.

Not bad for a guy with limited talents and a 38 inch waist...

And day two went even better. I'll get back to you on that.
***********************************************************************

....by the by, thanks to my friends who pray. That's the difference maker, right there...