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