Michigan Setting Example for Film Development

10 February 2009

Michigan Setting Example for Film Devlopment

Film incentive legislation has been an issued considered by many states over the past few years. Michigan has been one of those states. But they want to do more than just offer incentives. Michigan wants to bring the film industry to them in a collective effort.


In 2008, Michigan passed film incentive legislation that pays as much as 40 percent or more for film productions with a budget over $50,000. The film incentive includes rebates and tax credits. Their effort to draw the film industry to their state has paid off for them. There were 38 projects filmed in the State of Michigan last year.

Michigan’s struggling economy over the closing of the auto industry has found new life with the development of the film industry in the state. There are plans underway to build a $54 million dollar studio at a closed GM plant in Pontiac. The studio will employ 3,600 people when it is completed.

The development of the Michigan film industry has drawn the attention of some major players. Clint Eastwood moved the production for his critically-acclaimed and award-winning film, Gran Torino, from Minnesota to Michigan. Lifetime Network recently filmed one of its MOWs in Michigan. Prayers for Bobby was a recent Lifetime weekly featured film which employed people from the industry, community and universities. Reports show that George Clooney and Brad Pitt have movies lined up to be filmed in Michigan. Michigan’s Film Office announced that 65 films have been approved for the tax incentives as of October 2008. These films are projected to spend $440 million locally. Less than a third of the approved films have been completed. With more than 40 projects already planned, Michigan is actively seeking new ones to boost their economy and develop a new industry.

Michigan has an advantage in their pursuit of a working film industry. The government, the people, the schools and the businesses are working together to advance their development. State colleges and other schools have added programs to their curriculum for future infrastructure. They have established training programs to train out-of-work citizens how to perform jobs within the film production industry. The state is working hard to promote its capability to large productions. Some opponents of the Michigan film project state that the enormous incentives will create a future problem with millions of dollars to be paid out in rebates. The expenditures will mount to more than the state can afford. They also fear a temporary status for the portable film industry will leave the state in a worse situation than it is currently in. TJB