Raleigh Michigan Studios complex in Pontiac Michigan to commence movie productions this spring in 630,000 square foot project. The $80 million movie studio will anchor and launch the Michigan film industry as a homegrown and sustainable production center. CEO Linden Nelson stated nine sound stages will be created for film and television production employing up to 3,600 film crew members and support staff. Journalists and guests were given a tour of the former GM transformed site. Read the Free Press article.
Worldwide states, countries and jurisdictions everywhere are increasing their film tax incentives, credits and rebate programs aimed at luring film production companies to their areas. They all realize that film production has an economic activity multiplier effect and actively work to draw film producers and directors to make their movies in their towns, villages, cities, provinces and states. Governments understand the financial boost to their tourism efforts, greatly needed inward economic expenditure and the increased local creative energy and opportunities delivered to those creating intellectual property – for America a major U.S. export commodity. Support the Michigan Film Incentive Program. Contact your representatives.
Michigan Film Office Director Carrie Jones believes it’s an “incredibly exciting time for Michigan.” Jones took over the position earlier this summer and hopes to “carry on the trajectory” her predecessor, Janet Lockwood, set for Michigan’s film industry.
MFO Director Carrie Jones
In 2007, when the state had what Jones calls a “baby incentive,” three films shot in Michigan, spending $2 million. The current incentives passed in April 2008, and that year 35 film productions spent $135 million. Productions spent $223 million in 2009, and the film office estimates productions this year will spend more than $300 million, Jones said.
Mort Meisner, partner Jack Grusko’s Scenic Prop will expand to provide props for films in the growing Michigan film business. Frasier firm to source for films outside Michigan as well. Read the Full Story
By DONNA PAUL
Published: September 8, 2009
DETROIT — In the midst of a recession that has been particularly brutal in Michigan, a number of construction projects are on the verge of getting under way in a most unlikely business: the film industry.
The recent surge of interest was set in motion in April 2008, when Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm signed a 14-bill package into law, which among other things provided a 40 percent tax credit or cash rebate for studios on their business tax returns in Michigan. An additional 2 percent rebate is available for films produced in 103 communities.
There is also a 25 percent infrastructure credit, which is applied against expenditures on construction of a studio and its contents, said Janet Lockwood, director of the Michigan film office.
Variety featured Michigan in a section today called “Scout and About: Michigan” demonstrating our states preeminent position in film production today thanks to the Michigan film tax incentives: Lockwood locks up productions – Michigan film commissioner touts incentive program Read the Variety article Michigan moves from cars to stars – Incentives turning state into Midwestern Hollywood Read the Variety article Productions Made in Michigan – a selection of some major features shot in the state recently Read the Variety article Michigan touts aggressive incentives – Michigan braces for a blizzard of film production Read the Variety article
$146M Unity Studios film complex breaks ground
Nathan Hurst / The Detroit News
Allen Park — Unity Studios, the film studio complex slated to bring soundstages, production facilities and a training institute to a former Visteon Corp. facility, broke ground Thursday, becoming the first of three such projects in Michigan to begin construction.
Raleigh Michigan Studios – the Pontiac studio financed by A. Alfred Taubman, Linden Nelson, John Rakolta Jr. and William Morris Endeavor – Ari Emanuel has arranged the $75.8 Million required to break ground in 30 days on ten soundstages to be ready for summer 2010 according to Steve Lemberg, CFO of RMS. Meanwhile Jimmy Lifton’s Unity Studios in Allen Park while delayed from its June groundbreaking continues toward the October opening of The Lifton Institute and the initiation of the bond issue needed to fund the land purchase. Wonderstruck Studios, which was formerly announced to take shape at the temporary MGM Grand facility may be considering another location.
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Kid Rock and Governor Jennifer Granholm describe their support for the 42% Michigan film tax incentive. Michigan Film Production applauds their efforts and emphatic backing of one of the great success stories coming out of Michigan.
Michigan Film Production – Michigan’s Film Producer
Governor Granholm is a visionary, bold and decisive leader and we support the efforts of the Governor to enhance Michigan’s profile with the support of the Michigan Film Incentive. This new era of our filmmaking industry in Michigan could not have happened were it not for the astute talent of the Governor. As a filmmaker for 25 years, I salute you for your resolute dedication. Cleary Clooney, DeNiro, Hillary Swank, Drew Barrymore, Edward Norton, etc. agree. – Michigan Film Production Founder Jack Binder, Producer “Reign Over Me” (Adam Sandler, Don Cheadle, Liv Tyler) , “The Upside of Anger” (Kevin Costner, Joan Allen)
"The Michigan Film Production Services Company": Over 25 years of Experience in Film Production