Detroit Films

LANSING — Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and Detroit Mayor Dave Bing today announced that city residents are now eligible to apply for training to work in Michigan’s growing film industry thanks to a $438,000 U.S. Department of Labor Community-Based Job Training
Grant that will be administered by the Detroit Workforce Development Department (DWDD), a Michigan Works agency.
(more…)

The Michigan tax credit for filmmaking and production has been met with skepticism. Over 100 major films have been shot in the state since legislation was passed in 2008, giving filmmakers up to a 42 percent tax break on project costs. That number does not include the countless independent and low-budget movies produced, several television series and a blossoming video game production industry that also reaps benefit from the breaks.

But alas, this doesn’t seem to be enough evidence for some lawmakers. Therefore, there’s an obvious need for creative ways to draw even more Hollywood types to the state. We should start by making them feel more at home. Let’s explore some ideas:
(more…)

When the Michigan State legislature approved the 40+ percent tax incentive, awarding anyone willing and able to haul their production equipment, A-list stars and veteren crews to the midwest, few probably ever dreamed how quickly and in what quantity they would actually arrive.

For those of us in the greater Detroit area, news of star sightings, daily block closings and casting calls have almost become a daily occurance. To say that the legislation has worked would be a vast understatement. Small business owners throughout the area have benefited: from companies directly related to the film and video production industry, all the way down to barber shops and restaurants.

Yet, with all this bustle, there is growing concern that Lansing is disgruntled with “these movie producers” who are “not paying taxes in Michigan, but are still getting money.”
(more…)

A rally is being held at the Crofoot Ballroom in Pontiac on October 26th. It’s a call to action for those who favor the valued incentives that have helped kick-start the film, television and video game industries in Michigan. Please attend if you’re able.

BigScreenMichigan.com and The Crofoot Present: RALLY TO SAVE THE FILM INCENTIVES

The all new detroitfilms.com is in soft re-launch. When the site began back in 2000, the intention was to highlight our own work (Detroit Films LLC). But now, with all the filmmaking going on throughout Michigan, we thought it would be a good idea to re-launch as a free resource site.

If you have an interest in working within the film and video community or are already a part of the industry, detroitfilms.com will be an asset at your disposal. Soon, the site will enable you to:

• Register and set up a profile, allowing others to contact you
• Find out about the latest auditions or calls for crew
• Interact with a community of like-minded Michigan residents as well as those visiting from Hollywood and elsewhere
• Read about productions coming to town and updates on those already shooting
• The hottest spots around town to rub elbows with industry heavyweights
• Interviews, tabloid drama, contests and more!

Check back regularly to see how the site is progressing. We’ll be adding content and functionality every day! In the meantime, you  might want to begin by registering . . .