According to Michigan Film Office director Janet Lockwood, film production within the state is booming. Five movies have been finished, three are in production, three in prep and a dozen or more coming into the state.
Projected Michigan revenue from the 47 productions approved to date is $288.4 million, compared to $2.2 million from film revenues last year.
“Heck of a difference!” says Lockwood, the the longest serving film office director of any state
Photography began in July on “Whip It,” with Drew Barrymore directing Ellen Page; the Weinstein Co.’s “Youth in Revolt” recently completed principle photography and Lifetime’s “Prayers for Bobby,” with Sigourney Weaver, wrapped a few weeks ago.
ABC/Disney TV recently completed its pilot, “Prince of Motor City,” a “Hamlet” set in the automotive world.
Production on Clint Eastwood’s “Gran Torino” continues, and indie features “Red and Blue Marbles,” “The Detroit Job” and “Street Boss” were recently completed.
In the Detroit area, Grace & Wild is the biggest studio, while two announced studios, the 71,000-sq. ft. Center City Studio and 17,000-sq. ft. WaterMark in Muskegon, have not as yet broken ground.
Michigan’s 40-42% rebate package, the biggest among film-friendly state incentives, was passed very quickly just last April by the state legislature.
The Michigan Film Office phone is 800/477-3456.
