Michigan’s new parameters for reviewing 2011 film incentive applications are putting more weight on the economic benefits for Michigan and working under Gov. Rick Snyder’s proposed $25 million cap.
The Michigan Film Office, which is reviewing 45 film, TV and video game applications, is emphasizing guidelines such as ensuring the financial viability of a production company, the use of existing studios and whether projects show Michigan in a positive light, said Michelle Begnoche, a film office spokeswoman, The Detroit News reported.
“In the past, as long as you had your financials in place and were hiring Michigan people and spending good money in Michigan, you typically got approved,” Begnoche said.
The guidelines could change again if Snyder’s plan is approved by the Legislature, or if lawmakers approve a different incentive proposal.
For now, all applications will be reviewed for their Michigan economic benefit by a committee of three leaders from the Michigan Economic Development Corp., and Film Office Director Carrie Jones. The state treasurer will sign off on approvals.
Previously, the MFO reviewed applications and sent them to the Treasury, which along with Jones made final approvals, Begnoche said.
“Given that we have finite resources to work with, it is our intention that every project approved by the state be one that will be a good investment for our taxpayers,” Jones said in a recent email to the industry.
“There’s a current law on the books, and it’s disappointing they’re not following the current law,” said Kenneth Droz, former MFO communications manager, who is lobbying lawmakers to find a compromise on film incentives.
The state has approved only two productions in 2011 — a documentary and a TV series — that could receive rebates of $32,000 and $42,000, respectively.
In 2010, the state awarded $115 million in incentives for 58 projects that spent $293.4 million in Michigan and created 5,310 local production jobs.
