Executive producer Jeffrey Stott is light years away from glitzy Hollywood this month.
The executive producer of “The Bucket List,” “The Omen,” “Misery” and other blockbusters, is in quiet Holland training unemployed Michigan residents, who had worked in manufacturing jobs, the essentials skills needed to work in below-the-line entry-level film and TV jobs.
Hopwood DePree, CEO of TicTock Studios of Holland, which he formed in mid-2006 with former studio executive Rebecca Green, invited A-list producer Stott to join the TicTock team to advance filming in Michigan.
When DePree helped set up a pilot retraining program in partnership with the Grand Rapids Community College, Stott enthusiastically agreed to create the curriculum and lead the program.
On April 7, The same day that Gov. Jennifer Granholm signed into law Michigan’s incentives, a rebate up to 42%, the first series of two week retraining classes began at TicTock facilities for 15 unemployed state residents.
Stottteaches the first module, basic film set training. The second module on the role of the grip is taught by L.A. production manager Jim Behnke, who also boasts an impressive IMDB profile.
The program is state-approved to offer financial assistance through the Michigan Works program. “Once someone is hired to work on a set, the state will pay 50% of his salary,” notes DePree. “These classes enable a person to be qualified to work on a set and advance up the ladder.”
