When you walk into Howard Hertz’s office, one of the first things you notice is a signed poster from a client, Eminem, with a funny note from the artist to Howard (I’d repeat it, but I’m writing about something between a client and his attorney, so if you want to know what it says, ask Howard).

You go down the hall and you immediately can tell you’re in a music lover’s office. Copies of Rolling Stone, Billboard, SPIN and more mags surround the office. Another great example of someone doing great things because they’re combining their talents with a genuine passion.

The Producer’s Guide is going to send out an e-newsletter on Tuesday. Pete and I have been working on it and I think it’s a good one because it’s going to feature Howard.

Howard is nice man with a remarkable story. If you want to learn more about his story, here are some enjoyable articles with him (including one nice video interview).

You can also check-out his PGM listing here and read more about him in Tuesday’s newsletter.

In the meantime, here are some other great mentions/stories about Howard.

http://www.metrotimes.com/news/story.asp?id=13452
http://www.twenty2six.com/

We’re proud to have Howard on our site and think he’s a real asset for people who want to bring their projects to Michigan.

Okay, it’s been a couple weeks due to a broken finger (there’s proof – see photo). For those of you who’ve taken the time to visit, I apologize for the lack of updates.

And if we happen to meet at tonight’s industry party in Ferndale, excuse me if I don’t offer a power handshake.

Nick's broken finger

L.A., let’s makes deal. You have the second largest media market in the country and it’s a shame that you don’t have an NFL franchise. In exchange for out team, the Detroit Lions, we’d like your continued support of our film industry.

Let’s share the Lions. We get half of the home games and you get the other half.

You get:
1. A chance to show the NFL that you can support a franchise.
2. Millions of dollars of potential economic impact.
3. An opportunity to provide a culture change to a team that really needs one.

We get:
1. Your continued support of Michigan film legislation.

As you know, sometimes a change of scenery is just what you need to achieve greatness. See you in Michigan soon.

Go L.A. Lions!

Have you ever had a scone from Just Delicious in Grosse Pointe?  Apparently, Clint Eastwood did while he was in Michigan filming Gran Torino.  Just Delicious did some catering for the film while they were shooting over the summer.  Now, they deliver scones for projects everywhere.  Another cool story thanks to Michigan film Incentives.

Today, Just Delicious is our featured business on The Producers Guide to Michigan.  You can check them out and get information on how to order their world famous scones on our site here.

The Michigan Film Incentives are every bit as strong as they were in April.  Film Incentives are an easy target for politicians looking to make a desperate case, but they (the incentives) are alive and well here in Michigan.  We’re still busy at the Producers Guide, as are casting agents, caterers, production companies, and qualified film professionals.  In fact, many of us (in Michigan) as have quickly retooled our skills to make these Incentives an enormously positive thing for people who may have been displaced by other industries.

Okay, so, Detroit and the State has had it’s share of bad economic press over the last few years (and certainly emphasized with the big three the last few weeks).  However, there are people who pull through this time and those who listen too much.  One of my best friends is a domestic auto dealer in this market — he should be worried.  However, he’s having the best month of the year.  I asked him how he does it and his answer was, “I stopped listening to the bad news.“  What a great idea….tune it out.  We received the message, times are tough, but we must go forward and make things happen.

Go take a class, learn what goes into a production, find out how your business can be reshaped to serve films.  We have a golden opportunity in this State.  It’s really up to us what we make of it.

If you need help inexpensively establishing your presence on the Web, we know people that can help you with that too.  Just ask (nick@producersguidetomichigan.com).

Make a pact with me.  Don’t say “bad economy” for a week (starting now).

And another thing (I just need to request of the readers)…..a lot of people asked me “why in the world” I moved back to Michigan after spending my entire adult life in L.A. I always thought this was an odd question because I’d think, “why, you decided to live here, right?”  We all make our own choices for our own reasons.

Be proud of Michigan today.  It’s a great place.  Michigan is ideal for filmmaking.  In many ways, more ideal and sensible than L.A.

What you say about where you’re from may lead you to something very big.  Stay positive.

From my limited but enjoyable interactions with him, John Lauri seems committed to helping Michigan’s Film incentives work.  He’s launched a new tool to help actor’s put together a great demo reel.  While I haven’t known John long, he seems like a person people can trust.  Actors looking to put together a proper reel should visit John’s new site:

http://vimeo.com/user715938

I’ve heard a lot of comments about this video from S3.  Give Jeff Spillman credit — he’s making things happen and trying to help people navigate the Michigan film incentives.   While I’m sure S3 has several accomplishments that I don’t know about, I loved the idea where he went to the Dream Cruise and signed-up people to support S3’s cars for film business.

Here’s the video, featuring Andy Meisner, Clint Eastwood, and several others.

Post your reaction here.  Thumbs up or thumbs down?  Any other videos out there?

Another obvious benefit — younger creatives are staying put.  About a month ago, I had a great conversation with Jim Burnstein who runs U of M’s screenwriting program.   He mentioned that his students are typically on the first train out of town after graduation.  Now, they’re staying put and finding meaningful work.

You can read about my conversation with Jim here.  He’s got great advice for Michigan cities trying to make things work for the film industry as well.   In summary, just get rid of the red tape.

Howell Public Schools has vacant buildings and land.  “High School” starring Adrien Brody & Michael Chiklis is in production here in Michigan.  Howell, Michigan’s Parker High School is being used for the film and getting $180,000 in location fees.

I wonder how many other great locations are here in Michigan that filmmakers would be interested in?  I’ll bet you know someone who wants to see their home or office in film.  You can make a difference in a community by helping them promote a great building, unique landmarks, or a friend’s home.

You can help someone get their place in a film.

I’m around if you need help — just ask.