What rumors and talk can do…..

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.

Film it in Michigan

There’s simply never been a better deal in the film industry. When the Michigan Film Credit passed earlier in 2008, Filmmakers received a gift to try and spur the Michigan economy.   In exchange for spending their production money in Michigan, they can get up to 42% back on production expenditures. So, if you spend $10 million on a film, it is possible to earn $4.2 million back (as an incentive).

A friend and I started The Producer’s Guide to Michigan to help people find resources.  You can visit it here at http://www.producersguidetomichigan.com

http://www.producersguidetomichigan.com

If you’re looking to bring a film to Michigan, there are a number of fantastic resources popping-up to help you navigate the new territory.  An obvious first stop, is the State’s film office site.  Check it out at http://www.michigan.gov/filmoffice.

Let these two sites be your first step in finding Michigan film info and qualified resources.

Let’s talk soon.

Oh, and I encourage you to let it rip on this blog.  Let’s use this to take issues head-on, build a constructive discussion, and make Michigan an easy place to film.

We can help.