Michigan's Film Incentives are working!
Since the state passed the film incentives package, 15 producers have signed up to shoot their movies here! Filmmakers get a tax rebate up to 40-percent, plus an extra 2-percent if they shoot their film in a 'core' city. (Like Grand Rapids).
Here's the thing: right now, only two of those movies are being shot in West Michigan. This side of the state has a lot to offer in terms of scenery. The production scouts who come to town have loved the streets and buildings of downtown, the character of the smaller neighborhoods, and Lake Michigan. But in terms of workers-- Detroit has hundreds of people who are already trained to work as crew members and they're ready to go. We don't. YET. But one production studio is trying to change that! TicTock studios in Holland has teamed up with GRCC to train people in crew work. Here's a link to the website: www.tictockstudios.com
If you're interested, check it out!
And be sure to check back in a few weeks for more information about the Waterfront Film Festival! I've got some great inside scoop that you won't find anywhere else...
Have a great weekend, and let me know what you're up to!
-Michele