MUSKEGON – In a move to inform residents about the film industry in Michigan and the new WaterMark Studios being built in our community, State Representative Mary Valentine (D-Norton Shores) hosted a town hall meeting Monday evening in Muskegon.
"This is really an exciting time for Michigan and our residents," Valentine said. "Our film incentive package is bringing A-list stars like Clint Eastwood to Michigan, but more importantly it is bringing jobs and investment to our economy right now."
Joining Valentine at the town hall were Tony Wenson, Chief Operating Officer of the Michigan Film Office; Sarah Rooks, WaterMark Studios Project Manager; Delaine Roberts and Dominic Greenman from Grand Rapids-based Entertainment 2 Educate; and Walter Canady, founder and CEO of Los Angeles-based UpGrade Entertainment. Valentine and her guests provided information about the new film studios being built in Muskegon and how the film incentive package has made Michigan a place for Hollywood's biggest stars and films.
The bipartisan film incentive package that passed the House in March makes it more affordable for production companies to film in Michigan. Under the plan, Michigan filmmakers can receive up to a 42 percent tax credit. In addition, other tax incentives for private investments, loan programs and job-training expense credits make Michigan one of the best bargains for production work. The incentive package also opens up state and local government property such as parks, buildings, roads and landmarks to be used for free and with ease.
According to the Michigan Film Office, 68 scripts have been approved so far this year. Sixteen have already been shot, five are currently in production and the rest are on the way. This compares with six films for all of 2007.
"It has only been six months since we passed our film incentive plan and the results we are receiving are astounding," Valentine said. "The incentives have moved Michigan to the front of the line for filmmakers across the country, putting Michigan workers first in line for new jobs in this emerging industry. Bringing Hollywood to Michigan is just one more way to move our state forward and create good-paying jobs for our residents."