Michigan Film Reel Gives Michigan 'Two Thumbs Up'

Attila Bokor and Jason James are two self-proclaimed film and video geeks whose passion for the art inspired them to report on the burgeoning industry right here in Michigan. The two co-founders of Michigan Film Reel, a Grand Rapids-based online ezine, don't limit their program content to reviews, but produce interviews, organize social events and encourage communication and networking among film pros and enthusiasts alike.

"Michigan Film Reel is here to increase awareness in the growing Michigan film industry with up-to-date information, videos, and photos of projects throughout the state," says James, who has interviewed scores of actors, directors, producers, casting agents—and at least one entertainment attorney—so far.

Every first Sunday of each month, Michigan Film Reel hosts a networking event at Stella's Lounge at 53 Commerce SW in Grand Rapids. A 10% discount on food and drinks is offered. There's a live show, during which the two men tape interviews.

"We give actors, crew, screenwriters, and directors face time," says Bokor. "It's great for professionals and students, or anyone who's interested in film."

A Dynamic Duo

James and Bokor first met at the Grand Rapids Marriott during an event last October and launched Michigan Film Reel just this past February.

"Attila and I went to the Startup Weekend at The Factory in February to get help launching our business," says James. (The Factory, located at 38 W. Fulton in Grand Rapids, bills itself as an open-office concept that encourages individual businesses and entrepreneurs to work in a "co-working, nomadic work style.")

That weekend, Bokor and James brainstormed the idea of spotlighting Michigan-made movies, along with on-location interviews with the people who make things happen behind the scenes. Within 24 hours, they had a working model, website, and video. Their idea was voted one of the eight best at Startup Weekend.

"We were off and running while other participants were still working on their ideas," says James, who has a background in video production. "We developed the show out of a sheer desire to pursue the film industry."

Since then, the two men have been going non-stop, working out of their homes, on sets, and at various locations—wherever there's a Michigan film story to be found. James says the ezine format is in keeping with today's social media.

"Hulu.com, YouTube, Vimeo, and other online video sites are where the media's at right now," James says. "We keep the broadcasts short to keep the viewers' attention."

The segments are inexpensive to create and are easy to upload and access on the internet. A show such as "Siskel and Ebert at the Movies" requires a bigger budget to produce and air.

From Humble Beginnings

Originally from the Transylvania area of Romania, Bokor, 36, has a special appreciation for the field of communications and freedom of speech. He was born in 1973 on the east side of the Iron Curtain. His family lived in Hungary when the Eastern Bloc countries were heavily influenced by the former Soviet Union, and international exchange of information was highly restricted.

"We were not allowed to listen to the radio or watch television," Bokor says. He remembers smuggling a radio back from a trip to East Germany during that time and quietly listening to it late at night.

"Then, in 1989 came the Revolution, and we were liberated from Communism," he says. Bokor lived in the Netherlands for a few years and deejayed in large clubs. He also had his own radio show in Hungary.

Bokor came to the United States in 2004 to study communications at Grand Valley State University on the recommendation of a family member. He's graduating from GVSU this December with a Bachelor of Arts in broadcast communications. Then, he plans on obtaining his masters, also in communications, from GVSU.

The producer and director of Michigan Film Reel lives with his cat, Hera (named after the wife of the Greek god, Zeus). He also has a day job as technology director at World Mission, a nonprofit in Grandville. He occasionally deejays at clubs around West Michigan and in Chicago. He likes playing tennis, socializing, and keeping current on tech trends.

And Then There's the Other Guy

"I go out of my way to meet people," says James. "I follow my heart. I'm a seeker. I'm a very driven person."

James, 38, describes himself as an "out-of-the-box motion graphic artist and video expert." He's the editor and on-camera talent for Michigan Film Reel. He also manages his other business, 1080 HD Media, a full-service pre- and post-production company that offers film, photography, motion graphics, customized movie trailers, event coverage, video and video promotions, and audition hosting for feature films.  

James was born and raised in Grand Rapids, graduated from Godwin Heights High School in 1991, and graduated from ITT Technical Institute in 1999. He's single and has a 19-year-old son who has flown the nest.

After he graduated from ITT, the automotive industry recruited him to work on the assembly line at the old Lear plant on Alpine NW, he says. He worked there for five years and was then laid off. After that, he worked odd jobs, including a stint installing and configuring cameras for a local security company.

These days, besides working on Michigan Film Reel and 1080 HD Media, James enjoys writing, producing, editing, and directing short films, such as "Boxed Assassins." 

He's also working on a collaborative film project called "Tunnel 37," for which he recruited story ideas from friends on Facebook.

Rising Stars

It's fascinating to watch the dynamic between the two men. James does nearly all of the talking and is highly energetic. Bokor is the silent type, and you can almost see the gears turning in his head. Both are chock-full of ideas.

Bokor and James enjoy networking and watching Michigan's film industry emerge. Besides showcasing Michigan talent, resources, and products, Michigan Film Reel documents the positive economic impact out-of-state film companies are providing by bringing their productions here. Thanks to Michigan's 42% cash rebate film incentive program, Michigan residents have the opportunity to work crew jobs or land an acting role. Restaurants, hotels, and other businesses see their profits increase.



Right now, Michigan Film Reel's website is sponsored by ElevatorUp.com, a local website company that offers design and hosting services. For the time being, James and Bokor are funding their business themselves with time, skills, and talent. The men are seeking sponsorships from area businesses to update their equipment, which currently consists of two cameras, some lights, audio equipment, and a couple of computers.

"We're establishing a good track record for now," says James. "So we don't need too much money. We just want to make information accessible to film communication people here in Michigan and in Los Angeles. We are here to help people."

James believes that it will be another couple of years before local Michigan talent will start landing lead and supporting roles in feature films out of L.A., which, to capitalize on Michigan's 42% tax incentive, are required to hire Michigan talent.

"Right now, it's the quiet before the storm," he says. "It's just starting to hit us."


Victoria A. Mullen is (in alphabetical order) an actress, artist, attorney, photographer, and writer based in Grand Rapids. She is originally from Milwaukee.

Photos:

Attila Bokor and Jason James (2)

Attila Bokor

Jason James (2)

Photographs by Brian Kelly -All Rights Reserved