As the dust of the election begins to settle, filmmakers from both West Coasts, from Holland to Los Angeles, will be closely watching what happens next concerning the film incentives.
And while Rapid Growth did have the privilege to sit down with Governor-Elect Rick Snyder a few weeks before the election and ask him about the economic program that, like it or not, has spawned not only new businesses and industry, but has also attracted people to relocate to this market to serve the needs of this industry.
Think of it as a reverse brain drain where, for once, Michigan is pumping people back into our state, versus having to find ways to keep them entertained so they won't leave for more exciting places.
Let's face it: a population enamored with "celebrities" bathed in klieg lights out on our streets is still better than a new 3-D Television. There is a real magic in movie making.
But as one who used to be a part of our filmmaking community in the 1990s starting as a production assistant and then advancing to producing, I will say making a film is a tedious process rarely reflected when portrayed in movies about making movies. It is called show business after all, and this means while someone runs a camera and crew but in a back trailer another is wielding a spreadsheet,
It is not my intention to dive into a full-on argument about the film incentives, but I hope the timing of a few items will give us pause before we toss the 3-year old incentives like the baby with the bathwater.
So, Rick Snyder, if you are listening, I want you to consider these three items.
First up, I present Jason James and Attila Bokor who were profiled in Rapid Growth for their new venture
Michigan Film Reel, an online magazine about the Michigan filmmaking community.
But their eight-month-old start-up, just awarded one of the top awards at this year's TiECON Midwest 2010 in the Media category, has also been using social media to bring large groups of people together to network and strengthen their businesses.
Once a month, on the first Sunday of the month, they invite people in the film industry to come together at McFadden's in downtown Grand Rapids.
The move from Stella's to this larger venue was a result of their growing numbers as the event is now attracting more and more people from other markets as far away as Ann Arbor and Detroit.
They have built a bridge within Michigan, not out of it, as they seek to increase the financial and creative bottom line of our state.
Our creative output is featured this weekend at the 2nd Annual Michigan Film Festival, an event showcasing films made in our state. And it is not just about watching films that were made here, this event provides valuable insight in the world of filmmaking as well as a chance to watch the filming of an actual short film up close.
But the real capital for our state, according to Co- Founder/Director Jen Pider is "the power individuals have to rally others in community building and social change. I believe Michigan has a gifted creative class of individuals who collaborate in making films."
The Michigan Film Festival believes in encouraging, training and leading. Pider says, "I believe in celebrating accomplishments. The Michigan Film Festival is a reflection of these beliefs demonstrated through others who share them."
Lastly, for those who think this is just some big ATM for Hollywood, think again. According to Jason James, "Last year 348 million dollars were brought into the state and filtered through our economy." And for 2011, it is projected a total 648 million will arrive here.
Need more proof? Then look at Experience Grand Rapids' President Doug Small, who says, "Although we are not involved in all hotel bookings, Experience Grand Rapids reports a significant increase of hotel rooms sold for the film market, year over year. Our records indicate nearly four times the number of rooms sold in 2010 compared to 2009 for the film market."
And for every room that is booked, there are crews to be fed, equipment to rent, power to be supplied, hands to move the set as well as talent who often needs a massage or a personal trainer or maybe a dog walker, and so the list goes on and on.
So in this case, the ends may justify the means when you begin to account for all the industry that is being created here for people who might not otherwise be working in our community.
There will be more discussion and I, of course, do not claim to be your economic advisor, but with eyes on the street as well as on the screen, the Michigan filmmaking community is working.
Had this community been around in the 90s, I may have never left what has become a serious creative force for our state.
It's time for your close up, Michigan.
The Future Needs All of Us (to think of the big picture.)
Tommy Allen, Lifestyle Editor
Email:
[email protected]Twitter Feed: @TommyGSync
Click here to continue to this week's G-Sync events.Photo provided by Tommy Allen of
TanglefootStudio.com. Tommy Allen was co-producer on the Michigan made film, Lost on the Bohemian Road. The film screened at the first Los Angeles Film Festival. Pictured here is Tommy working with Danny DeVito in Detroit.
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