By: Deborah Johnson Wood
With the film industry ramping up productions in Michigan to take advantage of the state's new 40 percent tax incentives, Grand Rapids-based Koning Micro-Cinema has placed its name with the state and city film offices hoping to become the venue of choice for out-of-state filmmakers looking to screen ‘dailies.’ The cinema is a high-tech venue with 60 reclining seats, located within the Wealthy Theatre building, 1130 Wealthy SE.
‘Dailies’ are the scenes filmmakers shoot each day, and are screened to determine what scenes need to be re-shot or what adjustments to make in the film. Filmmakers shooting in West Michigan won’t have far to go to use the micro-cinema’s 5.1 Dolby sound, Christie LX45 projector, and 16-foot by 9-foot screen.
“The micro-cinema is really perfect for screening dailies,” says Erin Wilson, theatre director. “We’re taking models on pricing and technical needs based on similar venues in L.A., and coordinating efforts with a former Wealthy Theatre employee who now works there in a creative artists agency.
“Also, the Michigan Film Office and the Grand Rapids Office of Film, Music and Special Events coordinate with production companies, so we’ve submitted our technical specs to them. We’ll be on the state’s searchable database within the next week.”
New 24-hour secure access enables production teams to enter and leave the property at all hours, enhancing the ability to work all night, if needed. Wilson sites the proximity to restaurants, coffee shops, hotels and nightlife as incentives for production personnel.
Volunteers from the West Michigan Film and Video Alliance helped construct the micro-cinema and use their network to encourage film production companies to make their films in West Michigan and use the micro-cinema as home base for screening dailies in comfort.
Source: Erin Wilson, Wealthy Theatre (courtesy photo)
Related Articles
Anticipating state incentives, Hollywood producer joins Holland filmmaker
Silver Screen Dreams
Deborah Johnson Wood is the development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at [email protected].
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.