the choir has been preached to....now what?

The production industry was out last night. 

A town hall meeting in Livonia (and a simulcast of the event in Grand Rapids) brought out a couple of thousand folks, most of whom have benefited from the huge increase in the volume of production work that has come to the state since the production tax incentive legislation was signed into law in April, 2008. 

There were great stories told, and passionate points made--mostly to crowds that overwhelmingly support the continuation of the tax incentive program that has sparked significant economic development to Michigan.  The program was slated for significant changes/reductions as outlined (albeit briefly) in Governor Rick Snyder's budget proposal that the executive branch introduced last week.  There are certainly questions about the program's effectiveness, but the most recent study was done by Ernst & Young, and it shows a great return on investment.

So now that the production community's support is galvanized--across the state--what is next?  If the past week is any indicator, the coming weeks will certainly see extensive debate about the governor's budget.  And while the production tax incentive is a huge issue, it is an issue that has to be taken in the context of some sweeping changes to how Michigan deals with taxation and economic development across the board.  We're looking forward to the discussion, and to finding ways to continue sparking opportunities for our entertainment industry clients working in Michigan.

We hear each other loud and clear.  Now is the time for the rest of the state to hear how a thriving production industry in Michigan can help us all.

oscar's still indie....

Film's big night has come and gone--check full coverage (with the list of nominees and winners) HERE.

With "The Hurt Locker" coming away as the big winner (6 total), it's good to know that the Academy continues to honor independent work.  It makes sense to give nods to those projects that also contributed to the record box office year that was 2009, but when you've got the highest grossing film of all time, do you really need statues? 

And for those looking to see the rarely-seen Oscar-nominated short films, the Community Media Center in Grand Rapids is bringing the program to their Wealthy Theater on March 24.  Details HERE.

good west michigan production news source

The West Michigan Film Video Alliance has put their newsletter in blog form-- check it out HERE for good West Michigan-specific production news.  Nice work, folks.