Let’s go to the place where filmmakers instinctively flock like the salmon of Capastra, I’m talking about a little place called Michigan!  Ever since last April the film industry has infiltrated the great state we call Michigan.  It’s a wonder why Hollywood never tapped into the beautiful coastlines of our mitten, but all it took for it finally to happen was the generous film tax incentive that passed last April.  Since the bill’s passing roughly 2000 film related jobs have been created throughout the state along with over $100 Million spent on production related costs.  In 2007 there were only 2 movies filmed in Michigan, in 2008 the number jumped to 35 and so far in 2009 there are 85 movies that have either been made or have pending production applications!   So how come all the sudden Michigan has become the place to be for film?  It all roots back to the tax incentive.  This incentive gives the companies up to a 42% tax credit on production costs.  This tax credit is so attractive because it is in competition with Montana’s 12%, New Jersey’s 20% and New York’s 35%.

There couldn’t be a better time for the movie business to make a presence in Michigan.  Ever since the auto industry took the groinal blow not too long ago, we have had plenty of restless working hands that are perfect for manning movie sets.  Not only that, but the city of Detroit alone is perfect for the movie business because it has the big city feel with a small town population.  Because we have so many abandoned homes in the city filmmakers will be able to close of city blocks for their movies without disturbing anyone.  A few movies such as “The Irishman” starring Val Kilmer and Christopher Walkin and “Whip It” starring Ellen Page and Drew Barrymore have already filmed in Detroit along with many other locations throughout Michigan.

So what can you do?  Instead of just sitting around and reading about big changes that are happening in a town near you, do something about it and get involved.  For information regarding jobs check out websites such as http://michiganfilm.com , http://www.productionhub.com, and http://www.michiganfilmproduction.com/jobs.  These are only a few that can be easily found through the web.

And remember, there’s no business like show business.