Page updated May 19, 2011:

Act Now to Save
Michigan's Film Tax Incentives!

May 13, 2011:
Support from Michigan Legislators!
A Michigan Senate hearing hosted by Senators Mike Kowall and Jim Marleau was held May 13 at the new Raleigh Studios in Pontiac. State Representatives Vicki Barnett and Brad Jacobsen also were on hand to hear testimonies. Many IATSE Local 38 members were in attendance and several voiced their support for the continuation of the state's film incentives. Erin Cummings, Dr. Abby Ward from the television series "Detroit 187," flew in from California to lend her support and made a stirring presentation siting the lasting impact her time in Detroit has had upon her. You can watch the hearing at http://blip.tv/file/5143518

 

Make Your Voice Heard!

Let your colleagues, friends and family know
about these two important events:

"We Are The People"

Rally to protest attacks
on middle class families
Wednesday, April 13 1:00 - 6:00pm
State Capitol Building
Lansing, Michigan
Please bring a canned good to donate
to the Greater Lansing Food Bank
 

"Amend Don't End"

Rally to support the
Michigan Film Incentive
Wednesday, April 20 7:00pm
Masonic Temple, Detroit

March 23, 2011:
"A Few Friends ..." PSA Shooting March 26
Stage 3 in Warren, Michigan, is the location for shooting the "A Few Friends ..." public service announcement. It's a message to encourage the citizens of Michigan to support film tax incentives by contacting their legislators. Complete details are here.

March 9, 2011:
Advocating Film Incentives
Some notes from Bill Zaagman, of Governmental Consultant Services, Inc. Mr. Zaagman's firm is under retainer to promote Local 38's interests in regards to the Michigan Film Tax Credits legislation. View them in the Members Only Area of the Local 38 web site.

March 8, 2011:
Economic and fiscal impacts
of the Michigan film tax credit
The study completed in February, 2011 by Ernst & Young (240k PDF) may be downloaded here. More information about this study is available at VisitDetroit.com and Crain's Detroit Business.

March 6, 2011:
Governor Snyder interviewed on FlashPoint
The governor explains the principles driving his budget recommendations in this ClickOnDetroit.com 24 minute video by Devon Scillion.

March 1, 2011:
Michigan Film Office 2010 Annual Report (5.6mb PDF)
This report details that 58 film projects were shot in Michigan during the year and spent $293,000,000 dollars. Included in that amount were 5,310 Mihcigan production hires and more than 8,170 extras and day players. Download it here.

March 1, 2011:
MiFilmIndustry.com
Visit their site for timely information about the film incentives and efforts to win legislative support. Check their Facebook Page for additional information.

New Links Added:
Michigan Film Office Incentives
Visit their web site at www.MichiganFilmOffice.org

West Michigan Film Video Alliance
Visit their web site at www.wmfva.org

February 22, 2011:
On February 17, Michigan Governor Rick Snyder announced his 2012 budget proposal. He plans to effectively eliminate the Michigan Film Incentives, and the robust industry it has created. Download his budget recommendations for Fiscal Years 2012 and 2013.

IATSE Local 38 encourages our members, and all Michigan residents who have benefited from the Film Incentives, to write their legislators. Voice your opposition to any reduction or change to the Film Incentives. The Governor has made his intentions known, but the final say lies with our congressmen and congresswomen in the months ahead.

To find your State Senator's email go here:
http://www.senate.michigan.gov/fysenator/fysenator.htm

To find your State Representative go here:
http://www.house.mi.gov/find_a_rep.asp

* * * * *
Press & Public Invited - February 24:
Mitch Albom, Jeff Daniels at Laurel Manor Film Industry
Town Meeting Thursday Night in Livonia

February 22, 2011:
Sign Petition at RicksWrong.com

February 21, 2011:
New Ernst & Young Report Shows Positive ROI from
Michigan's Fast Growing Film and Television Industry

February 18, 2011:
Nancy Skinner interviews Mitch Albom
about the Michigan Film Tax Incentives:

Local 38 members write ...

Hello all,

I'm writing to you all today because Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder's proposed Film Incentive Cap will effectively end my ability to live in this State. His proposed "cap", which is really a cut, would only allow $25 Million to be given out in tax credits. That would allow for either one large production a year, or 2-3 very small productions a year. Either way, there were 80 productions shot in Michigan last year according to the Detroit News, and that is what it would take to keep Michigan Film workers employed. (Continue reading ...)

***

Dear Governor, Senator and Representative:

I am a member of your constituency living in Lake Orion. For the past FOUR YEARS, in spite of my twenty+ years experience in the Automotive Industry, qualifications (MSME, MBA, PE certification, 21 patents etc.) and herculean efforts I have been unable to secure a position in my field. I would be a burden on the State if it weren't for the Film Industry in which, thanks to the training I got while performing community work as volunteer firefighter, I was hired as a set medic. This was a veritable godsend for myself and thousands of other professionals who only wish to work so to support their families and their communities. (Continue reading ...)