By Staff
LANSING – In her weekly radio address Friday, Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm described how the state's new film incentives set the stage to grow an industry that will provide good-paying, long-term jobs for Michigan workers.
"This week, I signed into law the most aggressive film incentive program in the nation, which will result in more films being shot on location in Michigan," Granholm said.
"Each year, the Michigan Film Office averages six scripts from companies interested in filming in Michigan. Today, we're reviewing nearly 80 scripts from companies interested in doing business in Michigan."
The governor said that the film industry is a strategic growth industry for Michigan.
It is the second-largest high-tech, high-paying, non-polluting industry in the world and generates more than $50 billion in direct domestic economic activity each year.
It can give Michigan's economy an immediate shot in the arm while it takes years to reap the benefits of other economic development incentives.
"We are encouraging the production of movies and TV shows, the creation of film industry infrastructure and the hiring of Michigan workers for the wide range of jobs that exist in this industry," Granholm said. "Hollywood will know what we know – Michigan has a strong workforce, a strong work ethic and great locations."
Granholm also thanked and congratulated the Michigan Legislature for its bipartisan support of these new film production incentives.
The governor's weekly radio address is released each Friday morning and may be heard on broadcast stations across the state.
Michigan is no stranger to movie-making.
Remember "Somewhere in Time," "Hoffa," "Presumed Innocent," "Road to Perdition" and "Super Sucker," to name a few of the movies filmed here.
"We are investing in this new industry for several reasons," she said.
"Every dollar spent in film production will generate up to $3 in economic activity in Michigan.
"These new laws are timed perfectly to attract business to Michigan from Canada, where the higher Canadian dollar is causing filmmakers to move production to alternative locations. We also believe the film industry can give our economy an immediate shot in the arm while it takes years to reap the benefits of other economic development incentives. Consider this: Each year, the Michigan Film Office averages six scripts from companies interested in filming in Michigan. Today, we're reviewing nearly 80 scripts from companies interested in doing business in Michigan. That level of interest is tantamount to getting rave reviews on opening night.
"Louisiana's film incentives grew film industry spending from $7 million to almost $350 million in that state, supporting nearly 19,000 jobs.
"New Mexico has grown its film industry from $1.5 million to $476 million within two years thanks to projects like Albuquerque Studios, a new $100 million facility that employs up to 2,000 people when productions are in full swing."
"So, everyone, get ready," Granholm said. "The movies are coming to Michigan. Not just the latest releases at your local cinema – though there's nothing I enjoy more than taking in a good movie – but the multi-billion-dollar movie-making industry and all the jobs and economic investment it creates."