News Item Oct 28:

Big Screen Michigan Rally in Pontiac brings out politicians, studio heads and Mitch Albom

Michigan residents concerned over the looming legislative threat to cut the Michigan Film Incentive in Lansing packed the main room of the Crofoot Ballroom in Pontiac last Monday night for a rally organized by the all volunteer coalition, Big Screen Michigan.

State Senators Gilda Jacobs, Hansen Clarke, best selling author and local radio celebrity, Mitch Albom and Michigan business owners, including Harold Cronk and Matt Tailford all the way from 10 West Studios in Manistee, spoke to the energized audience about the incredible success of the Film Incentive in drawing hundreds of millions of dollars in film, television and video gaming production into the state in the past 18 months.

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News Item Oct 18:

One of the most successful efforts to re-build the economy is in danger of terminal legislative “flip flop”. Film industry producers are sitting on their wallets watching and waiting to get a clear sign if Michigan is really going to roll back its promise and kill this new industry.

Mike Manasseri of BigScreenMichigan.com “ The highly successful Michigan Film Tax Incentive is in danger of being reduced, capped, or altered in a way that would destroy the momentum that has been generated over the past 18 months in the Michigan motion picture, television, and video game industry. We need all Michigan filmmakers, supporters, artists and crew to step forward and speak up.”
Dan McGowan of TheCrofoot.com “We need to focus our cameras right on the legislators who are destroying Michigan’s credibility by flip flopping on film incentives. . . .”

Join supporters and members of Michigan’s film industry as they rally to preserve the Film Incentives. This Rally and effort is being coordinated and sponsored by a growing coalition. Please contact us and add your name and organizations to the effort to save the Michigan Film Incentives.

Email: info@bigscreenmichigan.com

-- Mike Manasseri, BigScreenMichigan.com
-- Jon Witz, Arts Beats & Eats; Winter Blast www.artsbeatseats.com
-- Dan McGowan, Crofoot Ballroom, www.thecrofoot.com
-- Woody Robertson www.bigscreenmichigan.com www.woodypro.org
-- Kurt Mayry, Motion Picture Institute, mpifilm.com
-- Marco Aluia, Thozeguyzfilmz.com www.thozeguyzfilmz.com
-- Alan Contino, Deliriumfilms.com www.deliriumfilms.com
-- Jennifer Schaefer, jennifer@powergirlpictures.com


The Crofoot is located at: 1 South Saginaw St. (at the corner of Pike and Saginaw streets) in downtown Pontiac.

For details please visit:

The CroFoot

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News Item Oct 8th:

Changes To Michigan Film Tax Credit – Senate Bill 838 Passed 8th October 2009.
(Sections 455 & 457)
1. Maximum credit reduced from 42% to 39% for “Core” communities. (Section 455, Sub-section 2)

2. Maximum credit reduced from 40% to 37% for “Non-Core” communities. (Section 455, Sub-section 2)

3. Production of a commercial now qualify – capped at $15,000,000 for 2010 onwards.
(Section 455, Sub-section 2 , Cap info – Section 455 Sub-section 12 )

4. Payments and compensation reduced from $2,000,000 for 2008 & 2009,
to $1,000,000 for 2010 onwards. Producers compensation seems to be specifically added here.
(Section 455, Sub-section 13, Sub-Sub section ii)

5. “Below The Line Crew” must be residents of the state of Michigan for
180 days to qualify – increased from 60 days. (Section 455, Sub section j)

6. Commercials must be 75% made in Michigan to qualify.
(Section 455, Sub section k)

7. Infrastructure projects increased to 32% from 25%. Limited to $20,000,000 (Section 457, Sub-section 2)

House Committee On Tax Policy – Members

News Item Sept:

Use the link below, click on "ACT NOW" to the left, to see contact

information for the opponents of the film incentives package.

2009-2010 SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND OPPONENTS

It is also a good idea to contact your own district legislator and voice your opinion

to help raise awareness and make your opinion count.

Here is a link to find out who your district legislator is - District Finder.

info@bigscreenmichigan.com
or call 248-225-8937

News:

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